quantitative research questions examples nursing

200+ Quantitative Research Topics for Nursing Students [Updated 2023]

Quantitative research plays an important role in the field of nursing education. It empowers nursing students to develop critical thinking skills, fosters evidence-based practice, and paves the way for career growth in the nursing profession. However, the journey of a nursing student in selecting the right quantitative research topic can be daunting. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of quantitative research topics for nursing students. 

We’ll discuss why these topics matter, offer tips on choosing them, and provide a comprehensive list of intriguing research ideas across various nursing subfields.

Benefits of Quantitative Research for Nursing Students

Table of Contents

Before we dive into the world of quantitative research topics for nursing students, let’s understand why quantitative research is so crucial for nursing students:

• Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills: Nursing students often find themselves in situations where they must assess, analyze, and make decisions that directly impact patient care. Engaging in quantitative research hone these critical thinking skills, enabling students to approach complex problems methodically.
• Contributing to Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Evidence-based practice is the cornerstone of modern healthcare. Quantitative research empowers nursing students to explore and apply the latest evidence in their clinical practice, ensuring the best possible care for patients.
• Career Advancement: As nursing professionals progress in their careers, research experience becomes increasingly valuable. Nurses who can conduct and interpret quantitative research are more likely to secure leadership roles, contribute to policy development, and influence positive change in healthcare systems.

How to Choose Quantitative Research Topics

Selecting suitable quantitative research topics for nursing students is the first and often the most critical step in the research process. Here are some tips for nursing students on how to choose the right quantitative research topic:

Opt for a topic that aligns with your interests and career goals. Research is a long journey, and enthusiasm for your topic will sustain your motivation.

Feasibility

Consider the resources available to you. Assess the feasibility of data collection, analysis, and the overall research process. A well-planned study within your means is more likely to succeed.

Literature Review

Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps in existing research. Your topic should address an unanswered question or provide a fresh perspective on an existing issue.

Consult with Advisors

Seek guidance from your professors or mentors. They can help you refine your research question and provide valuable insights based on their experience.

200+ Quantitative Research Topics for Nursing Students

Now, let’s explore a range of quantitative research topics that nursing students can consider across different subfields:

Nursing Workforce and Patient Outcomes

• The Impact of Nurse-Patient Ratios on Patient Outcomes in Critical Care Units.
• Assessing the Relationship Between Nurse Staffing Levels and Falls Among Hospitalized Patients.
• The Effect of Nursing Workload on Medication Errors in Acute Care Settings.
• Investigating the Influence of Nurse Experience on Surgical Site Infections.
• Nurse Burnout and Its Consequences on Patient Safety and Satisfaction.
• Examining the Link Between Nurse-to-Patient Ratios and Pressure Ulcer Development.
• The Role of Nurse Education and Certification in Reducing Hospital Readmissions.
• Assessing the Impact of Nursing Leadership Styles on Patient Outcomes.
• Investigating the Association Between Nurse Retention Rates and Patient Mortality.
• The Effect of Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration on Patient Care in Oncology Units.
• Nurse-Patient Communication and Its Effect on Pain Management in Postoperative Patients.
• The Influence of Nurse Staffing on the Length of Hospital Stay for Surgical Patients.
• Examining the Relationship Between Nurse-Patient Ratios and Delirium in Elderly Patients.
• The Impact of Shift Length and Overtime on Nurse Performance and Patient Safety.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Nurse-Managed Early Warning Systems in Identifying Deteriorating Patients.
• Investigating the Link Between Nurse Workforce Diversity and Cultural Competence in Patient Care.
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratios and the Incidence of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Long-Term Care Facilities.
• The Role of Nursing Workforce Development Programs in Enhancing Patient-Centered Care.
• Exploring the Effect of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Satisfaction and Hospital Ratings.
• Nurse Burnout and Its Influence on Discharge Planning and Patient Education.

