Introducing ASPAN Evidence to Excellence: The Clinical Inquiry Framework
The American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) is proud to introduce the revised Clinical Inquiry Framework, an evolution of the 2018 Research Primer. This updated resource reflects ASPAN’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of inquiry and equipping perianesthesia nurses with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to improve patient outcomes through evidence-informed practice.
As healthcare continues to evolve, perianesthesia nurses are increasingly leading evidence-based practice initiatives, quality improvement projects, innovation efforts, and research studies that enhance patient care and professional practice. Recognizing this growth, the ASPAN Clinical Inquiry Committee undertook a comprehensive revision of the 2018 Primer to better reflect the diverse ways nurses engage in clinical inquiry across the continuum of care.
Over the past year, Clinical Inquiry Committee members collaborated to review current literature, evaluate emerging methodologies, update appraisal resources, and develop practical tools to support nurses at every stage of the inquiry process. The revised Framework expands beyond traditional research concepts to provide guidance on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, innovation, dissemination, and research, offering a practical roadmap for translating evidence into clinical excellence.
A key addition is the Evidence to Excellence Framework, which provides a structured approach for identifying clinical questions, evaluating evidence, implementing change, measuring outcomes, and disseminating findings. Through practical examples, templates, and resources, the Framework is designed to support both novice and experienced clinicians in advancing perianesthesia practice.
The Clinical Inquiry Committee extends sincere appreciation to Antoinette Zito, MSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA, FASPAN, ASPAN Director for Nursing Professional Development (2025–2026), Theresa Clifford, DNP, RN, CPAN, CAPA, FASPAN, FAAN, ASPAN Nurse Liaison for Special Projects, and Jane Certo, BA, Governance/Programs Director, for their guidance, support, and editorial expertise throughout the development process. Special recognition is extended to Ursula Mellinger, ASPAN Immediate Past President, whose vision and steadfast support of clinical inquiry helped make this revision a reality. Her commitment to advancing evidence-based perianesthesia practice provided the encouragement and organizational support necessary to bring this important resource to completion. Most importantly, we thank the members of the Clinical Inquiry Committee whose dedication, expertise, and commitment made this work possible.
Clinical Inquiry Framework Revision Contributors:
- Christine AF Bell, PhD, RN, CAPA, WCC
- Kristin Cantrell, MSN, MBA, RN, CNML
- Dina Krenzischek, PhD, MAS, RN, CPAN, CFRE, FAAN, FASPAN
- Myrna Mamaril, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CPAN, CAPA, FAAN, FASPAN
- Sadie Spiering, MSN-Ed, RN, CPAN, MEDSURG-BC
- Katherine Simpson, DNP, RN, APRN-BC, CNRN, CVRN-II, LNC
- Elizabeth (Annie) Steffen, BSN, RN, CAPA
- Ashlynn Penna, DNP, RN, CPAN, CAPA, NPD-BC
- HangFang Zhang, MSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA, CEN
We hope this Framework serves as a valuable resource that inspires perianesthesia nurses to ask meaningful questions, seek evidence, lead change, and ultimately advance evidence to excellence in patient care.
Together, we continue advancing evidence to excellence.
Amy Berardinelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, NE-BC, CPAN, CAPA, FASPAN
ASPAN Director for Clinical Inquiry
Editor – ASPAN Evidence to Excellence: The Clinical Inquiry Framework