Improving Health through Nursing Research

Improving Health through Nursing Research is a practical guide to research and research utilisation in nursing. The book draws upon international expertise in nursing research, reflecting the worldwide demand for evidence-based practice. 

Part one offers a global perspective on health and nursing and addresses the development of nursing knowledge and nursing theory. Part two investigates the underlying need for nursing research, focusing on improving patient care, enhancing care delivery and developing the profession of nursing. Parts three and four provide an overview of quantitative and qualitative research methods, their selection, use and interpretation . The last three parts of the book address key issues in research ethics and provide practical guidance as to how to prepare a research proposal, undertake research, present and publish findings, and translate research into practice.

Improving Health through Nursing Research;

• Is a practical, accessible guide for nurse researchers and nurses with an interest in research
• Draws upon international expertise in nursing research
• Explores research within the international context
• Explores issues at local, national and regional level
• Provides guidelines for developing research
• Includes global examples

This publication in partnership with the International Council of Nurses is the essential resource for nurses seeking to understand research and research utilisation.

Contents

List of Contributors

Acknowledgments

Preface

Part 1 Nursing science and global health

1 Global perspectives on health and nursing

Barbara Parfitt, Flora Cornish & Linda Ferguson

Introduction

Global priorities for health

Health systems and the health care workforce

International organizations and development aid

Conclusions

Notes and References

2 Building knowledge

Sally H. Rankin & William W. Rankin

Knowledge development in science

Modern philosophy and its influence on science

Twentieth century philosophy of science

Postmodern philosophy’s influence on nursing science

Conclusions

References

3 Theory and nursing science

Carmen J. Portillo & William L. Holzemer

Introduction

Types of theory

Components of theory

Nursing definitions and theory

Conclusions

Note and References

Part 2 Nursing research: making a difference in people’s lives

4 Improving patient care

Suzanne Willard

Nursing research and clinical practice

Symptom management

Disease prevention

End-of-life care

Pain management

Conclusions

References

5 Enhancing care delivery

Mary A. Blegen & Julaluk Baramee

Introduction

The nurse supply

Measuring performance, productivity, and value

Determining the right provider mix

Cost-effectiveness

Care quality and safety

Conclusions

Notes and References

6 Building professional nursing

June Webber

Introduction

From early industrialization to market domination

Building the nursing profession

Autonomy through knowledge, self-regulation, and affiliation

Building the profession globally

A new nursing globalism

Conclusions

References

7 Defining the research problem

Junko Tashiro & William L. Holzemer

Identifying problems for research

Sources of problems

Conducting a literature review

Conclusions

Notes and References

Part 3 Quantitative research

8 Introduction to quantitative research

Erika Sivarajan Froelicher & Kawkab Shishani

Introduction

Variables

Principles of causality

Randomization

Co-variates: confounding or modifying?

Parametric and non-parametric analytical methods

Research designs

Summary

References

9 Sampling

William L. Holzemer

Introduction

Types of sampling

Sampling error

Estimating sample size

Sample loss

Random selection of subjects

Summary

References

10 Selecting instruments for research

Julita Sansoni

Introduction

Selecting or developing an instrument

Standardized instruments

Cultural comparability

Instrument translation

Assessing available tools

Summary

References

11 Experimental research designs

John Arudo

Randomized controlled trials

Hypothesis testing

Other research designs

Threats to design validity

Summary

References

12 Research critique

Jeanne K. Kemppainen

Introduction

Substruction

A substruction example

Substruction limitations

Outcomes Model for Health Care Research

Conclusions

Note and References

13 Preparing data for analysis

Dean Wantland

Introduction

Developing and storing data

Developing a code book

Missing data

Cleaning data to ascertain accuracy

Instrument scoring

Assessing normal distribution

Longitudinal intervention studies

Preliminary data analysis

Conclusions

Resources

Part 4 Qualitative research

14 Interpretative research methods

Minrie Greeff

Introduction

Research questions

Strategies

Sampling and data saturation

Textual analyses

Summary

Note and References

15 Interpretative data management and analysis

Roberta S. Rehm

Introduction

Underlying paradigms

Interpretive methods and procedures

Data analysis

Rigor and integrity

Conclusions

Note and References

16 Preparing qualitative data for analysis

Teri Lindgran

Introduction

Collection, transcription, and management

Preparing data for analysis

Manual versus digital analysis techniques

Conclusions

Notes and References

Part 5 Research ethics

17 Responsible conduct of research

William L. Holzemer

Ethics in nursing research and practice

Scientific integrity

Responsible conduct of research

Conclusions

Notes and References

Part 6 Research support

18 Writing a research proposal

Karen H. Sousa & Marjolein M. Iversen

Introduction

Preparatory work

Writing the proposal

Components of a proposal

Evaluation criteria

Finishing touches

Summary

Note and References

19 Planning and managing a research project

Sarie Human

Introduction

Planning

The primary investigator’s role

Assembling and managing a team

Data ownership

Informed consent

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Chalenges in nursing research

Summary

Further reading

20 Presenting and publishing research findings

Leana R. Uys

Introduction

Audiences for research findings

Forms of presentation

Summary

Note and References

21 Facilitating nursing research

Lauren S. Aaronson & William L. Holzemer

Introduction

Resource centers for nursing research

Conclusions

Notes and References

Part 7 Translating research to practice

22 Information and communication technology infrastructure for evidence-based practice

Suzanne Bakken, Leanne M. Currie & Ritamarie John

Introduction

Infrastructure for evidence-based practice

Sample infrastructure uses in nursing

Conclusions

Note and References

23 Translating research into practice

Cornelia Ruland

Introduction

Systematic literature reviews

Practice-based evidence

Evidence-based, shared decision-making between caregivers and patients

Evidence-based symptom management

Evidence-based self-management of illness

Conclusions

Notes and References

Index

Author Information

William L. Holzemer is Professor and Dean, College of Nursing, Rutgers University, member Board of Directors of the International Council of Nurses, and Editor of the Japanese Journal of Nursing Science (a Blackwell Publishing Journal).