Reflexions on Research as a Tool for Professional Development Margot Phaneuf RN, PhD Sample of a Computer-based Training Tool (Courseware) Presented in.

Reflexions on Research

as a Tool for

Professional Development

Margot Phaneuf RN, PhD

Sample of a Computer-based Training Tool

(Courseware) Presented in Management Schools in Lyon and Reims, France

2006

Revised in 2008

Interest in Research Is a Journey of Discovery

Contents Contents

- Definition of Research

- Modes of Knowledge Acquisition

- Research: Uses and Applications

- Problems Encountered in Research

- Suggestions to Incorporate Research into Our

Daily Lives

- New Tools at Our Disposal

Research is fundamental to the evolution of any discipline. However, the focus of research in health and

education must always remain the individual.

In our field, research must always be conducted withIn our field, research must always be conducted withthe objectives of nursing in mind.the objectives of nursing in mind.

The objective of nursing is to help a person The objective of nursing is to help a person (family, group or community) take charge of his (family, group or community) take charge of his

health according to his own capacity and the health according to his own capacity and the resources available at any stage in his life or in resources available at any stage in his life or in

the disease. Nursing also aims to help the the disease. Nursing also aims to help the individual ensure his well-being and to enjoy a individual ensure his well-being and to enjoy a

good quality of life.good quality of life.

UNOFICIALLY TRANSLATED from OIIQ (2005). Perspectives de l’exercice de la profession d’infirmière, p. 11.

Objectives of the Nursing Profession

Research is often a long, difficult Research is often a long, difficult journey which requires planning journey which requires planning in order to be properly conducted.in order to be properly conducted.

Nationalgeographic.com

ResearchResearch

Etymology: from the Latin term “curvis, circa, circus” which implies the meaning of a circle,

to discern or define. The semantics conveya sense of action within a clearly

defined space and limits, and of distinguishing, differentiating

and recognizing elements.

The prefix re- in REsearch does not The prefix re- in REsearch does not denote restarting or repeating denote restarting or repeating something, but rather the intensity or something, but rather the intensity or depth of the process.depth of the process.

Source: Chantal Eymard, 2003, p. 3Source: Chantal Eymard, 2003, p. 3

What Is Research?What Is Research?

Research is a cognitive process created from a set of works which are thoroughly Research is a cognitive process created from a set of works which are thoroughly investigated (i.e. planning, observing, organizing, analyzing data and so on).investigated (i.e. planning, observing, organizing, analyzing data and so on).

Research is conducted according to a recognized method (experimental research, Research is conducted according to a recognized method (experimental research, quasi experimental research, descriptive research, predictive research, action quasi experimental research, descriptive research, predictive research, action research, and so on). research, and so on).

The objective of research is to make discoveries and to develop a body of The objective of research is to make discoveries and to develop a body of validated scientific knowledge.validated scientific knowledge.

In nursing and in education, research may focus on biological, intellectual, In nursing and in education, research may focus on biological, intellectual, emotional, sociological, technological and technical aspects.emotional, sociological, technological and technical aspects.

10Margot Phaneuf Inf. PhD.

Research is the method favoured by Research is the method favoured by humans for acquiring knowledge.humans for acquiring knowledge.

Knowledge Acquisition MethodsKnowledge Acquisition Methods

IntuitionIntuition is an instantaneous mechanism for is an instantaneous mechanism for understanding which does not rely on conscious understanding which does not rely on conscious reasoning. Intuition is never completely absent from reasoning. Intuition is never completely absent from the research process.the research process.

Trial and errorTrial and error is a long, random process which is a long, random process which researchers attempt to avoid.researchers attempt to avoid.

Tradition and authorityTradition and authority refers to routine tasks refers to routine tasks (practically institutionalized) in nursing which are (practically institutionalized) in nursing which are either supported by or disproved by research.either supported by or disproved by research.

Modes of Knowledge AcquisitionModes of Knowledge Acquisition

Borrowing and integrating knowledge Borrowing and integrating knowledge from other from other disciplines. As in any other modern profession, nurses disciplines. As in any other modern profession, nurses look to a wide variety of sources of information: look to a wide variety of sources of information: medicine, ethics, psychology, sociology, anthropology, medicine, ethics, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and so on. These additions enhance the nursing and so on. These additions enhance the nursing profession. profession.

