The Healthcare and Technology Synergy (HATS) Framework for Comparative Effectiveness Research as Part of Evidence-Based Practice in Vascular Access

The development of frameworks for nursing research, practice, and education is in its infancy. The focus in clinical research has commonly been on the variables patient and practice, not on the significant variable, technology products. However, in interventional and medical cardiology and orthopedic surgery, for example, products used are significant variables that affect clinical outcomes and subsequent recalls. The purpose of this article is to introduce the Healthcare and Technology Synergy (HATS) framework and discuss its use in comparative effectiveness research on health care-associated infections as well as its usefulness in nursing practice, education, and policy. Research in nursing that focuses on product as a variable has examined intravenous connectors and their association with catheter-related bloodstream infections, but more research specific to technology products is needed. The significance of products in nursing has been underappreciated, and the variable has been underutilized in research. This is a study limitation that can significantly affect research outcomes. Use of the HATS framework in nursing research can facilitate the development of clinically relevant nursing curricula, practice interventions, and policy based on research results. Appropriate development and evaluation of research that uses the HATS framework also has implications for cost-benefit analyses, product evaluation, and implementation of evidence-based practices.