Resources
Research essentials NETWORKING IN relation to evidence-based practice can be defined as the sharing of information and ideas inside and outside your organisation (Joyce 2005). Networking is beneficial for practitioners and employers and is an effective means of keeping up to date with contemporary practice. Methods vary from more traditional routes, such as the use of journal clubs in the workplace, to the different types of online activity including social media networks.
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Essentials Networking can appear obvious, straightforward and simple. However, the increasing use of information technology means that there are now a number of innovative ways that it can take place. Practitioners need to develop a strategy that meets individual and organisational needs, and adheres to the ethical, legal and professional standards set out in the code of conduct (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) 2008) and also specific guidance on using social networks from the NMC (2012). Historically, networking has occurred when practitioners attend events locally, nationally or internationally. These methods remain important but they can be time consuming, sometimes impractical and often expensive.
Technological developments have made available a new range of synchronous and asynschronous online activities. For example, many organisations offer webinars and may set up discussion forums to discuss specific issues. Baker (2013) explains how an online journal club can be just as effective as getting together in person. Social media sites are now commonplace, the most famous being Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. These have also affected the way that health and social care-related organisations provide and respond to information (Turka 2012). Aveyard and Sharpe (2013) provide a strategy to assist practitioners in developing evidence-based practice: ■■ Develop your own knowledge and skills. ■■ Increase your own awareness. ■■ Use summaries or syntheses of evidence. ■■ Make the most of your time. ■■ Develop authority and confidence to influence and obtain responses and support. This strategy can be achieved by embracing the many opportunities that online activities offer, many of which enable you to interact in bite-sized pieces, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s fast-changing health and social care environment. Networking can occur at many different levels. It offers all practitioners the opportunity to influence care provision, in particular by reaching a wide audience in a short period. By sharing information and ideas with others you will be able to gain a different perspective, resulting in a deeper and more diverse knowledge base. This can be translated into high quality care provision for children, young people and their families. Key messages Networking assists practitioners in developing evidence-based practice. Individual networking is more likely to be sustained if it is a reciprocal relationship valued by both sides. Using information technology, including social media websites, can help you keep up to date and network with a wider audience. However, you do need to be mindful of maintaining professional, ethical and legal standards at all times.
12 June 2014 | Volume 26 | Number 5
Geek speak Synchronous online activity This is when the event happens with all the participants together. Because it is the same time and date the discussion is immediate and spontaneous. Asynchronous online activity There is no need for participants to be together with this activity. There is often a predetermined time frame, but it does mean that there is flexibility over when people choose to engage. Both types of activity can produce a rich, in-depth dialogue. Asynchronous activities are useful for those who, due to personal or workplace restraints, find attendance at specific events difficult. Time differences may mean that international activities sometimes need to be asynchronous. Both types of activities can be cost effective because there will be no travel costs (Baker 2013).
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How to develop effective networks to support evidence-based practice
References Aveyard A, Sharp P (2013) A Beginners Guide to Evidence–Based Practice in Health and Social Care. Open University Press, Milton Keynes. Baker J (2013) Journal club as a resource for practice. AORN Journal. 98, 2, 102-106. Joyce L (2005) Development of practice. In Hamer S, Collinson G (Eds) Achieving Evidence-Based Practice: A Handbook for Practitioners. Second edition. Baillière Tindall/Elsevier, London. Nursing and Midwifery Council (2008) The Code. Standards of Code, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives. NMC, London Nursing and Midwifery Council (2012) Social Networking Sites. tinyurl.com/nmccode-and-soc-networking (Last accessed: May 20 2014.) Turka JF (2012) Strengthening your social networking skills. Pennsylvania Nurse. 67, 1, 14-16.
