Leadership Week 3

Searching for Research Evidence

  • Focus on the conclusions of systematic reviews and what to look for in research evidence.

    • Key Points to Consider:

    • Findings of individual studies

    • Recommendations of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)

Where to Look for Research Evidence

  • Various sources to find research evidence:

    • Library Databases:

    • Journals and other resources (e.g., CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane)

    • Online Sources:

    • Organizations with the domain extensions (.gov, .org) that index clinical research

    • Websites of clinical specialty organizations

    • Google Scholar

    • Reference lists of articles read

Keyword Searching Techniques

  • Strategies to enhance research efficacy:

    • Keyword Searching: Use relevant keywords effectively

    • Subject Heading Searching: Employ subject headings to narrow down search results

    • Database Search Strategies: Utilize various tactics to optimize search outcomes

    • Limiting Your Search: Implement filters to refine search results and focus on relevant literature

    • Selecting Citations: Choose impactful studies that are relevant to your area of interest

    • Resource Presentation: Insightful presentation by HPU Librarian on these strategies

Reading Research Articles

  • Developing strategies for effective intellectual engagement:

    1. Read the abstract first, but continue beyond that.

    2. Read the entire article at least twice for thorough understanding.

    3. Annotate your copies actively:

    • Underline significant points

    • Circle important phrases

    • Highlight critical sections

    • Jot down comments or questions in the margins

Reviewing an Original Research Study

  • Essential elements that characterize a comprehensive research report are:

    • Research Question or Hypothesis:

    • Defines the purpose of the study

    • Methodology:

    • Systematic method of data collection and analysis

    • Results or Findings:

    • Provides WHAT was discovered through the study

Format of Study Reports

  • Structure of a research study report includes the following sections:

    • TITLE:

    • Consider variance in terms used

    • ABSTRACT:

    • Summarizes main points for assessing interest

    • Key to understanding the gist of the article

    • INTRODUCTION:

    • Explains the problem and its significance

    • outlines study purposes & research questions

    • Provides a background literature review and theoretical framework

    • METHODS:

    • Details sample & settings, study design, implementation plan, measurement tools, statistical analysis plan

    • RESULTS:

    • Describes participant demographics and data analysis outcomes, includes tables/figures

    • DISCUSSION / CONCLUSION:

    • Interprets findings, discusses possible applications, alternative explanations, study limitations, and research implications

    • REFERENCES:

    • Significance of marking references for further review

Article Format Analogy

  • The format of a study report acts as a roadmap outlining:

    • WHY the Study Was Conducted

    • HOW the Research Was Conducted

    • WHAT Findings Were Uncovered

Analysis of Article Abstracts

  • Engage in reading specific article abstracts and determine their components of WHY-HOW-WHAT:

    • Notable studies include:

    • Bond et al. (2006): Study of delirium in hospitalized older cancer patients

      • Purpose/Objectives: Explore key aspects of delirium

      • Design: Secondary data analysis

      • Sample: 76 patients, mean age 74.4 years

      • Findings: 57% experienced delirium, various risk factors

    • Robinson et al. (2008): Effectiveness of delirium prevention protocol

      • Purpose: Determine effectiveness in preventing delirium among patients at risk

      • Findings: Notable reduction from 37.5% to 13.8% in delirium cases

    • Palmisano-Mills (2007): Issues in hospitalized older adults, focus on interventions

      • Discusses health outcomes affecting patient care

    • Kristiansen et al. (2019): Analysis of nurses’ experiences in caring for delirious patients

      • Identifies barriers in quality of care delivered

    • Gillis & MacDonald (2006): Emphasizes the role of nurses in addressing delirium

      • Highlights the prevalence and impact of delirium on older adults

In-Class Assignment Guidance

  • Utilize the information discussed in the lecture and Brown Chapter 3 to complete the WHY-HOW-WHAT analysis.

  • Next Steps:

    1. Attend Week 3 In-Class Assignment on "Reading Research Worksheet"

    2. Select and read one of the Research Briefs posted in Course Content on Blackboard.