How research has evolved since the Florence Nightingale era.
Explain how research has evolved since the Florence Nightingale era.
Discuss how research and EBP are different; include how you believe research supports EBP for nursing.
Describe one past/historical unethical breach of research conduct; then, share how you would ensure care of a study participant using one ethical or legal research consideration (guideline/principle).
Sample Solution
Florence Nightingale is considered the pioneer of modern nursing research. In the mid-1800s, she collected data on patient mortality rates in British military hospitals during the Crimean War. She used this data to show that improved sanitation and hygiene could significantly reduce the number of deaths. Her work helped to establish nursing as a profession based on science and evidence.
Since Nightingale's time, nursing research has evolved in a number of ways. First, the scope of research has expanded to include a wide range of topics, such as nursing interventions, patient outcomes, healthcare systems, and nursing education. Second, the methods used to conduct research have become more sophisticated. Researchers now use a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data and analyze their findings. Third, the importance of research in nursing practice has become increasingly recognized. Nurses are now expected to use evidence from research to inform their practice.
Here are some specific examples of how nursing research has evolved since the Florence Nightingale era:
- In the 1950s and 1960s, nursing research focused on developing and testing nursing interventions. For example, researchers studied the effectiveness of different types of wound dressings and pain management techniques.
- In the 1970s and 1980s, nursing research began to focus on patient outcomes. Researchers studied the impact of nursing care on patient satisfaction, quality of life, and mortality rates.
- In the 1990s and 2000s, nursing research began to focus on healthcare systems and nursing education. Researchers studied the factors that influence the delivery of nursing care and the effectiveness of nursing education programs.
- In recent years, nursing research has focused on emerging areas such as translational science, genomics, and global health.
- Provide participants with all relevant information about the study before they consent to participate.
- Minimize risks to participants and maximize potential benefits.
- Provide participants with access to quality healthcare, both during and after the study.
- Treat participants with respect and dignity.