Telehealth and Remote Monitoring

• The Effectiveness of Telehealth in Improving Access to Mental Health Services in Rural Areas.
• Assessing the Impact of Remote Monitoring on Medication Adherence Among Chronic Disease Patients.
• Telehealth for Pediatric Care: Examining Parental Satisfaction and Child Outcomes.
• Investigating the Use of Telehealth in Post-Operative Care and Its Effect on Recovery Rates.
• Telehealth and Diabetes Management: A Comparative Analysis of Telemedicine vs. Traditional Care.
• The Role of Telehealth in Preventive Care: Evaluating its Effectiveness in Promoting Healthier Lifestyles.
• Telehealth for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Study on Functional Outcomes and Cost Savings.
• Telemedicine in Mental Health Crisis Intervention: Assessing Crisis Resolution and Patient Satisfaction.
• Exploring the Use of Wearable Devices and Remote Monitoring in Monitoring Elderly Patients’ Health.
• Telehealth and Chronic Pain Management: A Comparative Study of Virtual vs. In-Person Consultations.
• The Impact of Telehealth on Reducing Hospital Readmissions Among Heart Failure Patients.
• Telehealth and Maternal Care: Investigating its Role in Prenatal Monitoring and Postpartum Support.
• Telemedicine in Emergency Medical Services: Evaluating its Effectiveness in Triage and Decision-Making.
• Telehealth and Home-Based Palliative Care: A Study on Patient Comfort and Quality of Life.
• Remote Monitoring of COVID-19 Patients: Assessing its Role in Early Detection of Complications.
• Telehealth for Geriatric Care: Analyzing its Impact on Aging-in-Place and Independence.
• Investigating the Cost-Effectiveness of Telehealth Interventions in Managing Obesity and Weight Loss.
• Telemedicine in Speech Therapy for Children with Speech Disorders: Evaluating Speech Outcomes.
• Telehealth for Dermatology Consultations: A Comparative Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy.
• The Use of Telehealth in Mental Health Crisis Intervention for Veterans: Assessing PTSD Symptom Reduction.

Mental Health Nursing

• The Efficacy of Telehealth Interventions in Providing Mental Health Support to Remote or Underserved Populations.
• Assessing the Impact of Peer Support Programs on the Recovery of Individuals with Severe Mental Illness.
• Exploring the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and the Development of Mental Health Disorders in Adulthood.
• The Role of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Reducing Anxiety and Depression Among College Students.
• Investigating the Effectiveness of Art Therapy in Improving Emotional Regulation in Adolescents with Behavioral Disorders.
• Assessing the Impact of Music Therapy on Agitation Levels in Dementia Patients in Long-Term Care Facilities.
• The Influence of Nurse-Administered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depression Remission Rates.
• Exploring the Use of Digital Mental Health Apps in Improving Treatment Adherence Among Individuals with Bipolar Disorder.
• Investigating the Association Between Sleep Patterns and Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescents.
• The Effect of Family Involvement in Therapy on the Outcomes of Schizophrenia Patients.
• Evaluating the Role of Mental Health Nurses in Suicide Prevention and Postvention Strategies.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of School-Based Mental Health Programs in Reducing Bullying and Its Impact on Mental Health.
• Exploring the Use of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Reducing Anxiety and Depression in Psychiatric Patients.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Mental Health in Young Adults.
• The Impact of Cultural Competence Training on Mental Health Care Delivery for Diverse Populations.
• Assessing the Effect of Physical Activity and Exercise Programs on the Mental Health of Individuals with Schizophrenia.
• Exploring the Role of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in Mental Health Disparities and Access to Care.
• Investigating the Influence of Stigma on Help-Seeking Behavior Among Individuals with Mental Health Disorders.
• The Effectiveness of Psychoeducation Programs in Reducing Relapse Rates in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder.
• Assessing the Impact of Trauma-Informed Care in Mental Health Settings on Patient Outcomes and Staff Well-being.

Pediatric Nursing

• The Impact of Parental Involvement in Pediatric Pain Management.
• The Effectiveness of Child Life Specialists in Reducing Pediatric Anxiety During Medical Procedures.
• Assessing the Role of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in Early Childhood Development Screening.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Pediatric Obesity and Long-Term Health Outcomes.
• Exploring the Use of Play Therapy in Pediatric Pain Management.
• The Impact of Pediatric Palliative Care on Quality of Life for Seriously Ill Children and Their Families.
• The Role of School Nurses in Promoting Mental Health Awareness Among School-Aged Children.
• Investigating the Efficacy of Pediatric Vaccination Education Programs in Increasing Immunization Rates.
• The Effect of Parenting Styles on Pediatric Asthma Management and Control.
• Assessing the Impact of Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease Management Programs on Disease Outcomes.
• Exploring the Influence of Family-Centered Care on Pediatric Hospitalization Experiences.
• The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescents.
• Investigating the Effectiveness of Pediatric Telehealth Services for Rural and Underserved Populations.
• The Impact of Pediatric Nursing Interventions on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Infants Born to Substance-Using Mothers.
• Assessing the Efficacy of Pediatric Nutrition Education Programs in Reducing Childhood Obesity Rates.
• Exploring the Use of Technology and Apps for Pediatric Diabetes Management.
• The Role of Pediatric Nurses in Early Detection and Intervention for Developmental Delays.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Childhood Vaccination Rates and School Immunization Policies.
• The Effect of Child Abuse Prevention Programs on Reducing Child Maltreatment Incidents.
• Assessing the Impact of Pediatric Pain Assessment Tools on Pain Management Practices in Pediatric Settings.

