If not already completed, the research team prepares materials for review by IRB (local or independent) for studies involving human participants, revises research plan based on IRB feedback, and obtains IRB approval.

The research team coordinates with healthcare facility management and staff to collect existing and new data; adjusts data collection methods and the timeline when data is needed. In new facilities, at least six months should pass before data collection is started to allow staff to acclimate to the new environment and adjust to any process changes.

The research team analyzes data using appropriate analytic tools; validates or refutes the hypothesis(ses). The most appropriate methods for analysis will depend on the type of study.

The research team writes reports of research findings anddisseminates at appropriate venues, such as conferences, trade publications, or peer-reviewed journals. In an evidence-based design project, findings shoul include design recommendations – how the results can be applied to practice. Limitations should be identified, including confounding factors such as operational changes or other initiatives that may have influenced outcomes.