Research at UC Davis Health

UC Davis Health Nurses across the institution engage in research in the following ways:

Apply research to promote evidence-based care

Conduct and
lead
research studies

Care for
patients enrolled
in clinical trials

The Common Rule defines research as “systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge” (§ 46.102(d)). This means that a project or study is research if it is conducted with the intention of drawing conclusions that have some general applicability; and uses a commonly accepted scientific method.

Research at UC Davis

Research in the Inpatient Setting at UC Davis Health

We encourage investigators interested in performing inpatient research to contact nursescience@health.ucdavis.edu to discuss resource planning, engagement with clinicians in the conventional care environment and coordination in advance.

More information on inpatient admission of research patients can be found in Policy 1104. Inpatient research study information sheets for clinical staff can be found on the Research Studies Overview SharePoint site.

Nurse-Initiated Research & Research about Nursing Practice

Melody Thai and Carolyn Mofidi Melody Thai and Carolyn Mofidi receiving an award from Christine Williams (center) for their research in aromatherapy.

Are you a nurse or does your study look at nursing practice? If so, please follow the guidance below for IRB Submission:

  1. Review Policy 18003: Nurse-led Inquiry and Research about Nursing Practice
  2. Review the Office of Research’s Advice for Researchers
  3. Complete Required CITI Education
  4. Complete the Research and Initiative Review Form and submit any materials you will be submitting to the IRB (protocol, consent, data collection tools, surveys, etc.) to the Center for Nursing Science prior to any research activity or submission to the IRB.
  5. Submissions will be reviewed by the Center for Nursing Science and then forwarded to Chief Nursing Executive (CNE). You will be notified of completion.
  6. Share your IRBNet package by adding Lori Kennedy and CNE for Administrative Approval in IRBNet. Administrative approval will be signed/provided based on the review noted above.
  7. Submit to the IRB, per their direction (How to Submit the IRB)

If you are a graduate student who requires IRB approval for research or an IRB determination for an evidence-based practice or quality improvement project that is planned to take place at UC Davis Health, please review Policy 2610 Student Affiliation Requirements, Policy 18003: Nurse-led Inquiry and Research about Nursing Practice and complete the Research and Initiative Review Form. A member of the Center for Nursing Science will follow up with you regarding your submission and next steps for completing the IRB determination process.

For more information on research being led or co-led by nurses, visit this Nurse-led Research SharePoint site (staff only).

For any questions about this process either contact nursescience@health.ucdavis.edu or book an appointment.

Michelle Lagana Michelle Lagana standing next to her poster presentation at the 2024 American Thoracic Society Conference.

Evan Giusto and Erin Riley presenting their research at the 2023 Nursing Science and Professional Governance Conference. Evan Giusto and Erin Riley presenting their research at the 2023 Nursing Science and Professional Governance Conference.

External Resources

External Sites for Human Subjects Research

Quick Links