Considerations When Designing a Microbiome Study: Implications for Nursing Science.

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Nursing science
• Human health and disease

Background:

• The human microbiome significantly impacts health and disease.
• Nurse scientists are crucial for investigating complex host-microbiome interactions.
• Effective microbiome research requires specific methodological tools and considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide nurse scientists with essential methodological factors for designing microbiome studies.
• To highlight study designs and analysis methods for microbiome research.
• To serve as a resource for incorporating microbiome analysis into nursing research questions.

Main Methods:

• Review of methodological factors influencing host-associated microbiomes.
• Discussion of study designs for microbiome research.
• Presentation of microbiome analysis techniques.
• Inclusion of exemplars from nurse scientists' research programs.

Main Results:

• Identified key factors for designing microbiome studies.
• Outlined various study designs and analysis methods.
• Provided practical examples of microbiome research in nursing.

Conclusions:

• Nurse scientists require specific methodological guidance for microbiome research.
• This review equips nurses with resources to integrate microbiome studies into their research.
• Understanding the microbiome is vital for advancing nursing science and improving health outcomes.