Personal experience Personal experience always plays an important role, always plays an important role, even when seeking proven data and research.even when seeking proven data and research.

The choice of research topicThe choice of research topic, discriminating between , discriminating between valid and invalid data, and critical thinking are all too valid and invalid data, and critical thinking are all too often associated with the personal experience of the often associated with the personal experience of the researcher.researcher.

Knowledge Acquisition ModesKnowledge Acquisition Modes

The Heuristic or Scientific ApproachThe Heuristic or Scientific Approach

A labour-intensive, complicated method which A labour-intensive, complicated method which nonetheless helps to establish relationships nonetheless helps to establish relationships among various phenomena such as cause and among various phenomena such as cause and effect, and to identify less obvious aspects of effect, and to identify less obvious aspects of certain elements. certain elements.

The scientific approach does not exclude other The scientific approach does not exclude other knowledge-acquisition modes; instead, it is knowledge-acquisition modes; instead, it is applied when the other methods cannot provide applied when the other methods cannot provide conclusive evidence.conclusive evidence.

Failure to conduct research in a given field

means that it will fail to evolve, likely stagnate,

and possibly even regress.

This stuff is too serious. I enjoy it better when

there’s a touch of humour.

Why not? That would stimulate the nucleus accumbens and

generate sufficient motivation to pursue research.

Acting on the nucleus accumbensgenerates a feeling of pleasure,

motivates the individual as well as the desire to pursue research

through the effect of dopamine,the molecule of the brainwhich creates a sensation

of well-being.

That’s great!But how does it work?

Source: Source: ""Carrefour entre l’extérieur et les centres du plaisir,Carrefour entre l’extérieur et les centres du plaisir,"" JJournal of ournal of NeuroscienceNeuroscience, 21(8), 2001: 2793-2798., 21(8), 2001: 2793-2798.

Functions of the Nucleus AccumbensFunctions of the Nucleus Accumbens

The nucleus accumbens and the ventral The nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are among the areas tegmental area (VTA) are among the areas of the brain involved in the sensation of of the brain involved in the sensation of pleasure and reward. These two areas are pleasure and reward. These two areas are especially important when it comes to the especially important when it comes to the reward circuitreward circuit..

The nucleus accumbens connects the The nucleus accumbens connects the limbiclimbic system system, in which the emotions and the basal , in which the emotions and the basal ganglia are located, help in planning ganglia are located, help in planning movement and reasoning.movement and reasoning.    

Thus the nucleus accumbens through Thus the nucleus accumbens through pleasure is involved in controlling our pleasure is involved in controlling our motivations.motivations.

Source: Le cerveau à tous les niveaux/The Brain from Top to Bottom(see http://lecerveau.mcgill.ca)

Show me where it is!

Look!It’s right there!

Let’s go! My nucleus thingy is feeling good!!

Research Research in Nursingin Nursing

and and in Educationin Education

Concern for scientific aspects date back in history.Concern for scientific aspects date back in history. Florence Nightingale was a pioneer in nursing researchFlorence Nightingale was a pioneer in nursing research. . Nursing research has been an organized discipline for

barely 30 years. The U.K. and the USA were the first to initiate research in The U.K. and the USA were the first to initiate research in

nursing.nursing. Even with limited means at their disposal, many countries Even with limited means at their disposal, many countries

pursue research in nursing.pursue research in nursing. In Québec, clinical research has made great strides over In Québec, clinical research has made great strides over

the past few years, and emphaisis is placed on the role of the the past few years, and emphaisis is placed on the role of the nurse in the health care system.nurse in the health care system.

The Development of Research in The Development of Research in NursingNursing

• Many nurses are now focused on developing and Many nurses are now focused on developing and formalizing their knowledge even further so that they can formalizing their knowledge even further so that they can offer better quality, more professional services to patients offer better quality, more professional services to patients and meet modern-day requirements and ethics. and meet modern-day requirements and ethics.

• Training nurse clinicans, pivot nurses, specialized nurses Training nurse clinicans, pivot nurses, specialized nurses and nurses working in advanced practice requires in-depth and nurses working in advanced practice requires in-depth knowledge about the needs of their clienteles and how to knowledge about the needs of their clienteles and how to respond to those needs in accordance with findings provided respond to those needs in accordance with findings provided by research. In the end, research opens doors and by research. In the end, research opens doors and possibilities.possibilities.

