How to use the ONS Research Consultation Program

• You have an idea for a research project, but are unsure how to develop some aspect(s) of the study, for example a sampling plan.
• You read a research article and would like to explore the topic further.
• You have observed a clinical problem or phenomenon of interest and want to do a study about the problem, but do not know how to begin.
• You are developing a research project, but you need advice regarding what instruments to use.

If requesting consultation, be clear on what you wish to achieve and the type of help you need to succeed. The following questions need to be answered prior to seeking consultation:

• What do I need help with, i.e., research question, methodology, statistics, analysis, proposal review, project development, project implementation?
• Is there a particular research area that the consultant should be an expert in?
• What is the anticipated time needed for the consultation, i.e., one time meeting, weekly meetings?

When you have answered these questions, contact the ONS research team (research@ons.org; or 412/859-6298) to arrange for a consultation with a research expert. Provide the research team with the answers to the above questions in addition to your educational background/research experience and the title of your project, if applicable. The ONS research team will review the request and identify a volunteer advanced nurse research consultant to work with you. After a match is found, you will be given contact information to communicate with the consultant. The ONS research team will contact you and the consultant approximately one month after the consultation has been arranged. The outcome and satisfaction of the consultation is important to the research team.