Z's, P's, and double blinds: making sense of published research

Most nurses are inadequately prepared for critically analyzing research. Gastrointestinal "nursing" encompasses a diverse group which includes registered nurses, licensed practical and vocational nurses and trained technicians. The parameters of practice sometimes overlap within this group regardless of formal educational background. It is imperative to the safety of ourselves and our patients and to the advancement of gastrointestinal nursing practice that we are capable of making intelligent, informed decisions regarding the research and reports we are offered. This paper discusses the key elements of research methodology to enhance the interpretive skills of the reader.