Elizabeth Halcomb
COVID-19: research students need support to tackle the uncertainties caused by pandemic
Doctoral candidates face an unclear future, not least in their capacity to complete projects
How you can help other researchers to expand their thinking
Why not take the extra step of publishing work about your methodology or research methods
After the hard work of research, make sure your findings reach the people you need
Failing to properly disseminate your research could be a big mistake, explains Liz Halcomb
Conducting research into end of life care
What to consider when undertaking research with vulnerable participants
Collecting data in research
How careful planning can ensure fewer problems are encountered in data collection
Strategies for using non-participatory video research methods in general practice
Each stage stage needs consideration, particularly its preparation and when collecting data
A study exploring the protean responses of nurses transitioning to primary healthcare
Background Healthcare systems are faced with changing community health profiles and ageing populations. Together with economic considerations, these factors have influenced the increase in provision of care in primary rather than other healthcare settings. Many nurses are electing to move from acute care to meet demands for a skilled primary healthcare workforce. However, little is reported about these nurses’ experiences of transition. Aim To describe how role theory provides a theoretical framework to inform the design of a mixed-methods study exploring the transition of acute care nurses to roles in primary health care. Discussion The paper explores the relevance of role theory and its components as a validated framework for informing the design of the quantitative and qualitative components of the study. The methodology consisted of a national survey of recently transitioned nurses, with questions that explored experiences of nurses in relation to role exit, role entry, role enactment, role ambiguity, role stress, role strain and rites of passage. The qualitative component of the study incorporated semi-structured interviews with selected participants to further explore aspects of the transition. Conclusion There are few published reports on the value of theoretical frameworks in the design of nursing research. This paper describes one example of the value of selecting an appropriate theoretical framework for a national study of experiences of transition. Implications for practice Nurses transitioning between clinical settings experience a range of personal and professional challenges. Role theory provides a valuable framework which is applicable to qualitative and quantitative research into these experiences.
An exemplar of naturalistic inquiry in general practice research
Background Before beginning any research project, novice researchers must consider which methodological approach will best address their research questions. The paucity of literature describing a practical application of naturalistic inquiry adds to the difficulty they may experience. Aim To provide a practical example of how naturalistic inquiry was applied to a qualitative study exploring collaboration between registered nurses and general practitioners working in Australian general practice. Discussion Naturalistic inquiry is not without its critics and limitations. However, by applying the axioms and operational characteristics of naturalistic inquiry, the authors captured a detailed ‘snapshot’ of collaboration in general practice in the time and context that it occurred. Conclusion Using qualitative methods, naturalistic inquiry provides the scope to construct a comprehensive and contextual understanding of a phenomenon. No individual positivist paradigm could provide the level of detail achieved in a naturalistic inquiry. Implications for practice This paper presents a practical example of naturalistic inquiry for the novice researcher. It shows that naturalistic inquiry is appropriate when the researcher seeks a rich and contextual understanding of a phenomenon as it exists in its natural setting.
An examination of envy and jealousy in nursing academia
Aim To discuss envy and jealousy and how their positive and negative aspects among nurse academics affect the workplace. Background In nursing academia, jealousy and envy are common emotions, engendered by demands for high productivity, intense competition for limited resources, preferences for particular assignments and opportunities for promotions. When these feelings are moderate and part of everyday rivalry, competition and ambition benefit the organisation. However, jealousy and envy can have serious consequences including damaged relationships and communication, and the undermining of colleagues’ performance. Discussion Strategies are recommended to provide opportunities for self-reflection and consideration of how the workplace affects nursing academics’ wellbeing and professional performance. Conclusion Jealousy and envy can be damaging emotions in the workplace. The embittered, hostile person can undermine and damage relationships, disrupt teams and communication, and undermine organisational performance. Discussing the positive and negative effects of envy and jealousy provides an opportunity for nursing academics to self-reflect and to consider others and their own personal and professional performance. Implications for practice Understanding how jealousy and envy impact on the work environment, workplace relationships and individual/team performance is important especially for early career and seasoned nursing academics alike.
We must remain nurse-focused
The spectacular RCN international nursing research conference in Edinburgh last month saw more than 70 delegates from across the globe showcase their work. There were presentations on innovative research methods and methodology, many of which will be published in Nurse Researcher.
Measuring research success
Defining successful research can be complex. For novice researchers, success may involve completing research projects and publishing in peer-reviewed journals, but for experienced researchers more complex measures of success come into play. Each researcher’s reputation, future grant funding and career prospects depend on the success of each project, and the quality of the researcher’s track record.
Making space for reflection
Clinicians and researchers often say they do not have time to reflect. Although we are all busy, taking the time to stop and consider where you are and where you want to be can act as a powerful tool in planning your career.
Reviewers needed: apply here
Systematic reviews
Mixed methods research
The challenges of being an insider in storytelling research
Aim To describe the challenges related to being an ‘insider’ researcher in a study...
Exchange and equality during data collection: relationships through story sharing with...
Aim To explore how reciprocity is achieved through a method of self-disclosure,...
Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care A Practical Guide Second edition
LITERATURE REVIEWS are an important preliminary step towards a research project or...