For baccalaureate and associate-level courses in nursing research, research utilization, and evidence-based practice; and for convenient reference by practicing nurses and master’s degree candidates.
This innovative text is designed to teach undergraduate students to critically read and apply research findings in evidence-based clinical practice. Rather than belaboring the research process itself, MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH NURSING RESEARCH focuses on guiding students step-by-step through finding, analyzing, and applying relevant research to solve the specific problems they may encounter in providing patient care. It presents a clear basic discussion of quantitative and qualitative research processes, offers practical examples applying key concepts, provides detailed strategies for searching the literature, introduces the structured PICOT process for reading and dissecting articles; and offers a chapter-length PICOT case study. Throughout, end-of-chapter exercises and web-based activities provide many opportunities for hands-on practice.
Hallmark Features
Helps students respond effectively to the growing requirement for evidence-based practice in nursing. Explains what “evidence-based practice” means, and presents complete, step-by-step skills for successfully finding, evaluating, and applying research in practice.
Teaches through realistic application examples. Presents many real searches and articles drawn from actual nursing research journals, clearly illustrating key points and helping students visualize the research process.
Provides clear and usable insight into both quantitative and qualitative research. Prepares students to evaluate the reliability and ethical implications of any form of research.
Promotes the effective critical thinking that is indispensable for evaluating research. Includes boxed “Consider This” sections posing pertinent questions for students to reflect on as they find and analyze research.
Helps students understand how research is reported (and sometimes misreported) to the public. Contains “Research in the News” features showing newspaper articles reporting on healthcare research, asking students to assess these articles’ impact on the public, and evaluate the accuracy of the reporting.
Provides many opportunities for hands-on practice. Includes Student Activities at the end of each chapter, reinforcing chapter concepts through application.
Teaches the powerful PICOT process for applying research to evidence-based clinical practice. Gives students a complete framework for appraising research, and shows them how to use it through a chapter-length case study.
Demystifies the specialized terminology of clinical research. Boldfaces, defines and describes key vocabulary on first reference, and provides a cumulative vocabulary list at the end of the book.
Provides access to additional online learning resources and practice. A companion website provides activities, games, and web links designed to help students deepen and apply their knowledge.
