Chapter 001

1Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

Chapter 1

Discovering the World ofNursing Research

2Copyright © 2013, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

Nursing Research - What is it?

Research: to search again Implications:

a reason for conducting it hard work (diligence) some sort of method or rules paying attention to detail eventual usefulness something out there already

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Nursing Research - What is it? (Cont’d)

In general, it is diligent and systematic. It is an inquiry or investigation. Its purpose is to validate and refine what is already known and to generate new knowledge.

Nursing research is defined as a scientific process that validates and refines existing knowledge and generates new knowledge that directly and indirectly influences the delivery of evidence-based nursing.

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Framework Linking Nursing Research to the World of Nursing

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Ideas Embedded in the Framework

A concrete-abstract continuum A real world in which concepts can be

measured Potential testing of ideas with research Implication of connections among philosophy,

knowledge, theory, research, and evidence-based practice

Is this true based on your experience?

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Knowledge Acquisition

Abstract thought processes Introspection Intuition Reasoning

Science Laws Principles Axioms

Theory

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Traditional ways Nurses Have Acquired Knowledge

Traditions Authority Borrowing Trial and error Personal experience Role-modeling and mentorship Philosophy

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Roles of Nurses in Research:Bachelor’s Degree (BSN)

Read and critically appraise studies actually read some research articles have the ability to judge research articles’ worth

based on objective criteria Use best research evidence in practice with

guidance: apply findings, with supervision Assist with problem identification and data

collection: work with the research team

Does this really happen in your work area?

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Roles of Nurses in Research:Master’s Degree (MSN)

Critically appraise and synthesize studies Develop and revise protocols, algorithms, and

policies for practice, based on appraisal and synthesis

Implement best research evidence in practice Collaborate on research projects and provide

clinical expertise for research

Does this really happen in your work area?

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Roles of Nurses in Research: Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Participate in development of evidence-based guidelines

Develop, implement, evaluate, and revise as needed protocols, policies, and evidence-based guidelines in practice

Conduct clinical studies, usually in collaboration with other nurse researchers

Are there DNPs with whom you have worked? Is this what they do in your institution?

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Roles of Nurses in Research Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Participate in evidence-based guideline development

Develop, implement, evaluate, and revise as needed protocols, policies, and evidence-based guidelines in practice

Conduct clinical studies, usually in collaboration with other nurse researchers

Are there PhDs with whom you have worked? Is this what they do in your institution?

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Roles of Nurses in Research: PhD with Postdoctoral Education

Assume a full researcher role with a funded program of research

Lead and/or participate in nursing and interdisciplinary research teams

Function as experts in their areas of research Mentor PhD-prepared researchers

Have you encountered nurses with PhDs and postdoctoral education?

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Evidence-based Nursing Practice

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Evidence-based Practice

Relies on the nurse’s clinical expertise patient needs and values formal evidence

Which of the above is the most important?

Why?

Does the diagram show this clearly?

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Nursing Research Purposes

Description: what is it? Explanation: what does it connects, explain? Prediction: what occurs with it? Control: what change happens when it . . .?

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Purpose: Description

What is the incidence of UTIs in the general patient population at my institution?

What are the diagnoses of patients treated in a typical hospital emergency room?

What is the average home blood sugar value in ambulatory diabetic patients in one physician’s practice in New York City?

What is the daily calorie intake for 14-year-old males below the poverty level in the Los Angeles public school system?

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Purpose: Explanation

Do the rates of UTIs in my institution differ, depending on catheter product used?

Why do emergency room clients state that they use the emergency room?

Does daily average blood sugar value in ambulatory diabetic men differ depending on marital status?

What do elderly women identify as the parenting activities they found most challenging?

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Purpose: Prediction

What is the occurrence rate of UTIs in diabetic, versus non-diabetic hospitalized women with temporary urinary catheters?

What are the variations in emergency room use on different days of the week, at different times?

Is the incidence of death in elders suffering hip fracture lower with prompt surgical intervention?

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Purpose: Control

If the BRX antibiotic-impregnated catheter is utilized for diabetic women post-operatively, does the rate of UTI decrease?

Can use of the emergency room for urgent care illness be decreased by a 24-hour urgent care center adjacent to the hospital?

Does thrice-weekly aqua-exercise by elderly females slow bone loss?

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Potential Research Questions

Each work area has potential research questions, some hidden, some overt.

These questions can address description, explanation, prediction, or control.

In your work area, what are some of the research questions that you believe need to be answered?

Would these questions address description, explanation, prediction, or control?

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Research Methods

Quantitative research: counts and measures; reports findings with statistics

Qualitative research: observes and interviews; reports findings as a narrative

Outcomes research: quantitative; focused on quality of care

Intervention research: quantitative; tests a product or strategy