Implementation of a Bedside Scientist Program: An Innovative Strategy to Promote Quality and Research at the Bedside

Purpose:
To increase AAMC's capacity to conduct quality improvement projects and nursing research, a Bedside Scientist Program was developed. The purpose of this program is to engage nurses in the use of quality improvement strategies and research on topics relevant to their practice.

Significance:
Effectively translating research into practice through quality improvement projects is essential to providing high quality care. Hospitals need to build a structure to engage nurses in conducting quality improvement and research projects by providing access to expertise and resources for funding.

Strategy and Implementation:
AAMC developed and implemented a Bedside Scientist Grant Program which annually provides funding to nursing and interdisciplinary teams to conduct unit-based, evidence-based quality improvement and research studies. These projects must focus on improvement of patient care outcomes, be linked to the work of the nursing unit-based quality councils, completed in one year, and the findings must be disseminated. The use of nurse sensitive indicators, such as NDNQI data, is highly encouraged. The Nursing Research Council oversees the grant program including the scoring and selection of grants and evaluation of all completed projects. The Director of Nursing Research and Quality provides ongoing support and leads bi-monthly Bedside Scientist meetings where recipients have an opportunity to share their progress and receive feedback from other grant recipients, as well as increase their competency in navigating the IRB process, conducting literature reviews, and disseminating findings.

Evaluation:
The success of the program is measured by improvements in targeted quality outcomes. Since 2011, 25 teams have been awarded grant funding. As a result of this program, improvements in quality of patient care have been demonstrated including a reduction in fall, pressure ulcer, and restraint rates.

Implications for Practice:
A bedside scientist grant program is an effective strategy to engage nurses in the learning and conducting of quality improvement and research projects. Key to the success of this program is leadership support and availability of resources with expertise in research and quality improvement.