The role of nursing inquiry in driving innovation

Author Department

Nursing

Document Type

Article, Peer-reviewed

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based practice impacts patient safety, healthcare quality, and employee satisfaction. However, translating research evidence and innovation into real-world practice change depends on nursing engagement. Baystate Health implemented a system-wide program to foster, disseminate, and translate nurses’ innovative questions into evidence-based and quality improvement projects.

Purpose: To describe the development, implementation, and multiyear outcomes of the Art of Questioning and Innovation (AoQI) program across a western Massachusetts health system between 2014 and 2025. Implementation procedure: Project implementation required interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership support, academic partnership, and support from hospital-based nurse scientists. The program was comprised of widespread recruitment and engagement initiatives, the use of an online tool to educate and support nurses in structured clinical inquiry, formal mentorship, and a summative event to disseminate nurses' innovative ideas through poster presentations. Outcomes: Over 10 years, the program provided a consistent pathway for nurses to develop and implement innovative clinical questions. Annual participation ranged from 61 to 175 nurses, generating 32–85 structured questions. Since 2023, 48–70% of questions have been translated into evidence-based or quality improvement projects. Implications for practice: The AoQI program is an illustrative example of a nurse-driven project to support a culture of inquiry and evidence-based practice within a large health system. Conclusion: High quality patient care requires innovation and the engagement of frontline staff in continuous improvement. Other hospitals may consider this program as one strategy to systematically promote, mentor, and celebrate nursing inquiry. Nurse scientists play a central role in advancing research and its translation to realworld practice change.

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