The Process for Initiating Nursing Practice Changes in the Intrapartum: Findings From a Multisite Research Utilization Project

Key findings from the process data are: the term "research utilization" causes confusion, it is essential that nurses collaborate with other disciplines when attempting to change practice, and practice change may not need to occur all at once.

Abstract

The process of implementing a research-based protocol (the Second Stage Labor Nursing Management) at 40 sites in North America is described. Both positive and negative factors involved in implementing and adhering to the protocol are presented based on the reports of site coordinators. Key findings from the process data are: (a) the term "research utilization" causes confusion, (b) it is essential that nurses collaborate with other disciplines when attempting to change practice, (c) administrative endorsement of research utilization is important for practice change to occur, (d) nurses know their own practice sites and how to facilitate protocol acceptance, and (e) practice change may not need to occur all at once.