Needs for Development in Needs for Development in Nursing ResearchNursing Research

Health care organizations, already multidisciplinary by Health care organizations, already multidisciplinary by nature, are subject to a wide variety of rules and regulations as nature, are subject to a wide variety of rules and regulations as well as scientific, technical and ethical standards. Research well as scientific, technical and ethical standards. Research makes it possible to assess and evaluate our performance and makes it possible to assess and evaluate our performance and to shed light on the strengths and weaknesses within the to shed light on the strengths and weaknesses within the network.network.

We must get involved as interveners in order to take the We must get involved as interveners in order to take the pulse of society and of the health care system and to evolve pulse of society and of the health care system and to evolve with it.with it.

Nurses are a major spoke in wheels of the system. Our Nurses are a major spoke in wheels of the system. Our profession is therefore essential to research, its conduct, its profession is therefore essential to research, its conduct, its development and its progress.development and its progress.

Research Development Needs in Research Development Needs in NursingNursing

• We are in an era of change marked by a shortage of nurses We are in an era of change marked by a shortage of nurses which will force us to make choices and to focus on the which will force us to make choices and to focus on the essential activities of our profession.essential activities of our profession.

• How will we meet this challenge? What is the future of the How will we meet this challenge? What is the future of the nursing professsion? How will it evolve? Research can shed nursing professsion? How will it evolve? Research can shed light on the future and guide us in making enlightened light on the future and guide us in making enlightened decisions.decisions.

The Evolution of the Role of The Evolution of the Role of Nurses in ResearchNurses in Research

Uses and Applications of Uses and Applications of Research in NursingResearch in Nursing

Why conduct Why conduct research if it is so research if it is so time-consuming time-consuming and difficult?and difficult?

Nurses Conduct Research for Many ReasonsNurses Conduct Research for Many Reasons

To improve the quality of care, of education and of To improve the quality of care, of education and of training;training;To develop new knowledge and practices; To develop new knowledge and practices; To explore and develop new roles;To explore and develop new roles;To shed light on the strengths, weaknesses, To shed light on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities for further development and remedial opportunities for further development and remedial measures which are required within our profession as measures which are required within our profession as well as on the best means to implement them well as on the best means to implement them successfully;successfully;To translate theoretical knowledge into practice; To translate theoretical knowledge into practice; To discover new means to promote disease prevention To discover new means to promote disease prevention and health care; and health care; To improve the work conditions of employees.To improve the work conditions of employees.

Evaluate and compareresults

Discover newknowledge

Analyze problems

Solve problems Explore newmethods

Des

crib

e w

hat

is h

appe

ning

Research makes it possible to…

La recherche oriente nos décisions vers des interventions

appropriées.

Quality

Elle donne à notre profession une

visibilité importante.

Visibility Elle nous confère une

crédibilité professionnelle accrue. Credibility

Research Makes Concrete Contributions to Research Makes Concrete Contributions to the Nursing Professionthe Nursing Profession

Why Do Nurses Need Research? Why Do Nurses Need Research? (1)(1)

Our normal vision of what surrounds us:Our normal vision of what surrounds us:

Is not always grounded in fact. It depends more Is not always grounded in fact. It depends more on experience than experience;on experience than experience;

Is limited by our knowledge; Is limited by our knowledge;

Can stifle critical thinking and erode curiosity as Can stifle critical thinking and erode curiosity as a result of automatism and habit.a result of automatism and habit.

Why Do Nurses Need Research? Why Do Nurses Need Research? (2)(2)

Our normal vision of what surrounds us Our normal vision of what surrounds us is:is:

Conditioned by (our) fragile and Conditioned by (our) fragile and superficial perceptions;superficial perceptions;

Moderated by outside conditions;Moderated by outside conditions; Shrouded by proximity.Shrouded by proximity.

When trees hide the path in the forest, we must become aware

of our surroundings and find a way out.

Why Do Nurses Need Research? Why Do Nurses Need Research? (3)(3)

Our vision of the events that Our vision of the events that surround us is partial, imprecise and surround us is partial, imprecise and often subjective.often subjective.

