Nursing Research 3104

1. Introduction to Nursing Research

  • Definition of Research: Systematic inquiry to answer questions or solve problems.

  • Significance: Clinical nursing research enhances Canada’s health care research infrastructure (Canadian Nurses Foundation, 2019).

2. Nursing Research Perspectives

2.1 Understanding Nursing Research

  • Purpose: Develop knowledge about crucial nursing issues.

  • Key Components:

    • Evidence-informed practice (Evidence-based practice): Integrates best clinical evidence for care decisions.

    • Research involving nurses, employing nursing theory, and assessing nursing implications, side effects, and outcomes.

2.2 Importance of Research in Nursing

  • Quotes:

    • McGlothlin (1961): Insufficient research leads to imitation instead of understanding.

    • Pender (1992): Nursing must set the pace in health care.

  • Benefits:

    • Promotes accountability and improves care.

    • Enhances patient outcomes and informs decision-making.

    • Strengthens healthcare systems.

3. Ways of Acquiring Knowledge in Nursing

  • Methods include:

    • Traditions and Authority

    • Borrowing and Trial & Error

    • Personal Experience and Role Modeling

    • Research and Intuition

    • Reasoning

4. Nurses’ Role in Research

4.1 Participation and Advocacy

  • Engage in research education activities.

  • Key Activities:

    • Question practice and identify research questions.

    • Incorporate research into nursing practice.

    • Foster research-friendly environments.

5. Historical Context of Nursing Research

5.1 Development Phases

  • 1850s-1960s: Initial quantitative research in nursing.

  • 1970s: Shift towards clinical research; rise in published findings.

  • 1980s: Increased funding and establishment of nursing research centers.

  • 1990s: Emphasis on evidence-based practice and cultural health disparity issues.

  • 2000s: Focus on practical improvements in nursing and linking research to practice.

6. Research Priorities in Nursing

  • Priorities set by organizations (CIHR, Canadian Nurses Association) covering:

    • Innovations, patient engagement, and community care.

  • Examples:

    • Covid-19, health promotion, and Indigenous Peoples’ health.

7. Research Paradigms and Indigenous Research

7.1 Understanding Paradigms

  • Post-Positivist: Reality exists, focuses on objectivity.

  • Constructivist: Recognizes multiple truths and knowledge creation.

7.2 Indigenous Research Considerations

  • Conducted by or with Indigenous communities, respecting their worldviews and knowledge systems.

8. Ethical Considerations in Nursing Research

8.1 Ethical Codes and Regulations

  • Aimed at protecting rights and welfare of subjects; includes informed consent.

8.2 Core Ethical Principles

  • Respect for Persons (Autonomy)

  • Beneficence (Concern for Welfare)

  • Justice

8.3 Special Considerations

  • Vulnerable groups, such as Indigenous peoples, terminally ill patients, etc.

9. The Research Process

9.1 Overview Steps

  • Identify research problem and purpose.

  • Conduct literature review and formulate hypothesis.

  • Select appropriate research design and sampling methods.

  • Collect and analyze data; disseminate findings.

10. Critical Appraisal and Ethics in Research

10.1 Importance of Critique

  • Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of studies.

  • Ensure methods align with ethical standards and practices.

11. Literature Review in Nursing Research

11.1 Definition and Purpose

  • A summary of existing empirical and theoretical knowledge to identify gaps in literature.

11.2 Conducting a Literature Review

  • Identify topics, select databases, critically evaluate sources, and present findings.

12. Theoretical Frameworks in Nursing Research

12.1 Understanding Frameworks

  • Framework provides a structure for theory testing or guidance in study design.

12.2 Types of Frameworks

  • Theoretical: Established theories.

  • Conceptual: Researchers-derived models and frameworks.

13. Quantitative Research Methods

13.1 Research Designs

  • Experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental.

13.2 Key Variables

  • Independent (manipulated) and dependent (measured) variables; operational definitions.

14. Sampling in Research

14.1 Types of Sampling Methods

  • Probability and non-probability sampling techniques.

  • Purpose: Achieving representativeness to enhance generalizability.

14.2 Sample Size Determination

  • Influenced by power, effect size, study type, and expected attrition.

15. Data Collection & Measurement

15.1 Methods of Data Collection

  • Physical measures, observations, and self-reports.

15.2 Measurement Reliability and Validity

  • Assessing whether tools consistently measure constructs and accurately assess intended variables.