Clinical reasoning in daily practice Nurse scientist Ingrid Heijnen about her research

Nurse scientist Ingrid Heijnen works on innovations that improve patient comfort and recovery. From shortening fasting times to developing a smarter protocol for bladder scans and catheterization: her research gives nurses more room for clinical reasoning and person-centered care. 

'In my research, I look at how we can ensure patients aren’t unnecessarily fasting before a procedure. This affects recovery and comfort. I collaborate with nurse scientist Harm van Noort, who earned his PhD in nursing nutritional care. We started the Lemonade Project, where orthopedic patients drink a glass of lemonade two hours before surgery. The results were so positive that this intervention has now been adopted by other specialties, and we’re starting a project to shorten fasting times for emergency patients. Collaboration with nurse scientists from other centers is incredibly valuable. It’s true cross-pollination where we learn a lot from each other. 

I’m also working on a proposal to implement a revised protocol for bladder scans and catheterization after surgery. Recent literature shows that our current protocol may be too intensive. If we focus more on symptoms, it’s both safe and effective. Concretely, this means scanning the bladder based on clinical symptoms and only catheterizing when necessary. 

With this research, we aim to gain insight not only into potential gains in time, cost, and sustainability but especially into the impact on nursing practice. The new protocol allows for more professional autonomy: nurses can apply their expertise in clinical reasoning, take responsibility, and tailor care to each patient’s unique situation. This strengthens craftsmanship and contributes to person-centered care.'