Gerontological Nursing

• The Impact of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment on Hospital Readmission Rates in Elderly Patients with Multiple Comorbidities.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fall Prevention Interventions in Nursing Homes for Older Adults with Dementia.
• The Role of Family Caregivers in Managing Chronic Illnesses and Maintaining Quality of Life for Elderly Patients.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Social Isolation and Cognitive Decline in the Aging Population.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Palliative Care Services in Improving End-of-Life Quality for Elderly Patients.
• The Influence of Nutrition and Diet on Functional Independence in Older Adults.
• Examining the Impact of Gerontological Nursing Education on the Competence and Confidence of Nursing Students in Caring for Older Adults.
• Exploring the Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Preventing Falls and Fractures in Elderly Individuals.
• The Effect of Medication Management Programs on Medication Adherence and Health Outcomes in Older Adults.
• Investigating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Elder Abuse in Long-Term Care Facilities.
• Assessing the Impact of Cognitive Training Programs on Delaying the Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease in Older Adults.
• Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Function in the Aging Population.
• The Role of Gerontological Nurses in Promoting Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Decision-Making in Older Adults.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Home-Based Telehealth Services in Managing Chronic Conditions for Elderly Patients Living Alone.
• Investigating the Influence of Multimorbidity on Healthcare Utilization and Quality of Life in Older Adults.
• The Impact of Music Therapy on Emotional Well-Being and Quality of Life in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Polypharmacy in Older Adults.
• Exploring the Role of Gerontological Nurses in Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults.
• The Relationship Between Oral Health and Overall Health in the Aging Population: Implications for Nursing Care.
• Investigating the Use of Robotics and Assistive Technologies in Promoting Independence and Quality of Life for Older Adults.

Women’s Health Nursing

• The Impact of Midwife-Led Care on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Prenatal Education Programs in Reducing Maternal Anxiety and Stress.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Maternal Nutrition and Birth Weight in Low-Income Communities.
• The Role of Postpartum Support in Preventing Postpartum Depression.
• Exploring the Barriers to Accessing Reproductive Health Services Among Underserved Women.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Intimate Partner Violence Screening and Intervention in Obstetric Care.
• The Association Between Breastfeeding Duration and Postpartum Weight Loss in Mothers.
• Assessing the Impact of Menopause Education Programs on Women’s Quality of Life.
• Investigating the Role of Nurse Practitioners in Providing Comprehensive Menopausal Care.
• The Effect of Body Image and Self-Esteem on Women’s Health Behaviors.
• Exploring Factors Influencing Women’s Decision-Making Regarding Contraceptive Methods.
• Evaluating the Efficacy of Sex Education Programs in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy.
• The Relationship Between Fertility Awareness-Based Methods and Contraceptive Efficacy.
• Assessing the Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Managing Urinary Incontinence in Women.
• Investigating the Impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Cardiovascular Health in Postmenopausal Women.
• The Role of Preconception Health Promotion in Reducing Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes.
• Exploring the Use of Telehealth for Gynecological Consultations and Follow-Up.
• The Association Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Infertility in Women.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Support Groups for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
• Investigating the Influence of Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors on Maternal Health Disparities in Minority Populations.

Community Health Nursing

• The Impact of Community Health Education Programs on Smoking Cessation Rates in High-Risk Populations.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of School-Based Nutrition Interventions in Reducing Childhood Obesity.
• Assessing the Role of Community Health Nurses in Promoting Vaccination Compliance and Preventing Infectious Disease Outbreaks.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Access to Green Spaces and Mental Health in Urban Communities.
• The Effect of Community-Based Diabetes Management Programs on Glycemic Control and Health Outcomes.
• Exploring the Challenges and Strategies in Providing Culturally Competent Care in Diverse Community Settings.
• The Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Health Disparities in Underserved Communities.
• Assessing the Impact of Mobile Health (mHealth) Apps in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles in Rural Areas.
• Investigating the Role of Community Health Nurses in Disaster Preparedness and Response.
• The Effectiveness of Community Health Worker (CHW) Programs in Reducing Healthcare Costs and Hospital Readmissions.
• Exploring the Relationship Between Community Health Nursing Interventions and Reductions in Substance Abuse Rates.
• Evaluating the Impact of Maternal and Child Health Programs on Infant Mortality Rates in Low-Income Communities.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Community-Based Mental Health Support Services in Preventing Hospitalizations.
• Investigating the Influence of Community Health Promotion Campaigns on Immunization Rates.
• The Role of Community Health Nurses in Addressing the Opioid Epidemic Through Harm Reduction Strategies.
• Exploring the Impact of Community Health Initiatives on Improving Access to Healthcare Services in Rural Areas.
• Assessing the Effect of Home Visiting Programs on Maternal and Child Health Outcomes.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Chronic Disease Management in Urban Communities.
• The Effectiveness of Telehealth Services in Providing Mental Health Support to Underserved Populations.
• Exploring the Implementation of Community-Based Palliative Care Programs and Their Impact on Quality of Life for Terminally Ill Patients.