Remember the story of the blind men Remember the story of the blind men and the elephant.and the elephant.

Three blind men, unaware that such an animal even existed, Three blind men, unaware that such an animal even existed, were allowed to touch an elephant. were allowed to touch an elephant.

The first blind man touched the elephant’s trunk and declared The first blind man touched the elephant’s trunk and declared that it was like a hose.that it was like a hose.

The second blind man touched the body and declared that it The second blind man touched the body and declared that it was like a wall.was like a wall.

The third blind man touched the tail and, stunned, declared The third blind man touched the tail and, stunned, declared that it was like a rope. that it was like a rope.

Each blind man perceived the elephant differently and only Each blind man perceived the elephant differently and only obtained a partial idea of what an elephant actually was. obtained a partial idea of what an elephant actually was.

In real life, we are often like the three blind men.In real life, we are often like the three blind men.

The Legend of the Three Blind Men

What Can Research Contribute?What Can Research Contribute?

A systematic knowledge-acquisition process centred A systematic knowledge-acquisition process centred on observation, research, clarity, objectivity and on observation, research, clarity, objectivity and precision.precision.

A pertinent methodology for each element to be A pertinent methodology for each element to be investigated.investigated.

Serious foundations based on what has been said, Serious foundations based on what has been said, observed and concluded by experts in the field. observed and concluded by experts in the field.

Acquisition and development of scientific knowledge.Acquisition and development of scientific knowledge.

All health care sectors need research. All health care sectors need research. • In education:In education: to adapt the modes of learning of students to to adapt the modes of learning of students to their skills and to competencies required for working their skills and to competencies required for working independently as nurses, to integrate ICTs in their duties, and so independently as nurses, to integrate ICTs in their duties, and so on.on.• In care management:In care management: to find conclusive evidence in order to to find conclusive evidence in order to renew organizations, enhance coordination, improve care renew organizations, enhance coordination, improve care delivery, make enlightened human resources decisions, remain on delivery, make enlightened human resources decisions, remain on top of changes in the profession, implement and evaluate new top of changes in the profession, implement and evaluate new techniques and technologies, experiment work methods and techniques and technologies, experiment work methods and schedules that improve the quality of life of nurses, and so on.schedules that improve the quality of life of nurses, and so on.

Sectors in which Research Is Sectors in which Research Is Necessary (1)Necessary (1)

ClinicsClinics need research to develop more efficient and functional need research to develop more efficient and functional work methods as well as better care and services. Research is work methods as well as better care and services. Research is required to:required to:

Evaluate a variety of protocols and care administration Evaluate a variety of protocols and care administration methods;methods;

Ascertain the relevancy of materials used;Ascertain the relevancy of materials used; Identify new, efficient means to shorten hospital stays Identify new, efficient means to shorten hospital stays

without damaging the health and well-being of the patient;without damaging the health and well-being of the patient; Improve the quality of life of cancer patients;Improve the quality of life of cancer patients; Find means of interventions which allow psychiatric patients Find means of interventions which allow psychiatric patients

to become independent or autonomous;to become independent or autonomous; Find the optimal means to stimulate persons in loss of Find the optimal means to stimulate persons in loss of

autonomy and so on.autonomy and so on.

Sectors in which Research Is Sectors in which Research Is Necessary Necessary (2)(2)

Technical research is usually better accepted.

This type of research is consistent with the trend toward mechanization in health care.

The machinery and equipment used in basic care delivery are developed

through technical research.

Similar problems are encountered when Similar problems are encountered when conducting research in education and nursing, conducting research in education and nursing,

including including lack oflack of: : • TimeTime

• MeansMeans• FundingFunding• TrainingTraining• SupportSupport

• RecognitionRecognition

Common Problems in Research in Common Problems in Research in Health Care and EducationHealth Care and Education

Lack of interest in:Lack of interest in: Ongoing research;Ongoing research; Results of studies;Results of studies; Participating in Participating in

ongoing studies. ongoing studies.

Lack of motivation to:Lack of motivation to: Become aware of Become aware of

ongoing research in our ongoing research in our institutions;institutions;

Apply research results in Apply research results in nursing and education.nursing and education.

