Kaiser Permanente nurses at all practice levels are encouraged to engage in practice scholarship such as utilizing Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and research scholarship to improve the delivery and quality of care.
One way to be encourage our nurses is to have them be involved in a multi-site study. Multi-site studies across the region use the same study protocol simultaneously providing Kaiser Permanente nurses to collect data from a wider and more diverse population. Multisite studies involve having a lead site (PI or Co PI) to help manage the project. In 2024, we had two major multi-site studies:
The Re Brilliancy study was to assess whether the Re Brilliancy workshop centered on Jean Watson’s Caring Science Theory helps provide authentic connection by:
- increasing compassion satisfaction and self-compassion in bedside nurses and nurse leaders.
- Decreasing burnout and secondary traumatic stress in this population group.
The conclusion of this study showed participants reported a sense of belongingness and a non-judgmental environment, with quantitative results showing significant improvements in compassion satisfaction, self-kindness and common humanity.
KP Cares 2.0 was another multi-site study. Healthcare workers’ careers are both physically and emotionally demanding. High rates of burnout were recognized before the global health crisis, and the pandemic has only added additional stressors, daily disruptions, and upended routine hospital care practices.
The research objective was to determine the impact of a new program to enhance resiliency by combining three approaches Caring Science (CS), HeartMath (HM), and Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID). The review of the resiliency and “burnout” literature indicated that there is limited evidence with low validity and quality addressing the mental health of nurses, particularly for those working the frontline during infectious disease outbreaks. A systematic review of resilience and behavioral health interventions found limited evidence to support specific interventions aimed at enhancing the mental health nurses, thus research was needed.
This is a unique approach combining several powerful interventions into a single program. The preliminary results indicate a promising direction to address common stressors in the healthcare provider’s work environment. Limitations include convenience sampling. Advantages include in-person sessions taught by certified trainers. This program will continue to be tested and expanded within other hospitals in the Northern California region. Approval has been granted for the CSA to be implemented in Kaiser Permanente facilities nationwide. Satisfaction with the program will be tracked and reported to ensure sustainability.