title: Linking research and practice through discussion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the process and outcomes of a researcher-initiated discussion group with nurses in clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive case study. The study, which began in 1991, included one group of four acute care nurses. Between 1992-1996, three other groups of nurses participated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nurses in practice read and discussed articles from a program of research on breast cancer during a series of group sessions. The semi-structured sessions were tape-recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants suggested how to make article content more understandable to clinicians; they affirmed findings relevant to practice; and identified ways to integrate research in practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Discussion served as a means for the researcher and nurses to connect the research-practice gap through learning the practice perspective and the process and value of research. Discussion groups are recommended to enhance science-based clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Department of Family Health Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 54702-4004, USA.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Moch
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Robie
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pederson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bowe
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shadick
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003142:Communication; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013192:Staff Development / Q000379:methods*