Starting your research, innovation and quality improvement journey in the nursing care of older people

A common misconception is that research, innovation and quality improvement are not part of nurses’ role in the care of older people. However, nurses’ role does involve evaluating care, contributing to evidence-based practice and informing local, regional and national policy and guidelines – all of which is linked to research, innovation and quality improvement. Some nurses specialise in research and hold research roles, while others will conduct activities such as audits and quality improvement projects (QIPs) and deliver evidence-based care in residential, community and hospital settings. Barriers to engaging in such activities include lack of time, workload pressures and lack of confidence in one’s abilities. This article describes the practical applications of research, innovation and QIP activities in the care of older people using a worked example. The authors aim to provide readers with a platform to start their research, innovation and quality improvement journey by identifying a clinical challenge that is relevant to their practice setting.