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1 Introduction. 2 Definition and purpose. Outcomes. 

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Nursing research dates back as early as 1850. Florence Nightingale conducted the first documented research focused on the impact of environmental health on soldier mortality. Since then, research in Nursing has evolved into a recognised science that is uses scientific study specific or identified problems or phenomena in Nursing. During this online activity you will be introduced to the basic concepts related to Nursing Research.. 

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Nursing research dates back as early as 1850. Florence Nightingale conducted the first documented research focused on the impact of environmental health on soldier mortality.
 Since then, research in Nursing has evolved into a recognised science that is uses scientific study specific or identified problems or phenomena in Nursing. 
 During this online activity you will be introduced to the basic concepts related to Nursing Research.

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Nursing research A systematic method that can confirm or improve existing knowledge. Nursing Research generates new insights that impact nursing practice. Purpose Nursing Research is essential to develop knowledge for clinical practice and refine interventions. Nursing Research facilitates the development or improvement of guidelines and protocols and Nursing Research builds an evidence-based practice for the profession. (Grove, Gray & Burns, 2015:3). 

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Nursing research A systematic method that can confirm or improve existing knowledge. Nursing Research generates new insights that impact nursing practice.
 Purpose Nursing Research is essential to develop knowledge for clinical practice and refine interventions.   Nursing Research facilitates the development or improvement of guidelines and protocols and  Nursing Research builds an evidence-based practice for the profession.  (Grove, Gray & Burns, 2015:3)

[Audio] The research as well as nursing processes follow a scientific approach. The steps in the research process will appear familiar as we compare the steps in research to the scientific nursing process. 

When a nurse cares for a patient and performs a patient assessment, the nurse gathers objective and subjective data about the patient and their presenting complaint or condition.  

The nurse uses this data to formulate nursing diagnoses.  This diagnosis will inform care plan set for the patient. 

When researchers face a problem in practice for example, they will ask specific questions about that problem. They need to formulate a clearer understanding of what the actual issue is. 

This initial step allows researchers to narrow down the issue into a specific problem. 

In nursing, after identifying a nursing diagnosis, nurses will plan care guided by this diagnosis. The care that is planned includes specific and measurable outcomes.

Nursing care is implemented according to this carefully developed care plan. 

In research once a specific problem is identified, researchers may hypothesize or suggest an expected outcome and formulate how they will be going about finding answers to their research questions. 

Once this step is concluded the researchers will then carry out experiments, observations or other data collection activities. 

After implementing care, nurses will evaluate the patient's progress towards the expected outcomes.

In research, once data has been collected, researchers will analyze the data collected and draw conclusions specific to the research questions and objectives.

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[Audio] Next we will take a closer look at the research process and the steps in this process in more depth. The authors Grove Gray and Burns describe the research process. The research process commences with a Research Problem. Researchers identify and define the specific issue or question that the intended research will address. Before commencing the research the researchers conduct through review of available literature. This is known as a Literature Review. Researchers will conduct a comprehensive review of existing research and literature related to the research problem to understand the current state of knowledge specific to the problem they are interested in.
After conducting a literature review researchers develop a framework or approach for the research. Researchers formulate a framework that outlines the approach and perspective of the study.
They will also need to specifically state the research objectives and research Question. Researchers clearly state the goals of the research and formulate specific questions that the research aims to answer.
Next researchers may develop a testable statement that predicts an expected outcome based on other studies or on their own assumptions. This is known as a hypothesis. Researchers plan their methodology including the type of research (for example experimental descriptive) procedures and techniques to be used and specify this in their research design. Identifying a suitable population and sampling ensures that researchers clearly identify or define the target population and determine the sampling methods to select suitable participants for the study so that the correct data can be collected. Next they will need to specify the measurement methods or tools and instruments that they will use to collect data. These can included surveys interviews or observations. Once this preparatory work is complete data collection can commence. This is the process of gathering data from the selected sample using the methods that the researchers had identified. Once all the data is collected researchers will proceed with data analysis. The data collected will be analysed using appropriate techniques to interpret the results. On completion of data analysis the results are discussed . The findings are discussed within the context of the research objectives. The research outcomes are shared along with the implications limitations and potential future research that is recommended based on the outcomes of the research findings.. 

