The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) funds various research projects that focus on its research priorities

Question

A master's student wants to initiate research to study the relative accuracy of new computer-assisted assessment device that painlessly measures blood glucose values through a probe just distal to the insertion hub of a central line, in patients on insulin drips with hourly Accu-Chek readings. Does this pertain to any of the organization's research priorities, listed here? (Select all that apply.)
a. Technology use to achieve patient assessment, management, or outcomes
b. Prevention and management of complications
c. Processes and systems that foster the optimal contribution of critical care nurses
d. Creation of a healing, humane environment
e. Development of processes and systems that foster the optimal contribution of critical care nurses

Answer 1

ANS: A, D
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) determined initial research priorities for this specialty in the early 1980s and revised these priorities based on patients needs and the changes in health care. The current AACN (2011) research priorities are identified on this organization's website as (1) effective and appropriate use of technology to achieve optimal patient assessment, management, or outcomes; (2) creation of a healing, humane environment; (3) processes and systems that foster the optimal contribution of critical care nurses; (4) effective approaches to symptom management; and (5) prevention and management of complications. This research study uses technology. Also, it saves the patient from interruptions in sleep, as the nurse flushes a line and draws blood hourly, or performs hourly Accu-Cheks, if the line will not draw.