Translating research on incontinence into practice.
BACKGROUND
Translating research evidence into clinical practice (TRIP) is an important initiative for health services so that care delivered is cost-effective, is efficient, and improves patient outcomes. Most TRIP studies have reported on disseminating and implementing clinical practice guidelines, protocols, or care pathways and have been undertaken in acute rather than community settings.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the factors that influence incontinence TRIP and to present key international studies on incontinence TRIP.


METHODS
Existing literature on TRIP was analyzed to generate a plan for future research.


RESULTS
Several methods to effect incontinence TRIP are described, including clinical practice guidelines and protocols, clinical pathways, partnerships between organizations, a model for incorporating UI research based on generic questions, and implementation strategies that incorporate change theory and consideration of barriers.


CONCLUSIONS
Future research is needed on incontinence TRIP in the following areas: barriers, the best theoretical approaches, the effectiveness of empowerment approaches, the value of mentors, effective strategies for nurses and unlicensed personnel, the impact of international collaboration, and regulations across settings.
Roe
Brenda
B
Center for Geriatric Medicine, Keele University, Keele, England, United Kingdom. b.h.roe@keele.ac.uk
Watson
Nancy M
NM
Palmer
Mary H
MH
Mueller
Christine
C
Vinsnes
Anne G
AG
Wells
Mandy
M
D019091:Critical Pathways; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000451:nursing*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D016294:Models, Nursing; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D014481:United States; D016270:United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000451:nursing*