QI
Quality Improvement in Research Consistent with the quality
and other schools, who are not
improvement approach, a plan was
involved directly in the proposal,
created that included garnering
provide feedback on a research
important professional resources and
proposal’s significance, innovation
hen one hears the phrase
equipping the college with the
and methodology. This is enhanced
“quality improvement,” the first
needed expertise. One such resource
by a more structured process to advise
thought is to associate it with
is Jane Zapka, ScD, who brought to
investigators and their mentors, as their
quality of patient care. Yet it is applica-
the college her expert guidance in
proposals undergo development but
ble to any program, service or organi-
research methods, grant development,
are not yet ready for a mock review.
zation. In recent years, the College of
proposal writing and manuscript
Such consultation, with proposals in
Nursing has placed an importance on
presentation.
progress, help once a working shell of
W
improving the quality and outcomes of its research activities. According to the college’s strategic plan, an important goal or outcome related to research is “to attain national recognition as nurse scholars reflected in metrics such as achieving a “top 25”
Ten years ago, the college had no ranking in NIH funding. Today, the college is ranked 17th in NIH research funding among all schools of nursing nationally.
NIH ranking among colleges of nursing, improving individual faculty research productivity, and providing core
Think Tank
the proposal is underway. Yet another
resource centers to support research”.
So what do quality improvement
quality improvement strategy is the
activities look like in the realm of
provision of educational sessions for
to make impressive progress on these
research? Working with the associate
skill development that are offered on a
metrics. Ten years ago, the college had
deans and the research committee, Dr.
variety of methodological topics.
no ranking in NIH funding. In 2013, the
Zapka championed the processes and
college ranked 17th in NIH research
procedures that were needed to achieve
Evaluating Outcomes
funding among all schools of nursing
our goals. These included a Think
Finally, an essential part of the quality
nationally.
Tank in which faculty can brainstorm
improvement process is evaluation of
The College of Nursing continues
with others about a potential research
outcomes. For the College of Nursing
pen by chance or luck. It is a result of
project. Getting feedback and ideas
these activities have contributed
focused attention to a problem, inter-
early on sparks consideration of
to building a climate that
vention and outcome.
research question clarity, potential
cultivates faculty motivation
Such dramatic change does not hap-
best methods and appropriateness
and confidence. In addition
clearly a team sport. It starts with cham-
to available funding priorities.
to the NIH ranking metric,
pionship and leadership at the execu-
In addition to a faculty mentor’s
the proportion of faculty
tive level, and strategic goals that set
assistance, Dr. Zapka is available to
submitting proposals has
the bar high. Over the past decade the
provide consultation and examples of
increased, as has the number
infrastructure to support the research
successful grants.
of submissions and successful
Quality improvement in research is
mission has been built and enhanced.
8
awards. Two strong resource
The “heavy lifting” was led over the
Research for Lunch
years by those who served as associ-
Another process is Research for Lunch,
Technology Applications
ate deans for research and the talented
which is a mock review opportunity
Center for Healthful Lifestyles
faculty and staff who were responsible
for proposals near submission.
(TACHL) and the Center
for actualizing the research mission of
Independent interdisciplinary
for Community Health
the College of Nursing.
reviewers, and faculty in the college
Partnerships (CCHP). Equally
Lifelines
SPRING | SUMMER 2014
centers have developed, the