Perspectives Regarding Methodological Considerations and Challenges of Conducting Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in Nursing Research

Abstract

Randomised Control Trials (RCT) serve as the gold standard in research design, offering valuable insights into evaluating the impact of nursing interventions on patient health outcomes. This paper explores the methodological considerations and challenges inherent in designing and conducting RCTs within the nursing context. The inclusion criteria involved a thorough search across reputable databases, including CEINAHL, EBSCO, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, spanning any period due to the scarcity of relevant material. Articles were selected based on their alignment with key considerations such as randomisation, blinding, sample size calculations, outcome measures, and ethical aspects. Data extraction involved findings related to methodological considerations and challenges faced by nurse researchers in RCT design and implementation. Various challenges arise when applying these considerations due to the nature of nursing interventions and ethical concerns. Proposed solutions include comprehensive informed consent, mixed-methods approaches, and the cluster-randomization process. This paper underscores the role of nurse researchers in overcoming challenges and fostering evidence-based practice. Integrating robust methodological strategies and ethical considerations ensures the validity and reliability of nursing RCTs, contributing to improved patient care.