Outcomes research: an essential component of the advanced practice nurse role.

More research is needed that focuses on the effectiveness of nursing interventions in clinical settings. Advanced practice nurses are in the best position to conduct these studies, given their clinical expertise, access to subjects, master's-level research education, and need to demonstrate the effectiveness of their own care practices. This article describes how to develop outcomes studies and to use and disseminate the findings. Advanced practice nurses are encouraged to develop and replicate outcomes studies and to broadly disseminate findings to build the evidence base needed to support advanced practice in nursing.