Flight nurse research activities.
BACKGROUND
The study purpose was to identify how members of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA), formerly called the National Flight Nurses Association, use research in their flight nursing practice.


METHODS
A survey was mailed to each ASTNA member requesting demographic data and a description of research activities used in their practice of flight nursing.


RESULTS
Thirty percent of the 1643 members (n = 497) completed the survey. Sixty-four percent (320) of respondents were direct patient care providers, and 47% were certified flight registered nurses (CFRN). Thirteen percent (65) reported that research was mandated in their job description. Sixty-three percent (315) used research to guide practice, and 37% (183) incorporated research into policies and procedures. Thirty percent (149) actively conducted some type of research, 15% (76) presented at national conferences, and 11% (53) published in professional journals.


CONCLUSIONS
Components of the ASTNA research standard are being met by most flight nurses. However, only a small percentage of these nurses are designing and conducting studies and formally disseminating their research findings. Flight nurses are involved in research, but their overall participation could be improved.
Erler
C J
CJ
University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Ind., USA.
Fiege
A B
AB
Thompson
C B
CB
D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D017732:Air Ambulances; D003625:Data Collection; D016529:Emergency Nursing; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce