Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods, and Triangulation Research Simplified.

For the novice nurse researcher, identifying a clinical researchable problem may be simple, but discerning an appropriate research approach may be daunting. What are the differences among quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and triangulation research? Which method is applicable for the study one wants to conduct? This article discusses the two main research traditions (quantitative and qualitative) and the differences and similarities in methods for frontline nurses. It simplifies and clarifies how the reader might enhance the rigor of the research study by using mixed methods or triangulation. The four types of research are described, and examples are provided to support readers to plan projects, use the most appropriate method, and effectively communicate findings. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(7):338-344.].

Willing But Not Quite Ready: Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Research in an Academic Healthcare System.

OBJECTIVE: To describe nurses' research knowledge, attitudes, and practices within an academic hospital system. BACKGROUND: Hospitals are investing in research resources to meet Magnet® goals and advance the science of nursing, but nurses' specific needs for support are not well characterized and may vary by setting. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous online survey of RNs at an academic hospital system in 2019-2020 using the validated Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Research Survey. RESULTS: Respondents (N = 99) indicated high willingness to engage in research-related tasks but low or moderate knowledge of and ability to perform them. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of research increased with level of education, although gaps between willingness to engage versus knowledge and ability persisted even among doctorally prepared nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Research support for clinical nurses should leverage enthusiasm for research and focus on developing and applying specific practical skills, even among nurses with advanced degrees.

Verifying intervention fidelity procedures for a palliative home care intervention with pilot study results.

Fidelity (consistency of intervention implementation) is essential to rigorous research. Intervention fidelity maintains study internal validity, intervention reproducibility, and transparency in the research conduct. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe intervention fidelity strategies/procedures developed for a pilot study testing a new palliative care nursing intervention (FamPALcare) for families managing advanced lung disease. The procedures described herein are based on the fidelity best practices recommendations from the NIH Consortium. An evidence-based checklist guided observational ratings of the fidelity procedures used and the intervention content implemented in each intervention session. Descriptive data on how participants understood (received), enacted, or used the intervention information were summarized. The fidelity checklist observational scores found ≥93% of the planned intervention content was implemented, and the fidelity strategies were adhered to consistently during each intervention session. The small variation (7%) in implementation was expected and related to participants' varying experiences, input, and/or questions. The helpfulness scale items include participants' ability to use home care resources, to anticipate and manage end-of-life symptoms, and to use Advance Directive forms. The high ratings (M = 4.4) on the 1-5 (very helpful) Likert Helpfulness Scale verified participants utilized the information from the intervention. Furthermore, there was an improvement in patients' breathlessness scores and completion of Advance Directive forms at 3 months after baseline. It is essential to plan intervention fidelity strategies to use throughout a study and to report fidelity results.

Model Setting and Interpretation of Results in Research Using Structural Equation Modeling: A Checklist with Guiding Questions for Reporting.

PURPOSE: This study develops a checklist with guidelines for the methods and important factors to consider in research using structural equation modeling (SEM). METHOD: The paper discusses the factors to consider in the process across the three stages of 1) model setting, 2) model evaluation and modification, and 3) interpretation and reporting of SEM-based studies. RESULTS: The authors present a checklist for researchers during the stages of model setting, model evaluation and modification, result analysis, and reporting, along with examples of figures and tables with explanations. CONCLUSION: A checklist will help to improve the reporting quality of SEM-based studies.

Why Nursing Research Matters.

Increasingly, nursing research is considered essential to the achievement of high-quality patient care and outcomes. In this month's Magnet® Perspectives column, we examine the origins of nursing research, its role in creating the Magnet Recognition Program®, and why a culture of clinical inquiry matters for nurses. This column explores how Magnet hospitals have built upon the foundation of seminal research to advance contemporary standards that address some of the challenges faced by healthcare organizations around the world. We offer strategies for nursing leaders to develop robust research-oriented programs in their organizations.

A guide to improve your causal inferences from observational data.

True causality is impossible to capture with observational studies. Nevertheless, within the boundaries of observational studies, researchers can follow three steps to answer causal questions in the most optimal way possible. Researchers must: (a) repeatedly assess the same constructs over time in a specific sample; (b) consider the temporal sequence of effects between constructs; and (c) use an analytical strategy that distinguishes within from between-person effects. In this context, it is demonstrated how the random intercepts cross-lagged panel model can be a useful statistical technique. A real-life example of the relationship between loneliness and quality of life in adolescents with congenital heart disease is provided to show how the model can be practically implemented.

Presenting research reflexivity in your PhD thesis.

BACKGROUND: It is important for researchers to be open and transparent about the relationship between themselves and the subjects of their enquiry. Reflexivity enables them to do this, but although there is much guidance in the literature about reflexivity in general, there is little guidance for PhD candidates on including it in their theses. AIM: To provide a practical illustration of how researchers can evidence reflexivity in their theses. DISCUSSION: The author presents the reflexive stance and journey she made when completing a PhD study that used constructivist grounded theory. It predominantly depicts the influences on the choices and decisions she made, so the reader can make sense of the journey she undertook. The author depicts how she began her journey as a novice nurse researcher and concluded it as a fully fledged researcher. CONCLUSION: There has been much debate about how to integrate reflexivity in the context of a particular study. This article highlights the importance of reflexivity in research and uses excerpts from the author's thesis to illustrate how it can be presented in a thesis. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The article provides a guide and questions for PhD candidates to consider so they can present and think more deeply about reflexivity in their theses.

Analysis of the technological production of three professional master's programs in the field of nursing.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the technological production of three professional master programs in the area of Nursing. METHOD: documentary research on primary sources. A total of 100 graduate nurses from three professional master's programs in Nursing in the Southeastern region of Brazil were analyzed, based on the following variables: time of training, typology of products; context of products and technological and educational classification, welfare and management. The study was guided by the question: "How is the technological production of the dissertation of the professional master's degree according to typology, context and technological classification? The analysis of the data was based on the construction of a table that categorized the products according to the typology. RESULTS: development of techniques was the main type of product found, being expressed by flowcharts, protocols, guidelines and training courses. The products were mostly developed in the hospital context, in the educational technology format. CONCLUSION: the technological production of the analyzed programs is restricted, diffuse and, in its majority, of low social impact and has no relevance in the body of the dissertation. Despite the wide possibility of conclusion work, the dissertation, accompanied by an article and/or technical productions, is the main form of presentation.