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The
DISCUSSION &
OUTCOMES
Research Journey
HYPOTHESIS?
FORMULATE
RESEARCH
QUESTION & OBJECTIVE
FRAMEWORK
APPROACH
LITERATURE
REVIEW
RESEARCH
PROBLEM
DATA ANALYSIS
DATA
COLLECTION
RESEARCH
DESIGN
METHODS
POPULATION &
SAMPLE

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[Audio] The research problem is the specific "thing" that catches the interest of the researcher. The research problem in nursing could relate to patient care nursing practice and processes or several other aspects in nursing. The authors Grove Gray and Burns explain that a research problem is a specific issue difficulty contradiction or gap in knowledge that a researcher aims to address through their study. It forms the foundation of a research project. The research problem will guide the direction of the study the questions asked and how the researchers will go about conducting the research.. 

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A research problem: Area of concern in which there is a knowledge gap.

It is a phenomena that needs a deeper sense of understanding or explanation?

Grove, Gray & Burns, 2015:41 & Polit & Beck, 2014:49,67

Phenomena are the experiences in the lives of humans.

[Audio] Conducting a literature review in research provides researchers with insights in to what knowledge already exists what gaps have been identified in other research. It provides insight into methodology and approaches to addressing the research problem. Literature reviews are an important step in research and ensure that the study is grounded in current scientific knowledge. It provides an opportunity to build on previous work. This process helps to refine research questions develop appropriate methodologies and avoid duplication of efforts.. 

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Conducting a search of existing literature regarding the research problem. Determine what is already known.

How other researchers went about studying the phenomenon. What tools were used.

[Audio] Selecting the study framework or approach in nursing research involves choosing a theoretical or conceptual model that aligns with the research problem and questions. This framework guides the study design data collection and analysis ensuring coherence and providing a structured way to interpret findings within the context of existing knowledge and theories in nursing. 

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Guides research design, data collection and data analysis.

Choosing a theoretical or conceptual model that aligns to the research problem and questions. This provides structure to interpretation of findings.

[Audio] Determining the research objectives involves clearly defining what the study aims to achieve. Objectives should be specific measurable attainable relevant and time-bound. This step outlines the goals of the research. This could include understanding a phenomenon evaluating an intervention or exploring relationships between variables in nursing practice. These will further guide the research approach design and methods.. 

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Specifying what the research aims to achieve. Narrower in focus and more specific.

[Audio] Formulating the research questions involves creating clear focused and researchable questions that stem from the research objectives. These questions should be precise and guide the direction of the study helping to identify the type of data needed and the methods to be used. In nursing research well-formulated questions address specific aspects of nursing care patient outcomes or healthcare systems and can be descriptive exploratory explanatory or predictive.. 

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Grove, Gray & Burns, 2015:43 & Polit & Beck, 2014:105-106

Directly related to the purpose of the study – stems from objectives

Helps to focus attention on kind of data needed to answer them

STEP 5. Hypothesis. Polit & Beck, 2014:107. It is an assumption or prediction related to the relationship amongst variables being studied.. 

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It is an assumption or prediction related to the relationship amongst variables being studied.

The outcomes of the research will be “tested” against the hypothesis to determine whether the researcher's predictions were true or false.

The research will either accept or reject the hypothesis once the data is analysed and interpreted.

Qualitative research that wishes to explore participant’s views or perceptions do not typically include a hypothesis.

[Audio] Research design is the overall strategy that outlines how the research will be conducted ensuring the research methodology is sound and answers the research questions. It includes selecting between qualitative quantitative or a mixed-method approach. The research design step sets the framework for data collection and analysis specifying the study population sampling methods and data collection tools and how the researchers will ensuring validity and reliability.. 

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Research design choice is dependent on what is known / not known about the problem

Blueprint for the way the study needs to be conducted to ensure the unique needs of the study are met.

Qualitative research  aims to understand experiences, behaviors, and social contexts, providing in-depth insights (e.g. into patient care, healthcare practices, and nursing experiences). It is often used to understanding complex issues, and exploring new areas of research.

Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns and determine relationships between variables. This approach aims to produce generalizable results, allowing for the evaluation of interventions, assessment of outcomes, and establishing evidence-based practices.

[Audio] The population is said to be the entire group of interest for the research. These individuals objects or substances meet all the criteria for inclusion in the study.. 

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Polit & Beck, 2014:177 & Grove, Gray & Burns, 2015:46

The population is the group of interest for the study.

