WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY? We are doing this study to understand what influences nurses' use of research and other related kinds of knowledge for practice. We are particularly interested in the use of research about pain management. This study is being carried out in two Canadian hospitals. To study the things that influence research use we are going to use several activities: Observations Informal conversations with staff and children More detailed interviews with nurses and others Interviews with administrators Some chart review Questionnaires for nurses A pain scale for infants and children Focus groups Review of Procedure and Policy Manuals HOW WILL WE BE CONDUCTING THE RESEARCH? Our Researcher will be on the ward observing unit activities including pediatric patient care for approximately six months. She will talk to many people (nurses, children and their families, as well as other health care professionals) informally about the kind of information, including research, that is used during the course of nurses' shifts as part of this observational work. She will talk with some people in greater detail. She will tape record these more detailed conversations so that the research team can code and analyse them later. She may ask people if they would talk with her a second or third time. Interviews will take 30 to 60 minutes and occur at a time and place that is convenient. We will also be asking some nurses to complete forms and questionnaires about using research and the things that influence it at 2 or 3 intervals during the six months. We will be asking children to complete a short pain scale at the same times. IF YOU CHOOSE TO PARTICPATE IN THE STUDY, HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOU? There will be no harm to you if you participate in this research study, nor will you benefit directly from this study. Results from this study may help us to understand use of the latest pain research. This may help to improve the care that nurses give to patients. You do not have to be in this research study if you do not wish to be. If you decide to be in the study, you may drop out anytime by telling the Researcher. You do not have to answer any questions or discuss any subject in the interview you do not want to. Taking part in this study or dropping out will not affect your employment or the care you (or your family member) receive. HOW WILL YOU REMAIN ANONYMOUS? Your name will not appear in the final research record. Only a code number will be used on any forms or question sheets. We will remove your name and any other identifying material from all written records. All information will be held confidential except when professional codes of ethics and/or legislation require reporting. All of the data will be kept in a safe place accessible only to the research team. After the study has been completed we will store the data permanently in a secure location. It may be used by other researchers later to do secondary research after they receive research ethics approval. The information and findings of this study will be published and presented at conferences, but your name will not be used. HOW WILL THE INFORMATION BE USED FROM THIS STUDY? The information you and others provide may be used for research studies in the future. If the information is to be used in this way, ethical approval will be obtained first. HOW WILL WE LEARN ABOUT THE FINDINGS? We will report back to the units where the research was done (by holding inservices for example). We will also report back to other groups in the hospital if they request it. You can also receive a summary of the findings by telling the researcher you would like a copy. She will need your name an address so that we can mail it to you. HOW DO I CONTACT THE RESEARCH TEAM? If you have any questions about the study, please contact us.

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