Nursing Education and Training

• The Impact of Simulation-Based Training on Nursing Student Competency.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Blended Learning Models in Nursing Education.
• Assessing the Integration of Cultural Competence Training in Nursing Curricula.
• Investigating the Role of Interprofessional Education in Preparing Nursing Students for Collaborative Practice.
• The Influence of Emotional Intelligence Training on Nursing Students’ Interpersonal Skills.
• Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Nursing Education.
• The Effect of Peer Mentoring Programs on Retention and Success Rates of Nursing Students.
• Analyzing the Efficacy of Team-Based Learning in Nursing Curriculum.
• Investigating the Impact of Preceptorship Programs on Transition to Practice for New Graduates.
• Assessing the Role of Reflective Practice in Developing Clinical Decision-Making Skills in Nursing Students.
• The Influence of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Training on Nursing Student’s EBP Implementation.
• Exploring the Integration of Mindfulness and Resilience Training in Nursing Education.
• Investigating the Use of Social Media and Technology in Enhancing Nursing Education.
• Assessing the Role of Nursing Simulation Centers in Improving Clinical Competence.
• The Effect of Cultural Immersion Experiences on Cultural Competency Development in Nursing Students.
• Analyzing the Impact of High-Fidelity Patient Simulators on Critical Thinking Skills in Nursing Education.
• Investigating the Use of Competency-Based Education in Nursing Programs.
• Assessing the Role of Clinical Reasoning Development in Nursing Education.
• The Influence of Team-Based Care Training on Nursing Students’ Understanding of Collaborative Healthcare Models.
• Exploring Strategies to Enhance Clinical Placement Experiences for Nursing Students.

Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety

• The Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) on Patient Safety and Data Accuracy.
• Strategies to Reduce Medication Errors in Hospital Settings.
• The Role of Nurse Staffing Levels in Preventing Adverse Patient Outcomes.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Rapid Response Teams in Hospitals.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Hospital Accreditation and Patient Safety.
• The Use of Human Factors Engineering to Enhance Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety.
• Evaluating the Implementation of Surgical Safety Checklists and Their Impact on Surgical Complications.
• Analyzing the Link Between Hand Hygiene Compliance and Hospital-Acquired Infections.
• The Role of Patient and Family Engagement in Promoting Healthcare Quality and Safety.
• Investigating the Effect of Healthcare Provider Burnout on Patient Safety.
• Assessing the Impact of Telemedicine on Patient Safety and Care Quality.
• Strategies for Reducing Diagnostic Errors in Healthcare.
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning in Predicting and Preventing Patient Safety Incidents.
• Examining the Influence of Organizational Culture on Patient Safety Practices.
• The Effectiveness of Team-Based Training in Enhancing Communication and Reducing Errors in Healthcare.
• Investigating the Relationship Between Nurse Leadership Styles and Patient Safety Culture.
• Assessing the Impact of Patient Safety Initiatives on Healthcare Costs.
• Strategies for Improving Patient Handoff Communication to Enhance Continuity of Care.
• Analyzing the Effect of Healthcare Policy Changes on Patient Safety Outcomes.
• The Role of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Enhancing Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety.

