Research in clinical nursing Practices

What is Research in Clinical Nursing Practice?

Research in clinical nursing practice is the systematic investigation and study of nursing-related problems, interventions, and outcomes to generate new knowledge, validate existing practices, and improve patient care.

It bridges the gap between nursing theory, research evidence, and bedside practice.

Evolution in Clinical Nursing Research

The evolution of clinical nursing research can be characterized by changes in focus, methodology, and complexity. Early research efforts were often experimental and quasi-experimental, focusing on specific problems in isolation. Investigators frequently worked alone, resulting in studies that were context-bound and limited in their applicability to broader populations.

Shift from Experimental to Exploratory Research

As the nursing profession matured, researchers recognized that many phenomena of interest were not well understood. This realization led to a transition from experimental methods to exploratory and descriptive methodologies, such as grounded theory and phenomenology.

Guided by the nursing meta-paradigm, which includes concepts of person, nursing, health, and environment, nurse scientists began to focus on identifying and defining the relevant concepts for study. This shift also emphasized the relationships among these concepts within theoretical frameworks.

Purpose of Research in Nursing Practice:

1. Improve Patient Care
   • Develop and validate effective interventions.
2. Promote Evidence-Based Practice
   • Use high-quality research to guide decisions.
3. Enhance Nursing Knowledge
   • Contribute to the professional body of nursing science.
4. Support Quality Improvement
   • Identify gaps, prevent errors, and enhance safety.
5. Influence Policy and Guidelines
   • Shape clinical protocols and health policies.

Types of Research in Clinical Nursing:

1. Quantitative Research

• Objective, numerical data.
• Examples: randomized controlled trials, cohort studies.
• Used to measure outcomes like infection rates, recovery time, pain scores.

2. Qualitative Research

• Subjective, descriptive data.
• Examples: interviews, focus groups.
• Explores patient experiences, perceptions, and feelings.

3. Mixed-Methods Research

• Combines quantitative and qualitative data.
• Provides a more holistic understanding.

4. Translational & Implementation Research

• Focuses on moving research evidence into practice.

Steps in Conducting Clinical Nursing Research:

1. Identify a Clinical Problem
   • Example: High rates of pressure injuries in ICU patients.
2. Review the Literature
   • Find existing evidence and identify gaps.
3. Formulate a Research Question or Hypothesis
   • Example (PICO format):
     P – ICU patients at risk of pressure injury
     I – Use of pressure-relieving mattresses
     C – Standard hospital mattresses
     O – Reduction in pressure injury incidence
4. Select Research Design and Methods
   • Experimental, observational, or qualitative approaches.
5. Collect Data
   • Using valid, reliable tools (e.g., Braden Scale).
6. Analyze Data
   • Statistical analysis for quantitative studies.
   • Thematic analysis for qualitative studies.
7. Interpret and Apply Findings
   • Determine implications for clinical practice.
8. Disseminate Results
   • Publish in journals, present at conferences, update protocols.

Common Areas of Clinical Nursing Practice

The following are some of the common areas in clinical nursing practices:

• health promotion, maintenance and disease prevention;
• patient safety and quality of health care;
• promotion and risk reduction interventions of health
• of vulnerable, minority groups and marginalized community;
• patient-centred care and care coordination;
• promotion of the health and well-being of older people;
• palliative and end-of-life care;
• development of EBPs and translational research;
• care implication of genetic testing and therapeutics;
• nurses’ working environment;
• home care and community health nursing care practices;
• treatment compliance and adherence to treatment:
• description of holistic nursing situations social, cultural religious, ‘traditional and family practices, which have health implications and fall under the nursing care

These are only few areas in clinical nursing practices However, research could be conducted on any of the topics that fall in the nursing care domain.

REFERENCES

1. Al Maqbali, M. (2024). Introduction to Nursing Research. In: Essential Research for Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-78298-5_1
2. Suresh Sharma, Nursing Research & Statistics, 4th Edition – December 27, 2022, Elsevier India Pulblishers, ISBN: 9788131264478
3. Pearson, nursing Research and Statistics, Nursing Research Society of India, 2013 Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd, ISBN 9788131775707
4. Barría P RM. Use of Research in the Nursing Practice: from Statistical Significance to Clinical Significance. Invest Educ Enferm. 2023 Nov;41(3):e12. doi: 10.17533/udea.iee.v41n3e12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10990586/
5. Barría P RM. Use of Research in the Nursing Practice: from Statistical Significance to Clinical Significance. Invest Educ Enferm. 2023 Nov;41(3):e12. doi: 10.17533/udea.iee.v41n3e12. PMID: 38589312; PMCID: PMC10990586.

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