NCM 111 - 6F

Research Dissemination Phase

• Definition of Dissemination Phase

  • The phase following the empirical phase and analytic phase in research.

  • It is crucial to understand that dissemination should be part of the conceptualization phase of research planning.

  • Planning dissemination activities from the beginning ensures intent to share findings.

• Significance of Dissemination

  • A study is not complete until its findings have been shared.

  • Dissemination involves sharing information and knowledge actively.

  • It's a means to spread evidence-based interventions to the target audience.

  • Evidence-based practice requires the best available evidence, and researchers contribute to this body of knowledge.

  • The goal of dissemination is to make research findings physically available and understandable to the target population.

• Understanding the Target Audience

  • The dissemination process should aim for simplicity so that even laypersons can comprehend the findings.

  • Consumers of the findings often include individuals not well-versed in statistical or methodological jargon.

  • Outcomes should not remain unshared, as research efforts are significant and should not just occupy shelves.

• Potential Impact of Dissemination

  • Effective dissemination adds value to research projects and can widen the original focus.

  • An example presented involved a local study in Mandaue and the intent to further disseminate findings at the provincial level due to interest from governmental authorities.

• Further Importance

  • Promotes the profile of the organization conducting research and enhances its research capacity.

  • Noted the disparity in the performance of CDU in research visibility compared to other institutions, highlighting the need for more active engagement in research dissemination to improve reputation and societal contribution.

Developing a Dissemination Plan

• Steps to Create a Dissemination Plan

  • Select a Communication Outlet

  • Options include publishing articles in journals or presenting findings at conferences.

  • Identify the Audience

  • Understand the expected audience for various platforms (e.g., scientific community vs. local participants).

  • Decide on Content for Communication

  • Choose what objectives can be effectively communicated in a single outlet.

  • The flexibility in publication allows for focusing on significant objectives across multiple publications throughout a year.

Research Continuum

• Dual Role of Nurses

  • Nurses function as both consumers and producers of research.

  • Consumer Role in Nursing Research

  • Engage in evidence-based practice, emphasizing the necessity to support nursing actions with best available evidence—a step beyond expert opinions.

  • Producer Role

  • Nurses, especially those with advanced degrees, should identify gaps in practice and conduct research to address these gaps.

Engagement in Research Activities

• Activities for Nurses

  • Participating in journal clubs and discussions of articles to foster collaboration.

  • Solving clinical problems through rigorous research and proposing research plans.

  • Recruitment of study participants, collecting data, and discussing participation implications with clients.

Hierarchy of Evidence (EBP) Pyramid

• Evidence Levels

  • Expert opinions comprise the lowest level of evidence.

  • Importance of base research on established evidence rather than solely expert opinions.

  • Higher levels of evidence are derived from systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials.

Communicating Research Findings

• Methods of Dissemination

  • Thesis and dissertations serve as platforms for presenting research findings.

  • Journals—traditional and social media—expand reach and access to findings.

  • Presentations at professional meetings provide opportunities for clinical audiences to engage with findings.

• Thesis/Dissertation Structure

  • Generally organized as follows:

  • Front Matter: Including title page, abstract, acknowledgments, and table of contents.

  • Main Body: (IMRAD format):

    • Introduction

    • Methods

    • Results

    • Discussion

  • Supplementary Pages: Bibliography, appendices, CVs.

• Publishing in Journals

  • Advantages include ease of access to research articles via keyword searching.

  • Electronic publications facilitate a strong evidence base for nursing.

  • There's a cost involved for open access publications that ensure wider readership.

• Guidelines for Oral Presentations

  • Present findings in an IMRAD format within a 10-15 minute timeframe.

  • Emphasize key aspects rather than conveying the entirety of research.

Utilizing Research After Publication

• Research Utilization Pillars

  • Publication serves as the beginning for wider application of findings in practice.

  • Potential for patents, product development, services, and policy implications arise from published research.

• Networking Opportunities

  • Present or participate at conferences allows for building valuable connections with other researchers and professionals.

• Best Practices for Poster Presentations

  • Use visuals and bullet points to emphasize key findings.

  • Be available next to the poster to answer questions and engage with attendees.