Cultural Competence in Nursing

• The Impact of Cultural Competence Training on Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Diverse Healthcare Settings.
• Exploring the Role of Cultural Competence in Reducing Health Disparities Among Minority Populations.
• Assessing the Influence of Cultural Competence on Patient-Centered Care and Patient Satisfaction.
• The Relationship Between Language Proficiency and Effective Communication in Cross-Cultural Nursing Care.
• Investigating the Effect of Cultural Competence on Nursing Student Preparedness for Providing Culturally Sensitive Care.
• The Influence of Cultural Competence on Nurse-Patient Trust and Rapport Building in Multicultural Healthcare Settings.
• Evaluating the Impact of Cultural Competence Education on Nursing Curricula and Program Outcomes.
• Exploring the Challenges and Barriers Faced by Nurses in Providing Culturally Competent Care.
• The Effect of Cultural Competence on Medication Adherence and Health Outcomes Among Diverse Patient Groups.
• Assessing the Cultural Competence of Healthcare Organizations and Its Relationship to Quality of Care.
• Investigating the Influence of Cultural Competence on Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing Practice.
• The Role of Cultural Competence in Reducing Healthcare Misdiagnoses and Medical Errors.
• Exploring the Effectiveness of Cultural Competence Models and Frameworks in Nursing Education.
• Assessing the Cultural Competence of Nursing Leadership and Its Impact on Staff Morale and Retention.
• Investigating the Influence of Cultural Competence on End-of-Life Care Preferences and Decision-Making in Diverse Populations.
• The Relationship Between Cultural Competence and the Delivery of Culturally Tailored Health Promotion Programs.
• Evaluating the Role of Cultural Competence in Shaping Nursing Practice Guidelines and Protocols.
• Exploring the Impact of Cultural Competence on the Management of Chronic Diseases in Culturally Diverse Patient Populations.
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Culturally Competent Care in Reducing Hospital Readmission Rates.
• Investigating the Link Between Cultural Competence and Health Equity Initiatives in Healthcare Systems.

Tips for Conducting Quantitative Nursing Research

Now that you have a glimpse of potential research topics, it’s essential to understand the key steps involved in conducting quantitative nursing research:

• Research Design and Methodology: Choose the most appropriate research design (e.g., cross-sectional, longitudinal, experimental) and methodology (e.g., surveys, experiments) for your research question.
• Data Collection Methods: Determine how you’ll collect data. Will it involve surveys, observations, or analysis of existing datasets? Ensure your data collection methods align with your research design.
• Data Analysis Techniques: Familiarize yourself with statistical analysis tools and techniques (e.g., regression analysis , t-tests) to analyze your data accurately.
• Data Management: Develop a robust data management plan to organize, store, and protect your research data. Adherence to ethical data handling is crucial.
• Ethical Considerations: Always prioritize ethical principles in your research. Obtain informed consent from participants, maintain confidentiality, and seek ethical approval if required.

Resources for Nursing Students

To support your journey in quantitative research topics for nursing students, here are some recommended resources:

• “Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence” by Denise F. Polit and Cheryl Tatano Beck.
• “Quantitative Research in Nursing and Healthcare” by Immy Holloway and Stephanie Wheeler.
• “Journal of Nursing Scholarship”
• “Research in Nursing & Health”

Online Resources

• The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) offers valuable research resources and funding opportunities.
• Online courses and webinars on research methods and statistical analysis (e.g., Coursera, edX).

Quantitative research is an indispensable tool for nursing students looking to make a meaningful impact in their field. By choosing the right quantitative research topics for nursing students and following ethical research practices, nursing students can contribute to the body of nursing knowledge, improve patient care, and advance their careers. 

So, don’t hesitate to embark on your quantitative research journey, and let your curiosity and passion drive you toward excellence in nursing practice.

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100+ Quantitative Research Topics for Nursing Students [2024]

Table of Contents

The role of the nurses in the modern treatment process, particularly in hospital care settings, has become very crucial as the nurses are the primary stakeholders in delivering care to the patients admitted. Therefore, it has become imperative to address the role of the nurses in the health care setting, especially when considering topics like “ Write Research Paper .”

Chart Your Course to Success with Our Quantitative Nursing Research Topics

Embark on a journey of discovery with our curated collection of quantitative nursing research topics. Delve deep into our unique selection to refine your topic or draw inspiration for your research endeavours. From patient outcomes to healthcare policies, we have listed all that can help your curiosity ignite innovation in the field of nursing.

