Nurse Researcher最新文献

Background: 'Protocol club' is a learning activity underpinned by social learning theory that is designed 'by the research delivery workforce, for the research delivery workforce'. A protocol club meets regularly to critique the feasibility and deliverability of publicly available study protocols.

Aim: To describe a proof-of-concept protocol club aimed at addressing the training needs of a research delivery workforce at two NHS England trusts.

Discussion: The authors piloted their club with research delivery staff at the two trusts. This provided insights about group dynamics, communities of practice and confidentiality. From these results, the authors developed the framework, worksheets and other practical elements to operationalise the protocol club.

Conclusion: A protocol club is a useful activity for practical learning.

Implications for practice: Protocol clubs can be embedded in research delivery practice as a potential framework.

Background: Among the many methodological approaches used to generate new knowledge in nursing research are mixed methods and grounded theory. However, it can be challenging for researchers to achieve and demonstrate the philosophically congruent integration required in mixed-method, grounded-theory research.

Aim: To use a hybrid of Delphi and nominal group techniques to develop a tool to appraise the quality of mixed-method, grounded-theory research.

Method: The extant literature informed the construction of an evidence-based checklist and explanatory notes that were discussed and voted upon by experienced mixed-method and grounded-theory researchers. The tool was progressively piloted in three projects employing varying grounded-theory approaches.

Discussion: Experienced mixed-method and grounded-theory researchers discussed and voted on the construction of an evidence-based checklist and explanatory notes informed by the extant literature. The researchers piloted the tool in three rounds, with reference to previous studies that used various grounded-theory approaches.

Conclusion: This study reports an effective strategy for gaining consensus to develop a tool demonstrating content, inter-rater and concurrent reliability.

Implications for practice: Nurse researchers of various levels of expertise can use the tool developed in this study, which will accommodate future advances in mixed-method and grounded-theory research.

Background: The vicarious trauma people who provide direct clinical care may experience is well documented. However, there is limited information about the vicarious trauma that researchers working with victim-survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV) or victimisation-related data may experience.

Aim: To describe and reflect on the vicarious trauma experienced by people researching DFV who have repeatedly been exposed to significant, traumatic data.

Discussion: Reflections were sourced from three researchers who were studying DFV victim-survivors' stories of trauma. Their work often left them feeling distressed and helpless. Crucial self-care strategies included taking regular breaks and debriefing co-researchers.

Conclusion: It is essential to monitor, prepare for and provide appropriate supervision and trauma-informed support to manage and address the vicarious trauma that researchers who work with sensitive and distressing data and vulnerable populations commonly experience.

Implications for practice: Researchers need to consider during the conceptual phases of their studies possible risks to their psychological safety. Furthermore, research institutions have a responsibility to support researchers' mental well-being and promote safe research practices. Ethics committees may need to ensure prior to granting ethical approval that researchers have developed and implement strategies to prevent psychological harm to themselves.

Background: The research environment is a complex ecosystem but is vital for nurturing excellence, vitality and sustainability. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) applies to research in the four nations of the UK. The framework and principles for the next REF have been published, with submissions due in 2028 and the results to be published in 2029. The three elements of the REF have changed and new weightings applied, with 'People, Culture and Environment' forming 25% of the whole.

Aim: To inform research leaders, investigators, clinical nurse researchers, and doctoral and postdoctoral students about how to prepare dynamic research strategies that prioritise inclusivity in talent management and succession.

Discussion: This article considers inclusivity in research cultures, what has been learned from the previous REF and what more needs to be done collectively across the sector and specifically in nursing. The discussion draws on the author's personal knowledge and experience as a research leader, senior manager and university governor. It is intended to be challenging and practically oriented.

Conclusion: The article sets out provocations to shape an agenda for promoting inclusive research cultures to ensure organisational readiness for REF 2029.

Implications for practice: The article provides pragmatic suggestions for moving forward at pace with making the culture in nursing research more open, transparent and fair.

Background: A researcher must consider their research question within their world view before selecting a technique appropriate for analysing their data. This will affect their choices of methodology and methods for collecting and analysing data. Reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) has become a go-to technique for qualitative nurse researchers. However, the justifications for using it and its application in the context of a wider approach are under-discussed.

Aim: To rationalise the use of RTA within a wider philosophical-methodological-methods-analysis approach and provide nurse researchers with practical guidance about how to apply it to qualitative data.

Discussion: This article conceptually grounds the seminal work of Braun and Clarke (2006 ) and provides a process for rigorously and systematically analysing qualitative data. Researchers undertaking qualitative research must use a rigorous philosophical-methodological-method-analysis approach. Before selecting a technique appropriate for analysing their data, they must consider their research question within their own world view. This has implications for their choice of methodology and consequently the data collection methods and analysis techniques they use. Researchers should be mindful of RTA's conceptual roots when applying it.

Conclusion: Transparent and rigorous data analysis leads to credible findings, supports evidence-based practice and contributes to the growing body of nursing research. Within the context of the wider philosophical-methodological-methods-analysis approach, RTA produces high-quality, credible findings when applied well.

Implications: for practice This article can guide nursing students and novice researchers in choosing and applying RTA to their research.

