AORN chapters play an important role in informing perioperative nurses about developments and new information related to research in professional practice. The first step any chapter should take toward building a research agenda is appointing or selecting a research liaison. This person is responsible for working with the chapter leader to coordinate chapter research activities. The research liaison plays an important role in organizing, coordinating, and supporting chapter research activities. Whether your chapter is new to research or is more experienced, it may be helpful to assess where you are, what is working, and what needs to be revised.
Many chapters equate research only with doing research.
Although that is an admirable goal, it is not the only way a chapter can be involved in research. The following guidelines are offered to help you plan appropriate research activities for your chapter. First, assess your chapter's readiness for involvement in research activities. To do so, answer the following questions. The answers to these questions should help you determine if your chapter is ready to begin doing research.