Medical research plays a pivotal role in progressing the field of nursing. Evidence-based practice has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, and its use in nursing could result in improved standards of care. Nursing is a research-based career; patients and their caregivers depend on nurses to provide them with information that will enable them to make knowledgeable choices regarding their healthcare.
Research is essential in the field of nursing to ensure that the care being provided is of the highest quality. Studying existing research helps nurses stay up to date on the latest advances in evidence-based practice. Additionally, research conducted by nurses can be used to identify and address gaps in care, improve patient outcomes, and inform future clinical practice guidelines.
What is the significance of research in nursing education?
The nursing profession heavily relies on research to ensure quality care for patients and their families. If you’re a student who wants to succeed in nursing, you have to be ready to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in the research process to provide the best results possible. Research in various subject matters is often conducted using empirical or scientific techniques.
At conferences and through professional organizations such as The Organization of Nurse Executives (ONE) and the American Association of Colleges for Nursing, experts look over the research conducted in their field by perusing journals and other published work. Research studies continue to play an essential role for nurses in enhancing the health of their patients and mitigating any potential risks associated with their ailments.
Nurses have an obligation to keep abreast of the latest trends in their profession to make informed decisions about treatments and provide advice to others about their healthcare. Courses like the online adult gerontology DNP program at the University of Indianapolis equip nurses with skills to research and understand different diseases and their clinical manifestations. It is important to gain this knowledge to foster a better connection between medical professionals and their patients.
Evidenced-based practice in nursing
When assessing published research, four components should be taken into account:
- Validity: When evaluating a study, its validity is a key element. Unfortunately, a large portion of studies are not reliable, and some need more evidence to support their claims.
- Reliability: Do various sources show consistent results? Nursing is a field that needs continual learning. To make the correct decisions, it is essential to have access to research. Gathering knowledge from various sources provides a better understanding than relying on a single source.
- Relevance: Can we find any logical links between two events, ideas or activities? One way to discover this is by exploring the subject in an academic research database.
- Data from a wide range of research can be used to ascertain which areas of research merit close examination. This may involve long-term studies of numerous individuals (cohort studies) or more limited group tests that measure a person’s reaction to, for example, a medication (case-control studies).
- Result: What was the conclusion of the research? The outcome of any investigation is not definitive due to the varying objectives of the researchers.
Types of research
Practitioners of evidence-based practice and practice guidelines draw upon research that has been conducted and evaluated by nursing authorities. In addition, nurses take part in clinical research and collaborate with other healthcare experts in interdisciplinary studies.
The two main types of research available are:
- Quantitative research: Numbers, variables, and percentages are used to interpret data.
- Qualitative research: The results are derived from opinions, attitudes, and lived experiences.
Classes of quantitative analysis
- Descriptive research: This type of research seeks to explore and establish conclusions based on the traits observed in a person, event or group.
- Quasi-experimental research: This research attempts to understand the connection between various elements and how they impact one another.
- Correlational research: This research is used to identify the relationship between multiple variables, although it is not able to verify a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Types of qualitative research
Ethnography: This is used to gain an understanding of the various ways cultures view sickness and wellness. It looks at the habits and conventions present in those cultures.
- Grounded theory: This seeks to answer questions, identify issues, and observe responses in order to create theories.
- Symbolic interactionism: This research studies how people interact and converse, what symbols they use, and how this can change their attitudes toward health.
- Historical research: This examines the past of certain topics, cultures or groups in an orderly fashion.
- Phenomenology: This research focuses on the author’s individual experiences and insights.
The importance of nursing research in online programs
Nursing research can play a major role in virtual learning courses. By looking into the different aspects of the profession through online programs, a deeper understanding of the field can be gained. This type of study can provide valuable insights into the various areas of nursing, helping to shape the way the profession is taught and practiced.
Nurses who are pursuing online healthcare degrees may be particularly drawn to the research component. Research has long played a significant role in nursing procedures. As advancements are made in the examination of human beings on all levels, research will continue to be critical.
Research is also an indispensable part of creating software that can accelerate healing or prevent injury. At numerous universities with nursing programs, nurses who want to advance their careers in either education or administration can find a wealth of information available through online courses.