Background: Designing effective health interventions and evaluating their impact is crucial to improving the health of the population. To ensure interventions are of high quality and effective, evidence-based research is essential, particularly studies that use randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews. However, RCTs may not be feasible or ethical in certain situations, such as in intensive care units. Cluster or stepped-wedge RCTs are alternative ways to assess interventions that also address these ethical concerns.

Aim: To explain the stepped-wedge design and its main features as well as how to use it to evaluate nursing interventions.

Discussion: Understanding stepped-wedge designs empowers nurses to implement evidence-based interventions and improve patient outcomes. The use of stepped-wedge designs has increased in nursing research over the past two decades, indicating growing recognition of its advantages: efficient evaluation of healthcare interventions, ensuring all clusters receive treatment over time; smaller sample sizes; ethical considerations; and time control. However, challenges remain: ensuring nurse researchers' understanding and application of it is consistent, extended duration and logistical complexities. Methodological rigour, collaboration and understanding of secular trends are crucial, and nurses' involvement in RCTs enhances cluster selection, data collection and dissemination.

Conclusion: The stepped-wedge design offers an ethical and adaptable method for studying interventions, considering healthcare complexities and allocating resources. Its versatility assists the advancement of nursing care delivery and in promoting evidence-based practice.

Implications for practice: Understanding stepped-wedge designs in nursing practice enhances evidence-based care, decision-making, collaboration and professional development, benefiting patient outcomes.

Background: Case study research (CSR) has gained popularity across disciplines due to its ability to provide detailed insights into specific phenomena.

Aim: To explore the philosophy and methodology of CSR, drawing from notable authors who have contributed to its development.

Discussion: This article discusses the characteristics of CSR in terms of design and method in both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It examines CSR's advantages and disadvantages as a research method. It draws on two example case studies to emphasise the use of CSR for exploring complex healthcare and social care settings.

Conclusion: CSR has proven valuable in nursing research for investigating complex clinical problems, patient-care scenarios, and organisational dynamics and phenomena.

Implications for practice: CSR provides a methodological framework for nursing research that offers a unique lens for exploring multifaceted, complex issues. This ultimately improves patient care outcomes.

Background: Nominal group technique (NGT) is widely used in healthcare research to facilitate decision-making and consensus-building. Traditional NGT requires face-to-face interaction and its limitations include potential biases, logistical challenges and high costs. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual methods, which led to the development of virtual nominal group technique (vNGT). Aim To reflect on the use of vNGT, particularly in the context of Ghader et al (2023 ), to understand its effectiveness in overcoming the limitations of traditional NGT and on its applicability in pandemic-affected scenarios.

Method: This paper reviews and discusses literature on the use and effectiveness of NGT compared to other consensus-building methods and examines the emergence of vNGT in overcoming the limitations of traditional NGT. The authors also reflect on their use of vNGT in a study to identify cardiovascular research priorities in the UAE and provide details of its implementation.

Discussion: vNGT bridges the gap between the localised nature of traditional NGT and the global reach of the Delphi technique. It allows for the inclusion of diverse participants, saves costs and offers time-efficiency. The study demonstrated vNGT's adaptability, with participants engaging in idea generation, discussion and prioritisation using online tools. However, challenges persist with vNGT, including reduced accessibility for certain demographics, timing issues across time zones and technical difficulties.

Conclusion: vNGT successfully integrates the interactive, consensus-building aspects of NGT with the broad reach of Delphi. It can be valuable in research and decision-making, especially in an era of increased remote collaboration.

Implications for practice: vNGT can significantly impact healthcare research and policy formulation by enabling more inclusive, cost-effective and timely consensus-building processes. However, considerations for accessibility and technical support are crucial for its wider adoption and effectiveness.

Background: The evidence base for hydration practice in care homes is underdeveloped. High-quality research is therefore needed to determine what practices support older people with dementia in drinking sufficient fluid. However, methodological developments are needed to be able to do this.

Aim: To highlight the methodological issues researchers encountered during a feasibility cluster, randomised controlled trial of ThinkDrink, a hydration care guide for people with dementia living in UK care homes.

Discussion: This is a challenging area because of the complexity of recruitment, participation and data collection in care homes. Researchers must pay extra attention to rigour and quality in the design of their studies. There may be multiple challenges, so various strategies may be required.

Conclusion: It is important that researchers continue to reflect on rigorous approaches to develop evidence in a crucial area of care, despite these challenges.

Implications for practice: Researchers working in complex environments face a variety of challenges to complete methodologically rigorous research. It is important for researchers to be critical of research processes and data, to mitigate and overcome these challenges.

Background: An embedded single case-study design was used to explore the experiences of men in rural New Zealand accessing mental health services. It is essential for researchers to acknowledge positionality in case study research and the lead author used reflexive practice to acknowledge his values and beliefs.

Aim: To explore and demonstrate the reflexive process of the lead author's position as an inside researcher.

Discussion: Three groups were involved in the research: men with mental health challenges, their partners, and mental health clinicians. The article presents the initial research through memos and diarying in the context of current literature.

Conclusion: Reflexivity is essential for ensuring the research process is complete and biases are identified. Positionality exists on a continuum and it is critical for researchers to be honest with themselves, the topic and the group being investigated, to show respect for the participants and the people they represent, as well as to be committed to revealing the truth.

Implications for practice: Insider research has the potential to bridge the gap between academia and practice. It facilitates the transfer of research knowledge directly to practitioners, leading to more evidence-informed decision-making and practice.