Check This Quantitative Research Example

View Sample

Nursing Research Topics

• A survey on burnout among the nurses
• A survey on the role of the nurses in managing the pain of the post-operative patients
• Role of the nurses in caring the patients in ICU setting- A survey study
• Correlation between stress among the nurses due to the working pressure
• Importance of the nurse’s communication technique in the hospital setting- A survey study
• Role of the nurses in managing the relationship between the patients and the doctors- A survey study
• Role of nurses in following up on the treatment process of the patients- A survey study.
• Role of nurses in feeding the pediatric patients- A survey study
• Role of the nurses in managing the diabetes patients- A survey study
• Role of the nurses in managing the obese patients-A Quantitative survey
• Role of the nurses in managing the health promotion campaigns–A Quantitative survey
• A Quantitative survey on role of the nurses in educating the patients- A Quantitative survey
• A Quantitative survey on role of the nurses in educating the patients’ family members
• A Quantitative survey on role of the nurses in increasing the treatment adherence in the hospital setting
• A Quantitative survey on role of nurses in managing the anxiety of the patients
• A Quantitative survey on role of nurses in managing the stress of the patients
• A Quantitative survey on nurses and their role in the critical care setting
• A Quantitative survey role of the nurses in providing care to the patients in remote areas.
• Role of nurses in maintaining the healthy life styles of the patients- A quasi-experimental study.
• A Quantitative survey on role of nurses in maintaining the ethical principles in the hospital care setting
• A Quantitative survey on gender bias in the nursing profession and its impact on the health care setting
• Association between the nurses’ role and treatment outcomes of the patients.
• A Quantitative survey on ethical principles adherence of the nurses in the health care setting.
• Role of nurses in delivering the patient centred care- A quasi-experimental study.
• Role of nurses in delivering the family centred care- A Quantitative survey
• Association between the knowledge level and quality of care
• Association between the training needs and quality of care-
• Association between active listening and the patient satisfaction
• Association between active listening and better treatment outcomes
• Association between communication skills and engagement of the patient’s family members
• Association between better communication skills and lower numbers of errors in treatment
• Role of nurses in cooperation between doctors and family members- A quasi-experimental study.
• Role of nurses in clinical research- A Quantitative survey
• Role of nurses in delivering therapy of laughter- A Quantitative survey
• Role of nurses in delivering holistic care- A quasi-experimental study.
• Role of nurses in delivering training to the patients- A Quantitative survey
• Role of nurses in delivering training to the patients’ family members
• Role of nurses in delivering empathy-based care to the patients- A quasi-experimental study.
• A Quantitative survey on role of nurses in making the patients aware about the disease risk factors
• A quasi-experimental study on role of nurses in making the patients aware about the risk factors in post operative conditions
• Role of nurses in making the patients aware about the do’s and don’t’s in the hospital care setting
• A quasi-experimental study on role of nurses in maintaining the hand-hygiene practices
• A quasi-experimental study on role of nurses in maintaining the hand washing behaviours
• Association between infection and hand washing behaviours
• Association between nosocomial infection and adherence to the hand washing process
• Nurses and their role in infection prevention- A quasi-experimental study
• Nurses and their role in hand washing practice adherence-a Randomized Controlled Trial
• Nurses and their role in cascading the information related to hand washing practices
• Role of nurses in delivering evidence-based practices in the health care setting
• Impact of the workload on the nurses- a Randomized Controlled Trial
• Impact of the workload on the behaviours of the nurses- a Randomized Controlled Trial
• Impact of the workload on the anxiety level of the nurses- a Randomized Controlled Trial
• Impact of the workload on the stress level of the nurses- A Cross Sectional Study
•  Impact of the workload on the fatigue level of the nurses- a Randomized Controlled Trial
• Impact of the workload on the concentration of the nurses- a Randomized Controlled Trial
• Impact of the workload on the communication skills of the nurses– A Cross Sectional Study
• Impact of the workload on the turnover rate of the nurses– A Cross Sectional Study
• Impact of the workload on the retention rate of the nurses– A Cross Sectional Study
• Problem of the shortage of nurses and how to deal with this problem– A Cross Sectional Study.
• Amount of stress even experienced nurses face in their career- A quasi-Experimental study
• A Cross Sectional Study on effects of advancement in technology in the nursing industry
• A Cross Sectional Study on amplified competition among registered nurses and current graduates trying to get a long-term job.
• A randomized trial on importance of development and education programs for nurses at work
• A Cross Sectional Study on role of effective communication facilities as a nurse in the understanding of patients.
• Role of nurses in delivering non-verbal communication in the expansion of a bond with hospitalized patients to go through acute pain and disease conditions- A quasi-Experimental study
• The association between individual development and divine recognition as a nurse
• Role of the nurses in assessing the problems associated with the clinical management of the patients suffering from the chronic diseases- A quasi-Experimental study.
• A Cross Sectional Study on role of the nurses in the management of patients admitted in intensive care units for the chronic conditions.
• The role of the nurses in the optimal management and treatment process of the ischemic stroke conditions- A Cross Sectional Study
• A quasi-Experimental study on role of the nurses in the clinical management of the patients.
• A quasi-Experimental study on role of the nurses in care strategies for patients with acute and chronic pain.
• Role of the nurses in the clinical management of the hospitalized patients-. A quasi-Experimental study
• The role of the nurses in the evaluation of the health care needs of the patients- A quasi-Experimental study
• Role of the nurses in delivering the care to the elderly people- A cross sectional study
• Role of the nurses in assessing the nutritional status of the children in the hospital care setting- A quasi-Experimental study.
• A quasi-Experimental study on role of the nurses in assessing patient needs
• A quasi-Experimental study on role of the nurses in assessing community needs
• A quasi-Experimental study on role of the nurses in assessing chronic disease
• Cross sectional role of the nurses in assessing needs of new-born
• A quasi-Experimental study on role of the nurses in assessing pregnant women
• A cross sectional study on role of the nurses in assessing pregnant woman’s nutritional status
• A cross sectional study on role of the nurses in delivering the community services
• A Cross Sectional Study on role of the nurses in improving the pregnancy outcomes
• A Cross Sectional Study role of the nurses in decision making process
• A Cross Sectional Study on role of the nurses in collecting the informed consent from the patients
• A randomized trial on role of the nurses in caring the postpartum mothers
• A randomized trial on role of the nurses in delivering long term social support
• Role of the nurses in delivering obesity care
• Role of the nurses in collecting patients’ information
• A randomized trial on association of nurses’ stress and the job pressure
• A Cross Sectional Study on effectiveness of the breathing exercise in lowering pain
• A Cross Sectional Study on effectiveness of the breathing exercise in lowering stress
• A Cross Sectional Study on effectiveness of the morning exercise in increasing body fitness
• A Cross Sectional Study on effectiveness of the morning exercise in lowering body fatigue
• A Cross Sectional Study on effectiveness of the yoga in increasing body fitness
• A Cross Sectional Study on effectiveness of the yoga in increasing patience
• A randomized trial on effectiveness of the yoga in resilience
• A Cross Sectional Study on effectiveness of the work rest cycle in avoiding stress- A Cross Sectional Study
• Effectiveness of the work rest cycle in avoiding anxiety- A Cross Sectional Study
• Effectiveness of the work rest cycle in avoiding fatigue- A Cross Sectional Study

