Neuroscience nursing research: trend analysis from 1989 to 2010

This study extends an earlier investigation (DiIorio et al., 2004) regarding neuroscience studies published in four nursing journals over the period from 1989 to 2000. A literature review was conducted from 2001 to 2010 with the same search strategy performed by DiIorio from 1989 to 2000. A trend analysis comparing the articles published in the period of 2001-2008 with those published from 1993 to 2000 (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]) was performed. From 1989 to 2010, a total of 607 articles were published, 2.2 articles per month. A significantly increased number of publications on neuroscience nursing research have emerged comparing 2001-2008 versus 1993-2000 (OR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.22, 3.29]; p = .00). From 1989 to 2000, neurological problems were the predominant object of study (389 articles, 64.1%), followed by neurotrauma problems (156, 25.7%) and those neurosurgical problems (31, 5.1%). Moreover, a progressive reduction of studies focusing on neurological problems (OR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.26, 0.68]; p = .00) has emerged comparing 2001-2008 versus 1993-2000. The setting chosen for the study from 1989 to 2000 was mainly hospitals (211, 34.8%) followed by long-term care (125, 20.6%) and the home environment (77, 12.7%). Over the years (2001- 2008 vs. 1993-2000), studies performed at the home level were lower (OR = 0.27, 95% CI [0.15, 0.47]; p = .00), whereas those carried out at the hospital level and at the long-term care level have increased. Research in neuroscience nursing has continued to grow in the last decade, involving more patients who are mainly women. In the coming years, quasiexperimental, experimental, or complex intervention designs, involving the various care settings and along the trajectories of illnesses of patients who have an acute phase but especially in a long-term phase, are needed.