Theresa Pengelly, senior lecturer in children and young people’s nursing, Coventry University, on behalf of the RCN’s Research in Child Health network’s core community
NURSING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Downloaded from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 29, 2015. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
Research essentials NETWORKING IN relation to evidence-based practice can be defined as the sharing of information and ideas inside and outside your organisation (Joyce 2005). Networking is beneficial for practitioners and employers and is an effective means of keeping up to date with contemporary practice. Methods vary from more traditional routes, such as the use of journal clubs in the workplace, to the different types of online activity including social media networks.
iStock
Essentials Networking can appear obvious, straightforward and simple. However, the increasing use of information technology means that there are now a number of innovative ways that it can take place. Practitioners need to develop a strategy that meets individual and organisational needs, and adheres to the ethical, legal and professional standards set out in the code of conduct (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) 2008) and also specific guidance on using social networks from the NMC (2012). Historically, networking has occurred when practitioners attend events locally, nationally or internationally. These methods remain important but they can be time consuming, sometimes impractical and often expensive.
Technological developments have made available a new range of synchronous and asynschronous online activities. For example, many organisations offer webinars and may set up discussion forums to discuss specific issues. Baker (2013) explains how an online journal club can be just as effective as getting together in person. Social media sites are now commonplace, the most famous being Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. These have also affected the way that health and social care-related organisations provide and respond to information (Turka 2012). Aveyard and Sharpe (2013) provide a strategy to assist practitioners in developing evidence-based practice: ■■ Develop your own knowledge and skills. ■■ Increase your own awareness. ■■ Use summaries or syntheses of evidence. ■■ Make the most of your time. ■■ Develop authority and confidence to influence and obtain responses and support. This strategy can be achieved by embracing the many opportunities that online activities offer, many of which enable you to interact in bite-sized pieces, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s fast-changing health and social care environment. Networking can occur at many different levels. It offers all practitioners the opportunity to influence care provision, in particular by reaching a wide audience in a short period. By sharing information and ideas with others you will be able to gain a different perspective, resulting in a deeper and more diverse knowledge base. This can be translated into high quality care provision for children, young people and their families. Key messages Networking assists practitioners in developing evidence-based practice. Individual networking is more likely to be sustained if it is a reciprocal relationship valued by both sides. Using information technology, including social media websites, can help you keep up to date and network with a wider audience. However, you do need to be mindful of maintaining professional, ethical and legal standards at all times.
12 June 2014 | Volume 26 | Number 5
Geek speak Synchronous online activity This is when the event happens with all the participants together. Because it is the same time and date the discussion is immediate and spontaneous. Asynchronous online activity There is no need for participants to be together with this activity. There is often a predetermined time frame, but it does mean that there is flexibility over when people choose to engage. Both types of activity can produce a rich, in-depth dialogue. Asynchronous activities are useful for those who, due to personal or workplace restraints, find attendance at specific events difficult. Time differences may mean that international activities sometimes need to be asynchronous. Both types of activities can be cost effective because there will be no travel costs (Baker 2013).
iStock
How to develop effective networks to support evidence-based practice
References Aveyard A, Sharp P (2013) A Beginners Guide to Evidence–Based Practice in Health and Social Care. Open University Press, Milton Keynes. Baker J (2013) Journal club as a resource for practice. AORN Journal. 98, 2, 102-106. Joyce L (2005) Development of practice. In Hamer S, Collinson G (Eds) Achieving Evidence-Based Practice: A Handbook for Practitioners. Second edition. Baillière Tindall/Elsevier, London. Nursing and Midwifery Council (2008) The Code. Standards of Code, Performance and Ethics for Nurses and Midwives. NMC, London Nursing and Midwifery Council (2012) Social Networking Sites. tinyurl.com/nmccode-and-soc-networking (Last accessed: May 20 2014.) Turka JF (2012) Strengthening your social networking skills. Pennsylvania Nurse. 67, 1, 14-16.
Theresa Pengelly, senior lecturer in children and young people’s nursing, Coventry University, on behalf of the RCN’s Research in Child Health network’s core community
NURSING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Downloaded from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 29, 2015. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
