Related Experiment Videos
Combining evidence in nursing research: methods and implications
1Yale School of Nursing, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. robin.whittemore@yale.edu
Background:
The knowledge explosion in health care coupled with recent evidence-based practice initiatives has increased both the need for and the production of reviews of past research. The proliferation of such reviews has contributed to inconsistency in methods and terminology. Differing methods for integrative reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and qualitative reviews have been proposed, yet are not clearly differentiated in published reports. Although there are common features to these methods, each method has a distinct purpose, sampling frame, definition, and type of analysis.
Approach:
The literature on research review methods was analyzed and synthesized. Specific attention was directed toward the issues specific to combining primary nursing research studies.
Results:
The defining characteristics of different research review methods, the common stages of all research reviews, and criteria for evaluating quality are described.
Discussion:
Greater clarity regarding research review methods has the potential to enhance methodological rigor and subsequently the applicability of findings of all review methods to practice and policy.
Related Concept Videos
Current Trends in Nursing II
The Scientific Method in Nursing Process
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be safely...
Patient-centered Care
Critical Thinking I
Nursing Interventions II: Selecting and Classifying the Nursing Interventions
Nursing Clinical Information System
A Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS) is a specialized type of healthcare information system tailored to meet the unique needs of nursing practice. It incorporates the principles of nursing informatics to streamline information management and improve the quality of care delivery.
Critical attributes of NCIS include: