Methodologies used in nursing research designed to improve patient safety

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Patient Safety
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Patient safety is a critical area within nursing research.
• Studies from 2002-2005 explored methods and challenges in nursing patient safety research.
• Innovative designs combined traditional clinical and health services research approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review nursing research on patient safety from 2002-2005.
• To identify methods employed and methodological challenges encountered.
• To inform future research training and study designs.

Main Methods:

• Review of nursing research studies published between 2002 and 2005.
• Analysis of research designs, focusing on the integration of clinical and health services research.
• Identification of common methodologies such as survey research, secondary data analysis, and observational studies.

Main Results:

• Frequent use of survey research, secondary data analysis, and observational studies.
• Adaptation and combination of traditional and health services research methods.
• Methodological challenges identified in measurement, data availability, and data analysis.

Conclusions:

• There is a need for enhanced methodological training in doctoral nursing programs.
• Training should encompass health services research, secondary data analysis, and complex survey design.
• Increased implementation of multi-site and multi-level studies is recommended to advance patient safety research.