Nursing Profession and Applied Research

Nursing Profession and Applied Research Applied research plays a vital role in health care, especially within the nursing profession. It focuses on addressing specific, practical issues that impact patient care, drawing on findings from basic research and applying them in real-world settings. This essay explores the significance of applied research in nursing, its relationship with other scientific disciplines, and its outcomes, highlighting how it enhances the quality of care provided by nurses.

Nursing Profession and Applied Research

Applied research in nursing is essential for advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes. By investigating concrete issues, nurses can develop evidence-based interventions that directly address the needs of patients. This research bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that nursing care is informed by the latest scientific findings.

Definition and Scope

Applied research in nursing can be defined as research aimed at practical issues and questions related to nursing care. This encompasses a range of studies, from intervention research—such as clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions—to descriptive research that seeks to understand the dynamics of patient care.

The primary focus of applied research is to provide answers that can be implemented in clinical practice. For instance, studies examining patient adherence to treatment regimens can inform strategies to enhance compliance, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

Applied Research in Other Fields of Science

To contextualize applied research in nursing, it is essential to understand its role in other scientific disciplines. Research is typically categorized into two broad types: basic (or fundamental) research and applied research.

Basic Research

Basic research is concerned with generating knowledge and understanding fundamental principles and processes that govern various phenomena. This type of research is essential for laying the groundwork for applied research by providing theoretical frameworks and insights.

Applied Research

In contrast, applied research focuses on practical applications. It seeks to address specific problems, develop new technologies, or improve existing practices. In the health care context, applied research is crucial for translating findings from basic research into effective interventions and treatments.

Applied research can take many forms, including clinical trials, observational studies, and qualitative research. In nursing, this research often targets patient care strategies, workforce issues, and health outcomes.

Applied Research in Nursing

The application of research in nursing is particularly important given the complexities of patient care. The nursing profession has a rich history of integrating research findings into practice, leading to improved care standards and enhanced patient outcomes.

Types of Applied Research in Nursing

  1. Intervention Research: This type of research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness and efficacy of specific nursing interventions. For example, studies may examine the impact of educational programs on patient self-management of chronic diseases.
  2. Descriptive Research: Non-intervention research that explores various aspects of nursing care also qualifies as applied research. Understanding factors that contribute to patient noncompliance can inform the development of targeted interventions.
  3. Cost-Effectiveness Research: Evaluating the financial implications of nursing interventions is critical for sustainable health care. Cost-effectiveness studies help identify which interventions provide the best outcomes for the resources expended.

Benefits for Nurses

Applied research offers numerous benefits to nurses and the broader health care community:

  • Informed Practice: Research findings empower nurses to base their practices on evidence, ensuring that they provide the best possible care to their patients.
  • Enhanced Patient Outcomes: By implementing evidence-based interventions, nurses can improve patient health outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance overall quality of care.
  • Professional Development: Engaging in applied research fosters critical thinking and enhances clinical skills, contributing to the professional growth of nurses.
  • Advocacy and Leadership: Nurses who participate in research can advocate for necessary changes in policy and practice, ensuring that patient needs are prioritized.

Outcomes of Applied Research in Nursing

The outcomes of applied research in nursing can be significant, influencing various aspects of health care delivery. These outcomes can be categorized into effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and improvements in patient care.

Effectiveness of Interventions

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of nursing interventions in various contexts. For instance, research on the use of evidence-based protocols for managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart failure, has shown that these approaches lead to improved patient outcomes, including reduced hospital readmissions and better adherence to treatment plans.

  • Case Study Example: A study by De Geest et al. (1995) investigated the impact of a modified isolation protocol for heart transplant recipients. The results indicated that the protocol not only improved patient outcomes but also led to significant cost savings.

Cost-Effectiveness

Managing health care costs is a critical issue in today’s health care landscape. Applied research in nursing provides valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of various interventions, allowing for better resource allocation.

  • Example: A study comparing pre-operative skin preparation procedures for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients found that certain methods were more cost-effective while maintaining high standards of care (De Geest et al., 1996).

Improved Patient Care

The ultimate goal of applied research in nursing is to enhance patient care. By identifying effective interventions and understanding patient needs, nurses can provide more personalized and effective care.

  • Outcomes: Research focused on patient-centered care approaches has shown that involving patients in their care decisions leads to higher satisfaction rates and improved health outcomes.

Conclusion

Applied research is a cornerstone of nursing practice, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. By focusing on practical issues, nurses can develop evidence-based interventions that enhance patient care and improve health outcomes. The ongoing need for research in nursing underscores the profession’s commitment to delivering high-quality, effective care. As health care continues to evolve, the role of applied research will remain crucial in addressing emerging challenges and improving the overall quality of care provided by nurses.

Leave a Comment