A practice-based model to guide nursing science and improve the health and well-being of patients and caregivers

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to describe a model to guide nursing science in a clinical practice-based setting. Exemplars are provided to highlight the application of this nursing research model, which can be applied to other clinical settings that aim to fill evidence gaps in the literature. Background: Nurse scientists are well positioned to develop new knowledge aimed at identifying global health solutions to multiple disparities. The generation and application of this knowledge are essential to inform and guide professional nursing practice. While a number of evidence-based practice models exist to guide the integration of literature findings and other sources of evidence into practice, there is a need for additional models that serve as a guide and focus for the conduct of research in distinct scientific areas in practice-based settings. Design: Model development and description. Methods: Mayo Clinic is a large, comprehensive healthcare system with a mission to address unmet patient needs through practice, research and education. PhD-prepared nurse scientists engage in practice-based research as an integral component of Mayo Clinic's mission. A practice-based nursing research model was developed with the intent to advance nursing research in a clinical setting. Results: The components of the Mayo Clinic Nursing Research model include symptom science, self-management science and caregiving science. The generation of nursing science is focused on addressing needs of patients with complex health conditions, inclusive of caregivers. Conclusions: While clinical settings provide rich opportunities for the conduct of research, priorities need to be established in which to focus scientific endeavours. The Mayo Clinic Nursing Research model may be applicable to nurses around the globe who are engaged in the generation of knowledge to guide practice. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The Mayo Clinic Nursing Research model can be used by nurse scientists embedded in healthcare settings to address clinically relevant questions, advance the generation of new nursing knowledge and ultimately improve the health and well-being of patients and caregivers.