Qualitative nursing research: evidence of scientific validation from a translational perspective.

Abstract: This article aims to reflect on scientific validation strategies in qualitative research in the light of translational theory in nursing. It is a reflection based on translational theory applied to nursing in strategies for validating qualitative studies. From this angle, validation is recognized as an adaptable construct, capable of eliciting/favoring an understanding of the subjectivity of the target audience in its relationship with the object of interest/study/research. The potential for advancing the science-profession lies in the interdisciplinary confluence of validation mechanisms, qualitative studies, the translational perspective, and nursing research. This confluence has the capacity to extend beyond theoretical and epistemological aspects. However, it is crucial to emphasize its profound, expressive, and relevant impact on the construction of scientific evidence. This impact aims to enhance the rigor and reliability of qualitative research, thereby bolstering its credibility and applicability in clinical practice.

Ensuring accountability for consideration of sex as a biological variable in research.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) policy, Consideration of Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV) in NIH-funded Research (2015), focuses on the expectation that researchers account for the influence of SABV in vertebrate animal and human studies and provide a strong justification for single-sex investigations. When SABV is considered in the research design, data analyses, and reporting, the rigor and reproducibility of the research are elevated and inform best practices and precision health for all people. Additional recommendations include the appropriate use of terminology, integration into curricula, intersection with social determinants of health, and application of sex and gender equity guidelines when disseminating research. This paper is a "call to action" for nurse researchers to lean into and apply this policy's principles and our recommendations, from the bench to the bedside, to advance the equity and health of all people.

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.

Actividad y resultados del Grupo de Investigación Enfermera (GRIN), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) / Activity and outcomes of the Nursing Research Group (GRIN), Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL)

Este artículo presenta la composición, líneas de investigación y evolución del grupo de investigación enfermera (GRIN) vinculado al Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL). Las líneas principales de investigación van dirigidas a la prestación de cuidados enfermeros y su impacto en los resultados de salud de los pacientes y familias, orientándose principalmente en la investigación en cuidados a poblaciones vulnerables, enfermos críticos, pacientes crónicos complejos y personas en extremos de edad, en las siguientes áreas de interés: i) promoción de la salud; ii) innovaciones tecnológicas, sistemas de información e inteligencia artificial para la salud; iii) desarrollo metodológico, ético y social de los cuidados; iv) gestión de cuidados y resultados sensibles a la práctica enfermera; v) cribado, detección precoz y prevención de complicaciones y discapacidades. Actualmente el grupo está formado por 33 enfermeras/os, que pertenecen a cuatro hospitales y la Universidad de Barcelona, siendo el 48% doctores y el 36% doctorandos. El grupo ha producido más de 150 publicaciones científicas en siete años, de las cuales, durante el último año, el 50% fue en Q1 y el 20% en Q2, además destacando que el 60% de los proyectos obtuvo algún tipo de financiación durante el último año. El grupo de investigación está acreditado como grupo preconsolidado por la Agencia de Gestión de Ayudas Universitarias y de Investigación (AGAUR) de la Generalitat de Cataluña

This article presents the composition, lines of research and evolution of the nursing research group (GRIN) linked to the Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL). The main lines of research are targeted to the provision of nursing care and its impact on health outcomes for patients and relatives; it is particularly oriented towards research in care for vulnerable populations, critical patients, complex chronic patients, and people with extreme ages, within the following areas of interest: i) health promotion; ii) technological innovations, information systems and artificial intelligence for health; iii) methodological, ethical and social development of care; iv) management of care and nursing-sensitive outcomes; v) screening, early detection and prevention of complications and disabilities. Currently, the group is formed by 33 nurses from four hospitals and the University of Barcelona; 48% of its members are doctors and 36% are doctoral candidates. The group has published over 150 scientific articles in seven years; during the last year, 50% of these were in Q1 and 20% in Q2. It should also be highlighted that 60% of projects obtained some type of funding during the past year. The research group is accredited as a preconsolidated group by the Agency for Management of University and Research Grants (AGAUR) of the Generalitat of Catalonia

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.