Hi, I am Mark, a Literature writer by profession. Fueled by a lifelong passion for Literature, story, and creative expression, I went on to get a PhD in creative writing. Over all these years, my passion has helped me manage a publication of my write ups in prominent websites and e-magazines. I have also been working part-time as a writing expert for myassignmenthelp.com for 5+ years now. It’s fun to guide students on academic write ups and bag those top grades like a pro. Apart from my professional life, I am a big-time foodie and travel enthusiast in my personal life. So, when I am not working, I am probably travelling places to try regional delicacies and sharing my experiences with people through my blog. 

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Examples of Research Questions

Phd in nursing science program, examples of broad clinical research questions include:.

• Does the administration of pain medication at time of surgical incision reduce the need for pain medication twenty-four hours after surgery?
• What maternal factors are associated with obesity in toddlers?
• What elements of a peer support intervention prevent suicide in high school females?
• What is the most accurate and comprehensive way to determine men’s experience of physical assault?
• Is yoga as effective as traditional physical therapy in reducing lymphedema in patients who have had head and neck cancer treatment?
• In the third stage of labor, what is the effect of cord cutting within the first three minutes on placenta separation?
• Do teenagers with Type 1 diabetes who receive phone tweet reminders maintain lower blood sugars than those who do not?
• Do the elderly diagnosed with dementia experience pain?
•  How can siblings’ risk of depression be predicted after the death of a child?
•  How can cachexia be prevented in cancer patients receiving aggressive protocols involving radiation and chemotherapy?

Examples of some general health services research questions are:

• Does the organization of renal transplant nurse coordinators’ responsibilities influence live donor rates?
• What activities of nurse managers are associated with nurse turnover?  30 day readmission rates?
• What effect does the Nurse Faculty Loan program have on the nurse researcher workforce?  What effect would a 20% decrease in funds have?
• How do psychiatric hospital unit designs influence the incidence of patients’ aggression?
• What are Native American patient preferences regarding the timing, location and costs for weight management counseling and how will meeting these preferences influence participation?
•  What predicts registered nurse retention in the US Army?
• How, if at all, are the timing and location of suicide prevention appointments linked to veterans‘ suicide rates?
• What predicts the sustainability of quality improvement programs in operating rooms?
• Do integrated computerized nursing records across points of care improve patient outcomes?
• How many nurse practitioners will the US need in 2020?

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DISTINCTIONS

150+ Best Quantitative Research Topics For Nursing Students

Welcome to our blog, “Quantitative Research Topics For Nursing Students.” Quantitative research is vital in generating evidence to guide nursing practice. For nursing students new to research methods, quantitative studies can seem daunting. However, beginner-friendly quantitative research projects provide valuable skills and insights. 

Descriptive studies like surveys, observational analyses, and correlational studies are ideal starter projects in which to participate. Nursing students should consider topics that align with their interests and desired specialty. 

