Advanced Practice Nurses and Engagement in Research, Quality Improvement, and Evidence-Informed Decision-Making

This chapter highlights how advanced practice nurses (APN) are uniquely positioned to participate in research, quality improvement, and evidence-informed decision-making because of their extensive knowledge of population health needs, collaboration with nurses and other healthcare providers, and detailed understanding of healthcare organisations and health systems. Engaging in research and research-related activities is an essential dimension of advanced practice nursing and critical to providing high-quality patient care. Strategies including networking, mentorship, and creating academic partnerships to support APN education are presented to address barriers to APN engagement in research-related activities. Concrete examples are provided. Engaging patients more actively in APN research-related activities is an important next step to ensure that patients have a voice in their care and to increase our understanding of the roles of APNs in ensuring cultural safety and cultural sensitivity with people in vulnerable situations including Indigenous Peoples.