A New Global Resource on the Internet: The Canadian-International Nurse Researcher Database AEJNE Volume 4 - No.1 August, 1999. Howard Brunt RN, PhD University of Victoria, Office of the Vice President Research, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 2Y2; E-mail: hbrunt@hsd.uvic.ca. Colleen Varcoe RN, PhD   Meeting the challenge of the explosion in nursing knowledge One of the most problematic aspects of the knowledge explosion in nursing and the health sciences is the difficulty researchers, clinicians, policymakers and others face in linking with experts in both methodologic and substantive areas through user-friendly, intuitive and up-to-date databases. Examples of these challenges include: the researcher who needs to locate someone to assist with data analysis the editor or grant administrator who requires an expert reviewer the health care provider who needs advice about a treatment the investigator who is attempting to establish a national or international research network the policymaker wanting to make evidence-based decisions the individual seeking advice and support for optimising health The Canadian-International Nurse Researcher Database (CNRD) has been developed to address these challenges for the international nursing community. Launched in the spring of 1999, the CNRD is rapidly becoming a valuable addition to nurses' research infrastructure. Description of the Canadian-International Nurse Researcher Database The CNRD is a free service that is supported through sponsorships from a variety of sources including government agencies, professional associations, consumer groups, non-governmental agencies, academic institutions and the private sector. The initial development of the CNRD was funded by The Canadian Association for Nursing Research, the University of Victoria School of Nursing, The British Columbia Health Research Foundation, and Canadian Association of University Schools of Nursing. The CNRD utilises a unique array of computing technologies that permit interactive Boolean searching, self-editing of personal data records in a secure web-based environment, instantaneous updating of information with a minimum of administrative up-keep, and the generation of evaluative data. The objectives of the CNRD are to: Promote excellence in nursing practice through research and evaluation Strengthen linkages between researchers, practitioners, administrators, educators and policymakers for evidence-based health care delivery Promote and support research networks Educate nurses, other health professionals and the public about nursing research The CNRD is easily accessed on the world wide web at http://NurseResearcher.com. An individual wishing to find someone with expertise in either a particular research method (e.g. grounded theory analysis, randomised control design etc.) or a substantive area (care of the elderly, wound care) can search the database using those terms. Searches can be done either by entering terms free-form, or by using menu selection. The full index of terms within the database can either be printed or viewed directly within the website. Boolean searching (e.g. phenomenology and suffering and children) helps to locate individuals who more precisely match the userís requirements. Once the search is completed, the user can examine the full profile of the persons found in the database and then send them an E-mail directly from within the CNRD. To protect anonymity, E-mail is forwarded by the CNRD, so members' email addresses are not divulged. Once correspondence has been established, the member of the CNRD can decide whether to respond to inquires or not. Nurses wishing to enter themselves in the database can do so quite easily in a password secure environment that is designed with a flexible data-input structure. Similarly, database members can modify their profiles at anytime. If a nurse cannot find a particular term in the database to describe his or her expertise, new terms can be added easily and the database is instantly updated. New terms are reviewed on a regular basis by the administrator for their appropriateness. The overall organising structure of the CNRD will be modified over time as usage patterns evolve. Future steps for the CNRD An international advisory committee has been formed to help steer the evaluation and future development of the CNRD. Nurses with an interest in research infrastructure development or evaluation design, particularly based on information technology, are encouraged to consider serving on the advisory committee (contact Dr. Brunt at hbrunt@hsd.uvic.ca). The intent is to maintain the service through sponsorships and grants from major international nursing organisations and the advisory committee is currently working to increase the CNRD's base of support. While the CNRD was originally developed in English, versions in both Spanish and French are envisioned as international support continues to grow. Ultimately, the key to the CNRD's success is the registration of as many nurse researchers into the database as possible. The databaseís capacity is virtually limitless. By entering data about your expertise into the database, you are indicating your willingness to share your knowledge and experience with others from around the world. You are cordially invited to become a member. For more information about the CNRD contact:: Howard Brunt, RN, PhD, University of Victoria, Office of the Vice President Research, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 2Y2; E-mail: hbrunt@hsd.uvic.ca.