Other Significant ProblemsOther Significant Problems

Lack of time is another greatLack of time is another greatproblem which plaguesproblem which plagues

research initiatives.research initiatives.

It can also be a convenientIt can also be a convenientexcuse. excuse.

Research Can Nonetheless Enlighten UsResearch Can Nonetheless Enlighten Us

Research can provide us with conclusive evidence Research can provide us with conclusive evidence which can guide us in our decisions.which can guide us in our decisions.

Unfortunately, decisions are often made in a Unfortunately, decisions are often made in a random, random, ad hocad hoc, arbitrary, arbitrary manner manner

and are dependent upon the knowledge and are dependent upon the knowledge of the decision-makers at all levels.of the decision-makers at all levels.

The problems we encounter today are often the The problems we encounter today are often the

result of erroneous decisions result of erroneous decisions

made in the past.made in the past.

Research might have helped avoid thoseResearch might have helped avoid those

mistakes.mistakes.

Despite its necessity, research in nursing and education stillremains the unloved child of the profession.

Few grants are available, credit is not attributed and even nurses and teachers show little interest in conducting research.

Methods used in health care delivery Methods used in health care delivery The organization of work and work schedulesThe organization of work and work schedules The selection of the materials usedThe selection of the materials used Interventions in an autonomous or prescribed functionInterventions in an autonomous or prescribed function The traditional view of the profession by nurses despite The traditional view of the profession by nurses despite staff shortages staff shortages Teaching methods (i.e. use of ICTs, dynamic strategies Teaching methods (i.e. use of ICTs, dynamic strategies centred on problem solving)centred on problem solving)

Research should be planned according to the potential Research should be planned according to the potential benefits to patients, students and employees in both nursing benefits to patients, students and employees in both nursing and education and conducted in both an efficient and and education and conducted in both an efficient and effective manner. effective manner.

In What Areas Can Research In What Areas Can Research Innovate or Improve Our Lives?Innovate or Improve Our Lives?

How is your nucleus accumbens…?

Can we proceed?

It is worthwhile asking why we do not enhance the visibility

of our profession and expose our potential

for improving prevention, treatment and case management

in our health care institutions.

Pourquoi?

Pourquoi?

Why are we not concerned about Why are we not concerned about presenting our field as a more presenting our field as a more

prestigious, scientific discipline?prestigious, scientific discipline?

Why are we not striving to prove

that we can make a difference in the health care system?

They do not dare explore those solutions further or to conduct research to solve the problems. They mistakenly believe that

everything is left to a few elite figures.

The question is what do they do with their observations, about the problems

they have identified and about solutions to remedy them.

They think about potential solutions and conceive of means to

make the system more efficient.

Nurses are aware of the problems in the health care system and realize the potential

consequences of those problems.

I wonder if there are reasons why nurses and teachers

are little inclined to conduct research.

A Few AnswersA Few Answers

Our low self-esteemOur low self-esteem A tradition of submissionA tradition of submission Our low level in the Our low level in the

professional hierarchy professional hierarchy Our status as women Our status as women Time constraints arising Time constraints arising

from the dual task of nurse from the dual task of nurse and investigatorand investigator

Continued Continued

Our down-to-earth Our down-to-earth approach of dealing approach of dealing with events as they with events as they

occur.occur.

How do I get eggs out of the same basket?

Disseminating studies in nursing departments, in colleges and in

universities in order to keep nurses and nursing students informed of the latest

developments is key.What can we do so that

research papers in nursing and education are consulted, read and applied?

57

It is also necessary to develop a culture of research

in health care and educational institutions.

Is that enough?Is that enough?

58

Doing so helps us develop the following skills: evaluating and

comparing our results, examining our roles within our profession,

identifying new, better ways of doing things and improving overall

performance.

We must also encompass research in our daily lives.

Gosh…!!Gosh…!!

Suggestions to Promote ResearchSuggestions to Promote Research (1) (1)

Use your network of administrators and Use your network of administrators and leaders and ask them toleaders and ask them to::

Initiate and support research initiatives; Initiate and support research initiatives; Organize information meetings and Organize information meetings and

promote the reading of topics of interest;promote the reading of topics of interest; Serve as role models;Serve as role models; Suggest that research findings be applied Suggest that research findings be applied

in health care and in education.in health care and in education.

Suggestions to Promote Research Suggestions to Promote Research (2)(2)

Use teachers to:Use teachers to:

Transmit information on research topics as Transmit information on research topics as soon as students begin training;soon as students begin training;

Encourage students to use critical thinking to Encourage students to use critical thinking to stimulate their curiosity and interest in stimulate their curiosity and interest in conducting research;conducting research;

Evaluate currently applied strategies;Evaluate currently applied strategies; Use research to test new teaching strategies.Use research to test new teaching strategies.

Other Suggestions to Promote ResearchOther Suggestions to Promote ResearchEach of us should strive to:

Improve communications and cooperation among Improve communications and cooperation among researchers and practitioners.researchers and practitioners.

Reinforce the lines linking research, training, Reinforce the lines linking research, training, administration and clinical practice.administration and clinical practice.

Provide technological and methodological support to Provide technological and methodological support to individuals who wish to undertake a research project. individuals who wish to undertake a research project.

Encourage exchanges among researchers.Encourage exchanges among researchers. Instil a culture of ongoing education and self-improvement Instil a culture of ongoing education and self-improvement

through research in education and nursing. through research in education and nursing. Favour the analysis of professional practices and Favour the analysis of professional practices and

formalize their application through research.formalize their application through research. Highlight scientific excellence, methodology and Highlight scientific excellence, methodology and

achievements in nursing research. achievements in nursing research.

Means Available to Researchers (1)

To promote research in education and to provide support To promote research in education and to provide support to investigators, you may consult the following to investigators, you may consult the following organizations: organizations:

The Association pour la recherche au collégial (ARC) The Association pour la recherche au collégial (ARC) is a worthwhile resource. is a worthwhile resource.

The Programme d’aide à la recherche sur The Programme d’aide à la recherche sur l’enseignement et l’apprentissage (PAREA) offered by l’enseignement et l’apprentissage (PAREA) offered by the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS) is an initiative to contribute to research within (MELS) is an initiative to contribute to research within the college network (see: the college network (see: http://www.ccdmd.qc.ca/correspo/Corr13-1/Parea.html)http://www.ccdmd.qc.ca/correspo/Corr13-1/Parea.html)

Infiressources.ca is also an excellent resource for nurses, Infiressources.ca is also an excellent resource for nurses, teachers and students to find out more about the latest teachers and students to find out more about the latest developments in the nursing profession. developments in the nursing profession.

Means Available to Researchers (2)(2)

L’Association québécoise des infirmières et des infirmiers en L’Association québécoise des infirmières et des infirmiers en

recherche cliniquerecherche clinique ((AQIIRC): http://www.aqiirc.qc.ca AQIIRC): http://www.aqiirc.qc.ca Canadian Nurses Association (CNA): Canadian Nurses Association (CNA):

http://www.cna-aiic.ca/CNA/practice/opportunities/supporting_sehttp://www.cna-aiic.ca/CNA/practice/opportunities/supporting_selfcare_2_f.aspx lfcare_2_f.aspx

The Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF) offers a research The Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF) offers a research partnership program in nursing: partnership program in nursing: http://www.cnf-fiic.ca/associatesfre.htm http://www.cnf-fiic.ca/associatesfre.htm

The Canadian Health Services Research Foundation The Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF): (CHSRF): www.chsrf.ca/nursing_research_fund/index_e.phpwww.chsrf.ca/nursing_research_fund/index_e.php

La Fondation de recherche en sciences infirmières du Québec La Fondation de recherche en sciences infirmières du Québec (FRESIQ) http://www.fresiq.org/, an organization of the Ordre (FRESIQ) http://www.fresiq.org/, an organization of the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ).des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ).

This is a four-stage process: Knowledge-acquisition:Knowledge-acquisition: Use various sources of knowledge Use various sources of knowledge such as what others say, readings and research findings.such as what others say, readings and research findings. Gentle Persuasion:Gentle Persuasion: Use the leadership of administrators, Use the leadership of administrators, teachers and fellow researchers to promote the benefits of teachers and fellow researchers to promote the benefits of research. Avoid arguing and autocratic behaviour which can research. Avoid arguing and autocratic behaviour which can prove counter-productive to your objectives.prove counter-productive to your objectives. Decision-making: Decision-making: Accept the results of the research and Accept the results of the research and the innovation, at least on a trial basis.the innovation, at least on a trial basis. Integration:Integration: Apply the research findings in nursing and Apply the research findings in nursing and education.education.

