A conceptual framework for targeting research dissemination interventions

Nursing care based on research evidence is a
clinical and professional imperative that has
global implications. In the United Kingdom, it was
documented that a problem of dissemination and
utilisation of research-based knowledge existed
within the specialty of breast cancer, thus depriving
individuals of receiving optimum care. Despite
increasingly robust research evidence that demonstrated
numerous benefits of aerobic exercise
for individuals affected by breast cancer, commensurate
changes to practice were not noted amongst
breast care nurses (BCNs). To assist in addressing
this deficiency, a 3-stage study was designed to:
identify the barriers to research utilisation and
preferred methods of research dissemination of
BCNs; and develop and evaluate a dissemination
intervention for BCNs. This presentation will
describe the Conceptual Framework developed from
findings of a national survey of 263 BCNs (Stage
One) and discuss its implications for advancing
nursing practice and research using a targeted dissemination
approach. The framework represents a
step-wise process designed to: describe a target
group, integrate theoretically derived characteristics
of effective dissemination and behavior
change (Ajzen 1991, Rogers 1995) with the needs
of a target group and provide a structure to compare
different dissemination options. Practical considerations,
such as time and resource limitations of
nurses and the researcher/manager were included.
An information booklet that synthesized relevant
research evidence emerged as the intervention most
suited for development and evaluation to meet the
identified requirements for this sample of BCNs.
Dissemination of research evidence is a complex,
multi-faceted and persistent concern in nursing,
and requires a multi-level solution. The Conceptual
Framework for Targeting Research Dissemination
Interventions provides a functional structure for
gathering and integrating diverse theoretical,
empirical and pragmatic components integral to
devising and testing innovative strategies for the
future. Application of the framework to other groups
of nurses is proposed.