Patti Dykes delivered the keynote presentation during Karsh Scholars Day

Despite the disruptions of the pandemic, nurse-driven research, innovation and quality improvement continue to flourish at the Brigham, as evidenced by the numerous posters and presentations during Karsh Scholars Day on May 26.

“What makes Brigham nurses so special is that they not only care for patients, but they also have a constant state of questions about how we can take even better care of our patients,” said Pamela Linzer, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, associate chief nursing officer for Medicine and the Center for Nursing Excellence, in opening the virtual event. “The projects we are showcasing today from the last two years happened in spite of the pandemic because of nurses’ passion for evidence-based practice.”

This year’s Karsh Scholars Day, the second event of its kind, was planned by the Research and Innovation Committee and the Center for Nursing Excellence. The event is named in honor of Mrs. Estrellita Karsh, a longtime friend of the Department of Nursing and the hospital. Mrs. Karsh has generously supported many programs that help nurses enrich their practice over the years.

The day included a virtual presentation of 46 posters and two breakout sessions highlighting recent nurse-led projects and the support available to nurses interested in pursuing research and innovation via the Center for Nursing Excellence.

Posters are displayed electronically on Karsh Scholars Day

Patti Dykes, PhD, MA, RN, FAAN, FACMI, senior nurse scientist and program director for Research in the Center for Patient Safety, Research and Practice, delivered the keynote presentation, “Building a Program of Nursing and Patient Safety Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Mass General Brigham.”

Dykes shared many of her research projects and highlighted why it’s critical for nurses to conduct patient safety research.

“The environment at Brigham and MGB has been ideal for building a program of nursing and patient safety research,” she said. “Because of nurses’ role as an integrator within the health care team and our close connections with patients and families, nurses are in an optimal position to study patient safety and develop interventions that can reduce health care related harm.”

Maddy Pearson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer and senior vice president, Patient Care Services, offered reflections during the closing session.

“Karsh Scholars Day was incredibly uplifting and inspiring,” she said. “We need nurse-driven innovation now, perhaps more than ever. The insights you bring are essential to helping solve some of the most complex challenges in health care.”

Linzer agreed, emphasizing the resources available to nurses at the Brigham. “No matter where you are in your trajectory of research, there is support for you,” she said. “You’re at an esteemed academic medical center with nurse scientists built into our program, ready to help you throughout the process from nuts to bolts. We need you.”

If you would like to connect with a nurse scientist, please email aoconnor@bwh.harvard.edu.

Session recordings from Karsh Scholars Day are available here. Please note that this link is available only to employees.