The value of theory-driven (rather than problem-driven) research

Theory-driven investigations are necessary for generalization of findings and development of health care policy. Within the environments where nurses practice, however, there often is insufficient time to develop a theory base that supports practice changes or the investigation of their effects. Theories that support such investigations need to incorporate elements associated with both the structure and the process of care delivered as well as the outcomes expected. These same theories also need to specify the focal level of interest for research questions. Incorporating a research template to guide practice investigations facilitates decision making and collection of data.