Major Article

A Digital Toolkit to Implement and Manage a Multisite Study

Kathie Lasater, EdD, RN, ANEF; Elizabeth Johnson, PhD, RN; Kay Hodson-Carlton, EdD, ANEF, FAAN; Linda Siktberg, PhD, RN, ANEF; Stephanie Sideras, PhD, RN

  • Journal of Nursing Education
  • March 2012 - Volume 51 · Issue 3: 127-132
  • DOI: 10.3928/01484834-20120113-02
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Abstract

Calls for multisite studies are increasing in nursing education. However, the challenge of implementing consistent protocols and maintaining rigorous standards across sites can be daunting. One purpose of a recent multisite, collaborative, simulation study was to evaluate a digital toolkit’s effectiveness for managing a multisite study. We describe the digital toolkit composed of Web-based technologies used to manage a study involving five sites including one United Kingdom site. The digital toolkit included a wiki, a project Web site to coordinate the protocols and study materials, software to organize study materials, and a secure location for sharing data. Most of these are familiar tools; however, combined as a toolkit, they became a useful management system. Web-based communication strategies and coordinated technical support served as key adjuncts to foster collaboration. This article also offiers practical implications and recommendations for using a digital toolkit in other multisite studies.

AUTHORS

Dr. Lasater is Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland; and Dr. Sideras is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Ashland, Oregon; Dr. Johnson is Assistant Professor of Nursing, Dr. Hodson-Carlton is Associate Director, School of Nursing and Director, Simulation & Information Technology, and Dr. Siktberg is Director, School of Nursing, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.

This study was funded in part by a grant from the National League for Nursing Foundation.

The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Address correspondence to Kathie Lasater, EdD, RN, ANEF, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239; e-mail: lasaterk@ohsu.edu

doi: 10.3928/01484834-20120113-02

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