Target population: Entire population in which the researcher is interested in

Accessible population: the portion of the target population that is accessible to the researcher

[Audio] Sampling involves selecting a subset of individuals or objects from a larger population – or the accessible population to participate in the research. In this step researchers must ensure that the sample accurately represents the population. Once the population has been clearly identified researchers must chose the most appropriate sampling method that will ensure that they are able to obtain data specific to the research objectives and questions. Sampling is guided by the research method or approach. Sampling methods include probability or non-probability sampling methods. Researchers must also determine the correct sample size. They must determine how the participants will be recruited and how they will be protected during the study.. 

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Grove, Gray & Burns, 2015:46 & Polit & Beck, 2014:177-180

Selection of a subset of the population, that contain the same elements or traits as the population.

Representative of the population and serve as the research participants.

Probability Sampling methods include random sampling, stratified sampling, or cluster sampling where each member of the population has a known chance of being selected

Non-probability Sampling methods include convenience sampling, purposive sampling, or snowball sampling where selection of the participants are based on specific criteria or availability.

[Audio] Researchers must clarify what measurement methods they will be adopting in their research. This includes specifying the tools and techniques that will be used to collect data. In order to do so they must identify and clearly define the variables that will be measured and consider the research approach adopted. In quantitative research where numerical data is required researchers tend to use surveys questionnaires scales or biomedical tools that provide numerical data. In qualitative research researchers are more likely to use interview guides focus groups or observational checklists that provide narrative data. Irrespective of the approach researchers must pay close attention to the validity and reliability of their tools and methods. This is often supported through conducting a pilot ahead of the actual research in order to test the tools and methods.. 

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Grove, Gray & Burns, 2015:46,82 & Polit & Beck, 2014:201

Methods and tools to be used in gathering data after specifying what will be measured.

Tools determined by the research approach (e.g. survey vs interview guide).

Validity: Ensures the instrument accurately measures what it intended to measure

Reliability: Ensures that the instrument produces consistent results over time and across different contexts.

[Audio] Data Collection is the step that involves the systematic gathering of data using the selected instruments by the researcher. Throughout this step researchers must ensure consistency in their use of the tools and strictly adhere to ethical standards.. 

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Collection of data from participants once consent has been provided (participants and institution) and ethical clearance has been confirmed.

Systematic collection of data from the research participants, using specified tools consistently throughout data collection.

CONSITENCY AND ADHERANCE TO ETHICAL STANDARDS THROUGHOUT.

[Audio] Data analysis involves systematically examining collected data to draw meaningful conclusions answer research questions and support decision-making. The approach to data analysis differs between qualitative and quantitative research. Data whether qualitative or quantitative in nature is interpreted within the context of the research objectives and question. This step must be meticulously managed.. 

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Organise and examine data to give meaning to the data

Allows researchers to draw meaningful conclusions and answer research questions.

Qualitative data is transcribed, coded and themes are identified and interpreted. Researchers typically go back to the data several times to validate the themes  and may use peers to ensure that their findings are trustworthy and credible.

Quantitative data is prepared for analysis. This includes checking for missing elements and organizing the dataset. The use of statistical software can assist in statistical analysis and interpretation of the data within the context of the research objectives and question.

[Audio] The research outcome refers to the findings and results derived from the data analysis. This includes Presenting the main results whether they are statistical data in quantitative studies or themes and patterns in qualitative studies. It also includes a discussion on the practical applications of the findings for nursing practice policy education or further research. Researchers provide suggestions based on the research outcomes to improve nursing practice patient care or healthcare systems. They must acknowledge the study's limitations and the potential impact of these limitations on their findings. These outcomes must be included in the research report.. 

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Interpretation of research outcomes by examining the results after analysis

Typically involves the findings, implications of the study, limitations as well as recommendations for practice and future research.

[Audio] The research report documents the entire research process and its findings. It typically includes the following sections: The title page which includes the title of the study author(s) and date. An which is a brief summary of the research objectives methods findings and conclusions.
The introduction which presents the background significance and purpose of the study along with the research questions or hypotheses.
The literature review which summarises existing research related to the topic and identifying gaps that this study aims to fill.
Methodology which details the research design sampling methods data collection instruments and procedures used in the study.
The result section presents the findings in a clear and organized manner using tables figures and narrative descriptions.
The discussion session provides the researcher's interpretation of the results linking these results to the research questions existing literature and theoretical framework.
The conclusion summarises the main findings their implications and the study's overall contribution to nursing knowledge.
All literature reviewed and sources used in the study are listed in the complete list of references according to a specific referencing style. Supplementary materials such as data collection instruments ethical approval and other relevant documents are included in the Appendices.. 

