Fundamentals of Nursing and Midwifery Research A practical guide for evidence-based practice

Nurses and midwives have a professional responsibility to keep up-to-date with current research impacting on their clinical practice. They require the skills and knowledge to read and understand research reports, evaluate the quality of the research, synthesise different research studies, apply the most appropriate findings to their clinical practice and be able to evaluate its effectiveness.This book presents a unique approach to teaching the principles of health research using practical case studies with which students can identify and engage. The book covers core concepts and principles including: - what evidence is and why understanding research is vital- finding reliable sources of evidence- the nature of the research process- understanding quantitative and qualitative research- ethical considerations- using research to guide clinical practice. Throughout the book, activities, summaries and review questions help ground theory in real life scenarios, highlighting how evidence-based practice can be applied in every aspect of nursing care.'The text is highly readable while achieving the aim of familiarising the reader with the language of, and process for, doing research. It is logically organised and ... guides reader learning using a variety of techniques that reinforce [the] information presented and challenge thinking.'Karen Francis, Professor of Nursing and Head of Nursing, University of Tasmania

Preface Section 1. How do I find and use evidence?1. What is evidence and why do I need to understand research?2. Locating evidenceSection 2. How can I make sense of research evidence?3. Understanding how research is done4. Understanding quantitative research approaches5. Understanding qualitative research approachesSection 3. How do I critically evaluate research studies?6. Critiquing research7. Ethics and research in nursing and midwiferySection 4. How do I use research evidence to inform my practice?8. Applying evidence in practice9. Writing effective reviews of literatureSection 5. How do I seek a nursing or midwifery research future?10. Research pathways for nurses and midwivesIndex

Lisa McKenna is Professor and Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at La Trobe University. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Collegian: The Australian journal of nursing practice, scholarship and research and Editorial Advisor for Nurse Education Today. Beverley Copnell is Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at La Trobe University. She is an editor of Collegian and a member of the editorial board of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine.