NURSE LINKAGE AGENTS' EFFORTS TO FACILITATE THE USE OF A RESEARCH-BASED INNOVATION (LINKAGE AGENTS, SKIN RISK ASSESSMENT SCALE, PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION).
Contributors: New York University.
Published: 1992
Number of pages: 207
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Education, Administration.
Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence efforts of enterostomal therapy nurses (ETNs) to act as linkage agents in promoting the use of a skin risk assessment scale (SRAS) with known predictive value in identifying patients at risk for pressure sores were studied.

Nurses who were possible linkage agents were first surveyed about their role responsibilities and behaviors. A national survey, randomized and stratified by 11 U.S. regions was conducted. Once linkage agents were identified, three case studies were conducted to test Wolf's theoretical configuration of research utilization.

An 88% response rate among ETNs (N = 263) employed in hospitals was achieved. Most ETNs assumed primary responsibility for education in skin care and the prevention of pressure ulcers. Most were aware of at least one SRAS and nearly two-thirds reported familiarity with the three scales. Half reported using a non research-based SRAS with 48% using one of the three research-based scales. Only nine ETNs reported using the scale exactly as developed by the author. Most made moderate to significant changes because they felt either a risk factor was missing or the scale didn't "fit" into their hospital charting system.

One third of hospitals had adopted a scale and were using it regularly, another third were currently trying to implement one, and a remaining third had either their efforts, discontinued them, or never tried. Ease in using the scale and knowing the benefits to patients were ranked highest in facilitating an SRAS use. Highest ranking hindrances were nurses' lack of time and the perceived complexity of scales.

Wolf's theoretical configuration of research utilization was tested at three sites with varying degrees of SRAS implementation: regular use, trying to implement a scale, and reduced efforts. The model was supported, since no major components were found to be missing and the five conditions specified by Wolf were predictive of the degree of implementation at each site.

ETNs who reported primary responsibility for skin care, assumed a leadership role, and participated in a hospital skin care committee were found more frequently (p $<$.05) in hospitals using an SRAS than in hospitals that were not.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-10, Section: B, page: 5144.

Thesis (PH.D.)--NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, 1992.

School code: 0146.