Issue link: https://ahint.epubxp.com/i/619494
A A H F N . O R G | 5 Nursing Research — An AAHFN Initiative Kelly Stamp, PhD, ANP-C, RN, FAHA • Associate Professor Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, MA L E A D E R S H I P N O T E S N o matter what our roles are in healthcare, we all know the importance of research on improving outcomes for patients with chronic illnesses, such as heart failure (HF). Research provides indications and rationales for performing evidence-based care and is the cornerstone of our practice. We know that HF is a large health issue as it affects approximately 6 million individuals in the U.S. The cost of HF has been estimated at $39.2 billion per year, including the cost of lost productivity, medications and healthcare services. 1 Heart failure costs due to hospitalization were approximately $8 to $15 billion each year, which is two times what is spent on all types of cancer. 2 The focus of this issue of The Connection is on nursing research and how nurses can be responsible for improving outcomes for patients with HF through research and dissemination. The American Associaton for Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) is committed to stimulating interest and furthering the implementation of nursing research. Cultivated from the Board of Directors and with support from the Research Committee, we held our first nursing research pre-con- ference at the 2015 Annual Meeting. The invited speakers focused on the critical steps necessary for the development of a nursing research proposal; key considerations for obtaining resources and funding to support a research study; strategies for abstract development and poster presentation; and how to develop and promote research dissemination. Our goal in promoting nursing research is to enhance nurses' scientific knowledge, encourage the use of evidence-based practice, continue to establish a standard for HF care and provide a medium for nurse researchers to network with other scientists in their areas of interest. We hope that this issue of The Connection will challenge you to think about how nursing research has impacted your practice and ways that you may contribute to research and dissemination. Nursing research that focuses on improving out- comes for HF patients and their families deserves a meaningful and thoughtful approach. Our organization offers, and will continue to create, opportunities for members to gain new knowledge, engage in research and share successful inter- ventions that will address a very serious public health problem — HF. We hope that the information found in this edition of The Connection will spark your interest in furthering your knowledge, confidence and ultimately participation in nursing research. References 1. Center for Disease Control: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Promotion Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. Heart Failure Fact Sheet. 2015. 2. Go AS, Mozafarian D, Roger VL, et al. Heart disease and stroke " We know that HF is a large health issue as it afects approximately 6 million individuals in the U.S. "