Introduction
Research is a systematic process used to solve problems and generate new scientific knowledge. In nursing, research helps to improve nursing practices, understand diseases, develop new treatments, and enhance healthcare delivery.
It plays a vital role in:
- Improving nursing procedures.
- Understanding disease processes.
- Exploring the mechanism of action of drugs.
- Enhancing patient care outcomes.
- Supporting evidence-based practice.
Definition
“Research is a systematic search for facts and the relationship between them.” – (Notter)
According to Polit & Beck:
“Nursing research is a systematic inquiry designed to develop knowledge about issues important to nursing, including nursing practice, education, and administration.”
According to Burns & Grove:
“Nursing research is a scientific process that validates and refines existing knowledge and generates new knowledge that directly and indirectly influences nursing practice.”
Need for Nursing Research
- To promote fundamental nursing knowledge.
- To bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- To support evidence-based nursing.
- To increase accountability in the profession.
- To develop a deeper understanding of healthcare challenges.
- To improve quality of care and patient outcomes.
- To evaluate existing theories and propose new ones.
- To enhance the credibility of the nursing profession.
Purpose of Nursing Research
- To support the advancement of nursing as a scientific discipline.
- To develop new knowledge and validate existing knowledge.
- To provide high-quality and cost-effective care.
- To improve healthcare services for individuals and society.
- To support continuous professional development.
Sources of Knowledge in Research
- Tradition – Knowledge passed from generation to generation.
- Authority – Knowledge from experts and professionals.
- Experience – Acquired through personal practice and trial-and-error.
- Logical Reasoning – Using logic to understand and solve problems.
- Research in Other Disciplines – Knowledge from medicine, psychology, sociology, pharmacology, etc., enriches nursing.
Types and Functions of Research
- Exploration – Investigates unknown areas.
- Speculation – Assumes or hypothesizes possibilities.
- Description – Describes events or situations.
- Explanation – Explains why and how things happen.
- Prediction – Anticipates future outcomes.
- Evaluation – Assesses effectiveness or impact.
Benefits of Pursuing Research
- Develops a scientific attitude and critical thinking.
- Helps in understanding public health and disease management.
- Promotes accountability and credibility in practice.
- Enhances knowledge and skills through library use and literature review.
- Encourages curiosity and professional growth.
Phases of Nursing Research Process
1. Assessment Phase
- Identify a research problem.
- Formulate the research proposal.
- Define the concepts and variables (independent and dependent).
2. Diagnosis Phase
- State objectives or hypotheses.
- Review existing literature.
- Identify assumptions, limitations, and theoretical framework.
3. Planning Phase
- Describe the research design and methodology.
- Obtain permissions and conduct a pilot study (trial run).
- Plan communication of research findings.
4. Implementation Phase
- Collect data according to the research plan.
5. Evaluation Phase
- Analyze and interpret the data.
- Communicate the research findings.
Areas of Nursing Research
1. Nursing Education
- Improve curriculum and educational programs.
- Introduce new teaching methods and tools.
2. Nursing Practice
- Enhance clinical practice and standards.
- Address challenges faced by nurses on the field.
3. Nursing Administration
- Improve hospital management and nursing leadership.
- Optimize the use of nursing resources.