title: Riding the research roller coaster: what went right, what went wrong?
abstract: Evidence-based practice drives nursing procedures and standards of care. Supporting practice with valid research can be a challenge. After identifying a knowledge- and problem-focused trigger, a group of WOC nurses began a research journey. Our purpose was to determine the effectiveness of the rectal trumpet compared to the fecal collector in maintaining skin integrity in patients with fecal incontinence. The methodology included a convenience sample of 100 patients randomized to rectal trumpet or fecal collector versus standard care. Data were collected on signs of increased skin breakdown or healing, stool leakage around device, dislodgement, and discomfort from device. This article will reveal our journey in conducting this clinical research. After many challenges, the study was terminated, but the experiences and lessons learned during our efforts were invaluable. Even well-planned studies can encounter problems that prevent completion. It is important to evaluate these problems so that lessons can be learned and shared. This is our roller coaster ride in the research world.
authors.affiliation: Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, Delaware 19718, USA. dnetta-turner@christianacare.org
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Netta-Turner
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bucher
authors.forename: Lois
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dixon
authors.forename: Norma Jean
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Layton
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D018579:Patient Selection; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D017592:Skin Care / Q000451:nursing; D017748:Time Management