Establishing priorities for evaluation and evaluation research: a nursing perspective

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Evaluation research is crucial for assessing healthcare interventions and programs.
• Identifying and prioritizing research areas is essential for advancing nursing practice and patient outcomes.
• Current nursing research priorities are influenced by professional organizations like the American Nurses' Association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define evaluation research within the nursing context.
• To review existing research priorities established by nursing organizations.
• To propose a structured framework for setting future nursing research priorities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of evaluation research definitions.
• Analysis of research priority statements from major nursing organizations.
• Development of a conceptual framework for priority setting.

Main Results:

• A clear definition of evaluation research is provided.
• Key themes and areas of focus in current nursing research priorities are identified.
• A multi-component framework for establishing nursing research priorities is presented.

Conclusions:

• A systematic approach to setting nursing research priorities is needed.
• The proposed framework can guide organizations in resource allocation for impactful research.
• Establishing clear priorities will enhance the scientific basis of nursing practice.