Another Suggestion Is to Apply the Theory of Another Suggestion Is to Apply the Theory of Dissemination and Innovation Dissemination and Innovation (Martha Rogers) (Martha Rogers) (4)(4)

In real life, developments in the nursing In real life, developments in the nursing profession depend upon all of us. They profession depend upon all of us. They

are our collective responsibility. are our collective responsibility.

Nurses

Administrators Researchers

Teachers

Is your nucleus accumbens still stimulated…?

Are you still motivated to learn more?

Hear ye! Hear ye!Hear ye! Hear ye!If you answered yes, the If you answered yes, the

nursing profession is already nursing profession is already getting better.getting better.

Valuable tools are now available to Valuable tools are now available to researchers in health and in education. researchers in health and in education.

They are: 1) benchmarking; 2) the use of They are: 1) benchmarking; 2) the use of proven results; and 3) the availability of proven results; and 3) the availability of

ICTs.ICTs.

BenchmarkingBenchmarkingBenchmarking is a comparative analysis Benchmarking is a comparative analysis which serves to identify the best practices and which serves to identify the best practices and to guarantee that the delivery of care is to guarantee that the delivery of care is administered and managed efficiently and administered and managed efficiently and effectively. Benchmarking involves studying effectively. Benchmarking involves studying and analyzing techniques, systems and analyzing techniques, systems (administrative), other organizations and so (administrative), other organizations and so on to draw out the best practices in order to on to draw out the best practices in order to improve efficiency and to enhance improve efficiency and to enhance performance. performance. It is a continuous research process in which It is a continuous research process in which comparing oneself to others helps draw out comparing oneself to others helps draw out best practices. Benchmarking involves best practices. Benchmarking involves comparing oneself to the leaders in our field comparing oneself to the leaders in our field or profession, and drawing inspiration and or profession, and drawing inspiration and new ideas from the example those leaders have new ideas from the example those leaders have set.set.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benchmarking

Benchmarking can be used to raise Benchmarking can be used to raise documentation when conducting research; documentation when conducting research; it is also practical in dynamic, comparative it is also practical in dynamic, comparative

and evaluative research. It helps and evaluative research. It helps researchers postulate hypotheses on means researchers postulate hypotheses on means to bring about required changes in a given to bring about required changes in a given

field.field.

Research ResultsResearch Results

Rigorous, scientific data investigated by experts Rigorous, scientific data investigated by experts who enjoy considerable credibility in their who enjoy considerable credibility in their respective fields. respective fields.

Research results are compiled and made Research results are compiled and made available to researchers and decision-makers available to researchers and decision-makers by profit and non-profit organizations and by profit and non-profit organizations and institutions (see: The Cochrane Collaboration).institutions (see: The Cochrane Collaboration).http://www.cochrane.org/

Research results are applied to various Research results are applied to various experiments through meta-analyses and experiments through meta-analyses and meta-syntheses in order to question existing meta-syntheses in order to question existing practices as well as to uncover and practices as well as to uncover and implement new, more efficient ways of implement new, more efficient ways of offering care and services to patients.offering care and services to patients.

The Cochrane CollaborationThe Cochrane Collaboration

The Cochrane Collaboration is a non-profit, The Cochrane Collaboration is a non-profit, international organization which supports international organization which supports professionals by attempting to improve decision-professionals by attempting to improve decision-making globally through systemic reviews of the making globally through systemic reviews of the effects of healthcare interventions.effects of healthcare interventions.

Principles: Principles: . To support the dissemination and updating . To support the dissemination and updating

of reliable scientific data; of reliable scientific data; . To make the evidence available to decision-. To make the evidence available to decision-

makers.makers.

The results are published in articles in a The results are published in articles in a scientifically organized review and which provides scientifically organized review and which provides literature on a subject that has been examined.literature on a subject that has been examined.

Decision-making in nursing is guided by quality Decision-making in nursing is guided by quality research conducted worldwide.research conducted worldwide.

