Learning objectives
On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:
discuss various reasons for implementing research
describe the research process
identify methods for data generation and collection
list strategies for dissemination of research findings
discuss the implications of research for rural nursing practice.
Key words
Research, methodology, methods, dissemination, rural nursing and midwifery
Chapter overview
It is fitting that a chapter of this book considers the place of research in rural nursing. Research in health disciplines potentiates quality in healthcare delivery and can introduce new and effective evidence-based practices, consider the success and usefulness of health policies, or describe and comment on clients’ or patients’ experiences of particular phenomena. Initiating research may at times seem an overwhelming venture, and we hope this chapter will provide some insights into how to start. The authors have used a research study they undertook in 2007 with three other colleagues on overseas trained nurses’ experiences in rural settings as an exemplar to illustrate the approaches adopted to ask and answer questions of practice (Francis, Chapman, Doolan, Sellick & Barnett, 2008).
Introduction
Enquiry – asking questions of practice
Good research stems from a well-designed and articulated research proposal. The proposal is a snapshot that captures the depth and breadth of the research study and provides a frame of reference as researchers progress the research. Without a robust proposal, research can be fragmented, tangential or may never come to fruition. Initial ideas about a research project can be captured on a one-page document and diagram. This summary can be used to ‘sell’ the research idea to collaborators and provide a template to develop a proposal (see Figure 10.1).