Making Sense of Research in Nursing, Health and Social Care

Research is a critical component of nursing, health, and social care, and this guide provides an overview of the different research methods and terminology used in these fields. The new edition of the book includes updates in light of the 2018 NMC standards, improved case examples, and activities that help students develop critical appraisal skills and a dissemination plan. It is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the health and therapy professions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Research is a systematic and rigorous process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to gain insights and understanding into a particular topic or problem. It is an essential component of education, healthcare, and social sciences, as it helps to inform decision-making, develop new treatments and interventions, and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.

In the context of nursing, health, and social care, research plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes, advancing healthcare practices, and promoting social well-being. Nurses, healthcare professionals, and social workers use research to identify evidence-based practices, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and develop new strategies to address healthcare challenges.

There are several different types of research methods used in nursing, health, and social care, including quantitative research, qualitative research, mixed methods research, and participatory research. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of method depends on the research question, study population, and available resources.

Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data, such as statistics, surveys, and experiments. It is often used to test hypotheses and measure the effectiveness of interventions. Quantitative research can be conducted using statistical software, such as SPSS or SAS, and can provide a clear and objective understanding of the data.

Qualitative research, on the other hand, involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, and focus groups. It is often used to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of individuals and communities. Qualitative research can be conducted using interview guides.

Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative research methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a particular topic or problem. It involves the integration of data collection and analysis techniques from both methods, and can be particularly useful when the research question is complex or multifaceted.

Participatory research involves the active involvement of individuals or communities in the research process, from the design of the study to the interpretation of the findings. It is particularly useful in developing interventions that are tailored to the needs and preferences of the target population.

Once the research method has been chosen, the researcher must develop a research question, design a study, collect data, analyze the data, and interpret the findings. This process can be time-consuming and requires a significant investment of resources, including time, money, and human resources.

However, the benefits of research are numerous. Research can help to improve patient outcomes by identifying evidence-based practices and interventions that are effective in reducing morbidity and mortality. It can also help to advance healthcare practices by developing new treatments and interventions that are more effective and cost-effective. Research can also help to promote social well-being by identifying the factors that contribute to social inequality and developing strategies to address these factors.

In conclusion, research is a critical component of nursing, health, and social care. It plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes, advancing healthcare practices, and promoting social well-being. There are several different types of research methods used in these fields, and the choice of method depends on the research question, study population, and available resources. By undertaking research, nurses, healthcare professionals, and social workers can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529712018
Edition number: 7 Revised edition