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Formal documentation of the entire research process and its findings.

[Audio] In the next learning item in this activity you are required to download and read the published article: Patient Safety Informatics: Meeting the challenges of emerging digital health by McInerney and others. The questions that follow in the assessment activity are based on this article and the steps described above.. 

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LET’S SEE IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY THESE STEPS IN PUBLISHED RESEARCH.

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MAIN HEADING

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The research process and nursing process both follow a scientific approach. 

The steps will appear familiar as we work through and compare the steps in each.  

As a nurse performs a patient assessment
 objective and subjective is gathered. 
They use this data to formulate nursing diagnoses and inform the patient's care plan.  

Similarly when researchers face a problem or phenomenon in practice
 researchers will ask questions about that specific phenomenon. They need to formulate a clearer understanding of what the actual issue is. 

This initial step allows researchers to narrow down the issue into a specific problem.

After identifying a nursing diagnosis
 nurses will plan care specific to this diagnosis.  Planned care will be implemented as set out in the patient's care plan which includes expected outcomes. 

In research
 once a specific problem is identified
 researchers may hypothesize or suggest an expected outcome and formulate how they will be going about finding answers to their research questions.  Once this step is concluded
 the researchers will then carry out their experiments
 observations or other data collection activities.  

Nurses will evaluate patient's progress towards the expected outcomes
 whilst researchers will analyze the data collected and draw conclusions specific to the research questions and objectives.

avatar

Next we will take a closer look at the research process and the steps in this process in more depth.

The authors Grove
 Gray and Burns describe the research process.  

The research process commences with a Research Problem.  Researchers identify and define the specific issue or question that the intended research will address.  Before commencing the research
 the researchers conduct through review of available literature.  This is known as a Literature Review. Researchers will conduct a comprehensive review of existing research and literature related to the research problem to understand the current state of knowledge specific to the problem they are interested in.
After conducting a literature review
 researchers develop a framework or approach for the research. Researchers formulate a framework that outlines the approach and perspective of the study.
They will also need to specifically state the research objectives and research Question.  Researchers clearly state the goals of the research and formulate specific questions that the research aims to answer.
Next researchers may develop a testable statement that predicts an expected outcome based on other studies or on their own assumptions. This is known as a hypothesis.

Researchers plan their methodology
 including the type of research (for example
 experimental
 descriptive)
 procedures
 and techniques to be used and specify this in their research design.

Identifying a suitable population and sampling ensures that researchers clearly identify or define the target population and determine the sampling methods to select suitable participants for the study
 so that the correct data can be collected.  Next they will need to specify the measurement methods or tools and instruments that they will use to collect data. These can included surveys
 interviews or observations. Once this preparatory work is complete
 data collection can commence.  This is the process of gathering data from the selected sample
  using the methods that the researchers had identified.  Once all the data is collected
 researchers will proceed with data analysis.  The data collected will be analysed using appropriate techniques to interpret the results. On completion of data analysis
 the results are discussed . The findings are discussed within the context of the research objectives.  The research outcomes are shared along with the implications
 limitations
 and potential future research that is recommended based on the outcomes of the research findings.

The research problem is the specific "thing" that catches the interest of the researcher. The research problem in nursing could relate to patient care
 nursing practice and processes or several other aspects in nursing. The authors Grove
 Gray and Burns explain that a research problem is a specific issue
 difficulty
 contradiction
 or gap in knowledge that a researcher aims to address through their study. It forms the foundation of a research project. The research problem will guide the direction of the study
 the questions asked
 and how the researchers will go about conducting the research.

Conducting a literature review in research provides researchers with insights in to what knowledge already exists
 what gaps have been identified in other research.  It provides insight into methodology and approaches to addressing the research problem.  Literature reviews are an important step in research and ensure that the study is grounded in current scientific knowledge. It provides an opportunity to build on previous work. This process helps to refine research questions
 develop appropriate methodologies
 and avoid duplication of efforts.

Selecting the study framework or approach in nursing research involves choosing a theoretical or conceptual model that aligns with the research problem and questions. This framework guides the study design
 data collection
 and analysis
 ensuring coherence and providing a structured way to interpret findings within the context of existing knowledge and theories in nursing

Determining the research objectives involves clearly defining what the study aims to achieve. Objectives should be specific
 measurable
 attainable
 relevant
 and time-bound. This step outlines the goals of the research. This could include understanding a phenomenon
 evaluating an intervention
 or exploring relationships between variables in nursing practice. These will further guide the research approach
 design and methods.

Formulating the research questions involves creating clear
 focused
 and researchable questions that stem from the research objectives. These questions should be precise and guide the direction of the study
 helping to identify the type of data needed and the methods to be used. In nursing research
 well-formulated questions address specific aspects of nursing care
 patient outcomes
 or healthcare systems and can be descriptive
 exploratory
 explanatory
 or predictive.

Research design is the overall strategy that outlines how the research will be conducted
 ensuring the research methodology is sound and answers the research questions. It includes selecting between qualitative
 quantitative
 or a mixed-method approach.  The research design step sets the framework for data collection and analysis
 specifying the study population
 sampling methods
 and data collection tools and how the researchers will ensuring validity and reliability.

The population is said to be the entire group of interest for the research.  These individuals
 objects or substances meet all the criteria for inclusion in the study.

Sampling involves selecting a subset of individuals or objects from a larger population – or the accessible population  to participate in the research. In this step researchers must ensure that the sample accurately represents the population. 

Once the population has been clearly identified
 researchers must chose the most appropriate sampling method that will ensure that they are able to obtain data specific to the research objectives and questions. Sampling is guided by the research method or approach. Sampling methods include probability or non-probability sampling methods.  Researchers must also determine the correct sample size. They must determine how the participants will be recruited and how they will be protected during the study.

Researchers must clarify what measurement methods they will be adopting in their research.  This includes specifying the tools and techniques that will be used to collect data. 

In order to do so they must identify and clearly define the variables that will be measured and consider the research approach adopted.  In quantitative research where numerical data is required
 researchers tend to use surveys
 questionnaires
 scales
 or biomedical tools that provide numerical data.  In qualitative research
 researchers are more likely to use interview guides
 focus groups
 or observational checklists that provide narrative data.

Irrespective of the approach
 researchers must pay close attention to the validity and reliability of their tools and methods. This is often supported through conducting a pilot ahead of the actual research in order to test the tools and methods.

Data Collection is the step that involves the systematic gathering of  data using the selected instruments by the researcher. Throughout this step
 researchers must ensure consistency in their use of the tools and strictly adhere to ethical standards.

Data analysis involves systematically examining collected data to draw meaningful conclusions
 answer research questions
 and support decision-making. The approach to data analysis differs between qualitative and quantitative research.  Data
 whether qualitative or quantitative in nature is interpreted within the context of the research objectives and question. This step must be meticulously managed.

The research outcome refers to the findings and results derived from the data analysis. This includes Presenting the main results
 whether they are statistical data in quantitative studies or themes and patterns in qualitative studies.  It also includes a discussion on the practical applications of the findings for nursing practice
 policy
 education
 or further research.  Researchers provide suggestions based on the research outcomes to improve nursing practice
 patient care
 or healthcare systems.  They must acknowledge the study's limitations and the potential impact of these limitations on their findings.  These outcomes must be included in the research report.

The research report documents the entire research process and its findings. It typically includes the following sections: 
The title page which includes the title of the study
 author(s)
 and date. 
An abstract which is a brief summary of the research objectives
 methods
 findings
 and conclusions.
The introduction which presents the background
 significance
 and purpose of the study
 along with the research questions or hypotheses.
The literature review which summarises existing research related to the topic and identifying gaps that this study aims to fill.
Methodology which details the research design
 sampling methods
 data collection instruments
 and procedures used in the study.
The result section presents the findings in a clear and organized manner
 using tables
 figures
 and narrative descriptions.
The discussion session provides the researcher's interpretation of the results
 linking these results to the research questions
 existing literature
 and theoretical framework.
The conclusion summarises the main findings
 their implications
 and the study's overall contribution to nursing knowledge.
All literature reviewed and sources used in the study are listed in the complete list of references according to a specific referencing style. Supplementary materials such as data collection instruments
 ethical approval and other relevant documents are included in the Appendices.

In the next learning item in this activity
 you are required to download and read the published article: Patient Safety Informatics: Meeting the challenges of emerging digital health
 by McInerney and others. The questions that follow in the assessment activity are based on this article and the steps described above.