Nurses and teachers should visit the Canadian Nurses and teachers should visit the Canadian Cochrane Centre: Cochrane Centre: http://www.ccnc.cochrane.org/en/about.html

What Does the Cochrane Collaboration Provide?

The

des

ire

of th

e pa

tien

t

Research

dataIntu

ition, p

erso

nal

knowledge

Research

results

and

eviden

ce

Clinicalexpertise

Tradition

Benchmarking

Professional

resources

Decision-Decision-makingmaking

New decision-making tools are now at our disposalNew decision-making tools are now at our disposal

Research Results or…Research Results or…

The doctor tells the patient:  You have two options:

A. Treatment based on proven research results.B. Promising experimental treatment which carries some risk. Which do you prefer?

77Margot Phaneuf Inf. PhD.

Knowledge is navigating in a sea of uncertaintyKnowledge is navigating in a sea of uncertainty through archipelagos of certitude. through archipelagos of certitude.

(TRANSLATED from Edgar Morin: UNESCO, 1999)(TRANSLATED from Edgar Morin: UNESCO, 1999)..

It is best to put all opportunities on our side!It is best to put all opportunities on our side!

The Use of ICTsThe Use of ICTs

Information and communications technologies facilitateInformation and communications technologies facilitateresearch:research:• Questionnaires (i.e. NetSondage ) can be used to gatherQuestionnaires (i.e. NetSondage ) can be used to gatherand retrieve data more rapidly and economically thanand retrieve data more rapidly and economically thanever before, while increasing the number of respondentsever before, while increasing the number of respondentsto reduce the margin of error of the sample.to reduce the margin of error of the sample.• Spreadsheets help compile data.Spreadsheets help compile data.•Statistics software (i.e. SPSS, Le Sphinx) can save timeStatistics software (i.e. SPSS, Le Sphinx) can save timeby performing complicated calculations rapidly and byby performing complicated calculations rapidly and byposting data in a comprehensive manner.posting data in a comprehensive manner. http://www.ccdmd.qc.ca/ressources/?id=1246http://www.spss.com/fr/ http://www.lesphinx-developpement.fr/fr/accueil/accueil_sphinx.php

In the end, it should be remembered that In the end, it should be remembered that research is a collective responsibility, research is a collective responsibility, and that we should all feel concerned and that we should all feel concerned

about the conduct of research.about the conduct of research.

Nucleus accumbens or…Thank you for your attention!

BibliographyBibliography

Bachelard, Gaston (1960). Bachelard, Gaston (1960). La formation de l’esprit scientifiqueLa formation de l’esprit scientifique. Paris, . Paris, Vrin.Vrin.

Bertoz, Alain (2002). Bertoz, Alain (2002). Physiologie de la perception et de l’action.Physiologie de la perception et de l’action. European European Journal of Neuroscience, 14 (6) : 1021-1029.Journal of Neuroscience, 14 (6) : 1021-1029.

Carrefour entre l’extérieur et les centres du plaisirCarrefour entre l’extérieur et les centres du plaisir JJournal of ournal of Neuroscience,Neuroscience,

2001, 21(8) :2793-27982001, 21(8) :2793-2798 Bourdieu, P. (1992) Bourdieu, P. (1992) Les règles de l’artLes règles de l’art. Paris, Seuil. . Paris, Seuil. Eymard-Simonian, Chantal (2002). Eymard-Simonian, Chantal (2002). La recherche en soins infirmiers: La recherche en soins infirmiers:

quelles méthodes de recherche?quelles méthodes de recherche? Revue Soins, Formation Pédagogique, Revue Soins, Formation Pédagogique, Encadrement, N° 28, p.1.Encadrement, N° 28, p.1.

Gauthier, Benoit (2000). Recherche sociale. Québec, Presses de Gauthier, Benoit (2000). Recherche sociale. Québec, Presses de l’Université du Québec. l’Université du Québec.

Guba, E. et Y Lincoln (1989). Guba, E. et Y Lincoln (1989). Fourth Generation AnalysisFourth Generation Analysis. NewBury . NewBury Park, Sage.Park, Sage.

Images: Nationalgeographic.com Images: Nationalgeographic.com Le cerveau à tous les niveaux: http://lecerveau.mcgill.ca/ OIIQ (2005). Perspectives de l’exercice de la profession d’infirmière, p. 11.