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Related Experiment Videos

The theory-practice gap in nursing: from research-based practice to practitioner-based research

G Rolfe1

  • 1School of Health Studies, University of Portsmouth, St James Hospital, England.

Journal of Advanced Nursing
|October 2, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Bridging the theory-practice gap in nursing requires a shift from generalizable knowledge to practitioner-based research. Focusing on the individual nurse-patient relationship, clinical research by nurses themselves is essential for improving practice.

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Area of Science:

  • Nursing Science
  • Clinical Research
  • Healthcare Practice

Background:

  • Nursing research traditionally focuses on knowledge generation, often through a sociological lens.
  • The current emphasis on research-based practice, while aiming to bridge the theory-practice gap, can inadvertently widen it.
  • Mental health nursing exemplifies challenges in applying generalizable knowledge to unique patient needs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To argue that the application of generalized research findings contributes to the theory-practice gap in nursing.
  • To propose a complementary research paradigm focused on clinical practice and the individual therapeutic encounter.
  • To advocate for practitioner-based research conducted by nurses to enhance clinical decision-making.

Main Methods:

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  • Conceptual analysis of nursing research paradigms.
  • Examination of the theory-practice gap using examples, primarily from mental health nursing.
  • Argumentation for a shift towards clinical research focused on the nurse-patient relationship.

    • Main Results:

    • The application of generalizable, research-based knowledge is identified as a primary cause of the theory-practice gap.
    • A need for a clinical research paradigm complementing the existing sociological paradigm is highlighted.
    • The importance of the individual nurse-patient encounter as the focus of research is emphasized.

    Conclusions:

    • Nursing requires a paradigm shift towards clinical research that prioritizes the individual therapeutic encounter.
    • Practitioner-based research, conducted by nurses, is crucial for effective knowledge translation and practice improvement.
    • Clinical research must focus on the unique nurse-patient relationship to meaningfully impact nursing practice.