Making ICU Research Happen: a Qualitative Descriptive Study About the Role of the Research Nurse in New Zealand Level III Intensive Care Units

<p>This study explored the role of the research nurse in New Zealand (NZ) Level III intensive care units (ICU). Little was known about this role in NZ prior to this study. A qualitative, descriptive approach, using semi-structured interviews was used. The study was conducted in six Level III ICUs throughout NZ, who employed a research nurse. Interviews were conducted with research nurses (n = 11), the doctors they work with (principal investigators) (n = 6) and nurse managers (n = 6) for the ICUs, and the findings were triangulated. The views across all ICUs and stakeholders were generally similar, with differences only being in some operational areas. This study found that the primary role of the research nurse was trial management, where they coordinated all elements of trial conduct. Almost half of the research nurses were also involved in trial design through their positions on management committees. Research nurses also played a vital role in patient and trial advocacy, and they bridged the knowledge gap by bringing research to staff nurses, patients and their families. The issue of consent for clinical trials in the ICU setting was significant, as this was a process which research nurses were very involved in. Consenting patients was a shared responsibility of research nurses and doctors. There was a perception that research nurses were senior nurses, but not necessarily because of their role in research. The majority of research nurses reported to a nursing line manager, and also had an informal accountability to the principal investigator (PI). Research nurses and PIs worked closely in the pursuit of rigorous research for ICU patients, and research nurses were highly regarded by PIs. This study provides clarity about the research nurse‟s role and showcases their key contribution in ensuring that NZ ICUs undertake high quality research, thus contributing to potential improvements for future patients‟ outcomes.</p>