Implementation and refinement of a research utilization course for oncology nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the implementation and refinement of a yearly research utilization (RU) course for oncology nurses.


METHODS
Formative program evaluation.


METHODS
22 oncology nurses selected based on competitively reviewed project proposals.


METHODS
The one-day RU course was held five times prior to the annual fall Oncology Nursing Society conference. The course consisted of brief didactic sessions on RU, project presentations by participants, faculty reviews, and discussions of practical issues related to project implementation.


METHODS
Course content, usefulness of course components.


RESULTS
Based on immediate postcourse, 6-month, and 12-month feedback, refinements were made to the course. A major change (in year three) was the addition of a "preparation packet," which contained resources about RU and directed students to accomplish specific precourse goals, and access to a faculty mentor. Evaluation scores were good to outstanding for the content and usefulness of the course presentations, critiques by faculty, and discussion sessions. Interviews with participants indicated that a majority completed or were working on their projects within four years of completing the course.


CONCLUSIONS
RU and some of its components (pursuing a literature search, making a practice change) are not processes that most nurses are familiar with, but these processes can be taught to nurses with focused clinical concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
An RU course with a low faculty-to-student ratio, adequate course materials, and systematic instruction can lead to research-based changes in practice.
Rutledge
Dana N
DN
California State University, Fullerton, CA. USA. drutledge1@cox.net
Mooney
Kathi
K
Grant
Marcia
M
Eaton
Linda
L
D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009316:National Institutes of Health (U.S.); D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012106:Research; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D014481:United States