Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Research and Innovation Evidence-Based Care Award celebrates nurse-scientists and healthcare innovators who use research, creativity, and evidence-based approaches to improve patient care and strengthen healthcare systems. The award recognizes nurses who develop impactful research projects, practical innovations, and scalable solutions that advance nursing practice in Kenya.
About the Research and Innovation Evidence-Based Care Award
The Research and Innovation Evidence-Based Care Award recognizes nurses who are shaping the future of healthcare through scientific research, innovation, and evidence-based solutions.
The award celebrates nurse professionals who identify healthcare challenges, generate new knowledge, and create practical approaches that improve patient outcomes and strengthen nursing services.
Through this recognition, the programme highlights the important role of nurses in driving healthcare improvement through research, technology, and creative problem-solving.
Purpose of the Award
The award aims to encourage nurses to contribute to healthcare advancement through research and innovation.
It recognizes professionals who:
- Develop research-based solutions.
- Improve nursing practices through evidence.
- Create innovative healthcare tools and approaches.
- Apply scientific findings in clinical environments.
- Support improvements in healthcare quality and patient safety.
The programme promotes a culture where nurses actively contribute to healthcare transformation beyond traditional clinical roles.
Key Focus Areas
Original Research Addressing Nursing Challenges
The award recognizes nurse researchers who conduct meaningful studies focused on healthcare challenges affecting Kenya.
Eligible research may address areas such as:
- Improving nursing care quality.
- Patient safety challenges.
- Healthcare access issues.
- Disease prevention and management.
- Nursing workforce development.
- Community health improvement.
Research should demonstrate clear objectives, appropriate methodology, and meaningful findings that contribute to nursing knowledge.
Practical Healthcare Innovations
The award celebrates nurses who develop innovative solutions that improve healthcare delivery.
Examples of innovations may include:
- Clinical care improvement tools.
- Digital health solutions.
- Patient monitoring systems.
- Healthcare workflow improvements.
- Quality improvement models.
- New approaches to nursing practice.
Successful innovations should demonstrate measurable benefits for patients, healthcare workers, or healthcare organizations.
Knowledge Sharing and Professional Contribution
The award recognizes nurses who share their research and innovations with the wider healthcare community.
Knowledge-sharing activities may include:
- Publishing research papers.
- Presenting at professional conferences.
- Conducting nursing training sessions.
- Sharing best practices with healthcare teams.
- Developing educational resources.
Sharing knowledge helps strengthen nursing practice and encourages adoption of successful approaches.
Applying Research in Clinical Practice
The award highlights nurses who successfully translate research findings into real healthcare improvements.
Applicants should demonstrate how their work has been applied through:
- Improved clinical procedures.
- Better patient care approaches.
- Enhanced healthcare outcomes.
- Improved nursing workflows.
- Institutional adoption of evidence-based practices.
Scalable Healthcare Solutions
The award recognizes innovations that have potential for wider implementation.
Strong applicants demonstrate how their research or innovation can be:
- Expanded across healthcare facilities.
- Adapted for different communities.
- Integrated into healthcare systems.
- Used to create long-term improvements.
Impact of Nurse-Led Research and Innovation
Nurse-led research and innovation play an important role in improving healthcare systems.
Through evidence-based approaches, nurses help to:
- Improve patient safety.
- Increase healthcare efficiency.
- Develop better treatment approaches.
- Strengthen clinical decision-making.
- Address healthcare challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a current Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) license.
- Have completed at least one research project or implemented an innovation.
- Provide documentation of research methods, findings, and measurable impact.
- Provide evidence of publication, presentation, or formal organizational adoption.
- Maintain a clean professional conduct record.
Who Can Apply?
The award is open to nurses involved in:
- Clinical research.
- Healthcare innovation.
- Quality improvement projects.
- Nursing education research.
- Evidence-based practice initiatives.
Applicants may work in hospitals, healthcare institutions, research organizations, universities, or community health settings.
Application Requirements
Applicants should provide evidence demonstrating the value and impact of their work.
Required information may include:
- Description of the research project or innovation.
- Research methodology and findings.
- Evidence of implementation.
- Impact measurements.
- Published articles or presentations.
- Proof of institutional adoption.
- Professional background information.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Quality and relevance of research or innovation.
- Contribution to nursing practice.
- Evidence of measurable impact.
- Ability to improve patient care.
- Potential for wider adoption.
- Contribution to healthcare knowledge.
Benefits of the Award
Recognition through the Research and Innovation Evidence-Based Care Award helps nurses:
- Gain professional recognition.
- Highlight healthcare contributions.
- Encourage adoption of innovative solutions.
- Inspire other nurses to participate in research.
- Strengthen evidence-based nursing practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Research and Innovation Evidence-Based Care Award?
The award recognizes nurses who use research and innovation to improve patient care, nursing practice, and healthcare systems.
Who can apply for the award?
Licensed nurses holding a current Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) license who have completed research or implemented healthcare innovations are eligible to apply.
Do applicants need published research?
Applicants do not necessarily need published research, but they must provide evidence of publication, presentation, or formal adoption of their research or innovation.
Can quality improvement projects be submitted?
Yes. Quality improvement initiatives that demonstrate measurable improvements in healthcare delivery may qualify.
What types of innovations are eligible?
Eligible innovations may include clinical tools, digital healthcare solutions, improved care models, patient safety approaches, and other evidence-based improvements.
Can nurses working outside universities apply?
Yes. Nurses from hospitals, healthcare facilities, community programmes, and other healthcare settings can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.
What evidence of impact is required?
Applicants should demonstrate measurable outcomes such as improved patient care, increased efficiency, better safety standards, reduced healthcare risks, or successful implementation.
Why is evidence-based care important in nursing?
Evidence-based care helps nurses use scientific research, clinical expertise, and patient needs to make better healthcare decisions and improve treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
The Research and Innovation Evidence-Based Care Award recognizes nurses who are advancing healthcare through research, creativity, and practical solutions. By celebrating nurse-led innovations and evidence-based practices, the award highlights the essential role nurses play in improving patient care, strengthening healthcare systems, and shaping the future of nursing in Kenya.
For more information, visit Ministry of Health.