A Survey Analyzing Registered Nurses’ Knowledge of SLPs Scope of Practice in Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Purpose of the Study

I am currently a graduate student from Eastern Washington University. This research is being done to fulfill requirements for CMSD 620, 621, 622. The purpose of this study is to analyze data on registered nurses’ (RN) perception and knowledge of speech language pathologists’ (SLP) scope of practice (SOP) by self-report through a survey. This study aims to fill the gap in research on this subject. Furthermore, it fills a need for improved interprofessional collaboration between RNs and SLPs. It also examines if years of experience being a RN impacts knowledge and perception as well as if there are significant differences in responses between departments within the hospital.

Inclusion Criteria

In order to participate you must meet the following criteria: (1) be at least 18 years of age or older, (2) be a registered nurse, (3) work in a hospital setting, (4) have at least one year of experience working as a registered nurse, and (5) work with patients who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) ranging anywhere from mild-severe.

Procedures and Duration

You will be asked to complete a survey consisting of 32 questions it will take you no more than 10-15 minutes to complete. I will be asking you questions regarding whether you think certain patients would benefit from services provided by an SLP and scenario questions examining your knowledge on the SLPs SOP. Your answers are anonymous and data collected will be stored in a secure online survey database—Survey Monkey.

Voluntary Participation

Your participation in this survey is voluntary. You may refuse to take part in the research or withdraw at any time without penalty. You may skip any question you do not want to answer for any reason.

Benefits and Risk

Any risks associated with answering the following questions are minimal and do not exceed those encountered in daily life. You are not likely to receive direct benefits from participating in this research study. However, your responses may help us learn more about registered nurses’ knowledge and perceptions on the SLPs SOP.

Storage of Data Collected

The data collected will be stored in a secure database—Survey Monkey. My findings from the study will be included in a conference poster presentation. All information will be destroyed after the completion of the research project and poster presentation.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the study, please contact Rileigh Maynard, the Principal Investigator, using the contact information above. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a participant in this study or any complaints you wish to make, please contact the Office of Grant and Research Development, at 509-359-6567 or ogrd@ewu.edu.

By answering questions on the survey, you are stating you are at least 18 years of age or older and your consent to voluntarily participate in this research is implied.