Research ideas include studying breastfeeding rates, disease risk factors, ethical issues, emerging technologies, mental health, and more. Quantitative research allows nursing students to develop statistics, study design, and data analysis skills—directly translating to appraising and applying evidence in daily practice. 

This blog explores introductory quantitative research topics to help nursing students contribute to the evidence base for nursing. So, let’s dive in to learn quantitative research topics for nursing students. 

Importance of Quantitative Research in Nursing Education

Table of Contents

Here are some critical points on the importance of quantitative research in nursing education:

• It provides numbers and data that can be analyzed using statistics. This allows nurse researchers to measure how well a treatment works, what factors raise risk, and health results.
• Quantitative research gives empirical or real-world proof to support or disprove ideas. This evidence-based approach is crucial for improving nursing practice and teaching.
• It lets researchers reliably measure change over time. This can evaluate the impact of new teaching methods, course changes, etc., on student learning and skills.
• Findings can often be generalized or applied to the larger population. This informs nursing curriculum and teaching practices across nursing schools.
• It can test and validate interventions. The measurable data shows if an educational program achieves the desired learning goals and outcomes. This helps improve nursing education.
• Methods like surveys can be repeated and produce consistent results. This reliability is critical for quality research that guides evidence-based nursing teaching.

Quantitative research provides numerical data and analysis to empirically test ideas, measure change, identify best practices, and enhance nursing education nationwide. The reliability and broad application of the findings are critical.

Criteria for Selecting Research Topics

Here are some critical criteria to consider when selecting a research topic for a quantitative nursing study:

• Relevance – The research should address a meaningful nursing problem or fill a significant knowledge gap. This ensures it will have an impact and value.
• Feasibility – Consider access to study sites, participants, resources, and required approvals. Can the study realistically be conducted?
• Scope – The topic should be focused enough to study in-depth but not too narrow. Make sure it is well-defined.
• Significance – The potential findings should advance nursing knowledge, practice, education, policy or administration in a significant way.
• Interest – The researcher needs enthusiasm for the topic. This drives the momentum necessary for rigorous research.
• Ethicality – Quantitative research should abide by ethics guidelines. Ensure the topic and methods are morally appropriate.
• Originality – The research should contribute new insights to build on nursing’s scientific knowledge base. Avoid over-studied topics.
• Theory application – Good quantitative research is embedded within relevant theoretical frameworks to test, refine or build theory.
• Methodology – Consider quantitative methods aligned to the topic like surveys, RCTs, quasi-experiments, longitudinal studies etc.
• Resources/Funding – Determine if the topic is fundable or what resources are required to undertake the research.

Selecting an appropriate, well-defined nursing research topic that meets these criteria will lead to better research and more substantial evidence for nursing practice.

Quantitative Research Topics For Nursing Students

Here are 150 quantitative research topics for nursing students, categorized into 15 groups. 

Patient Care and Outcomes

• Impact of bedside reporting on patient satisfaction.
• Effectiveness of pain management protocols.
• Nurse-to-patient ratios and their influence on patient outcomes.
• Utilization of telemedicine in improving patient care.
• The correlation between nurse communication skills and patient recovery.
• Assessing the effectiveness of discharge planning on readmission rates.
• Impact of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence.
• Relationship between nursing interventions and patient safety.
• Effectiveness of preoperative education on postoperative outcomes.
• Evaluation of nurse-led health promotion programs.
• The impact of nurse-led transitional care programs on hospital readmission rates.

Nursing Education and Training

• The efficacy of simulation training in nursing education.
• Influence of mentorship programs on nursing students’ academic performance.
• Comparing traditional vs. online nursing education methods.
• Impact of interprofessional education on nursing practice.
• Evaluation of continuing education programs for nurses.
• The role of clinical rotations in developing nursing skills.
• Effectiveness of debriefing sessions in simulation-based learning.
• Nurse educators’ perception of competency-based education.
• Impact of peer learning on nursing students’ clinical performance.
• Evaluation of standardized testing in nursing education.

Work Environment and Job Satisfaction

• Nurse satisfaction and its relationship with patient outcomes.
• Factors influencing nurse turnover rates in hospitals.
• Impact of shift length on nurse job satisfaction.
• Evaluating the effect of workload on nursing burnout.
• Nurse perceptions of workplace violence and its impact.
• The relationship between nursing job satisfaction and staffing levels.
• Effectiveness of stress management programs for nurses.
• Influence of leadership styles on nursing team dynamics.
• Workplace support and its effect on nurse retention.
• Impact of ergonomic interventions on nurse well-being.

Healthcare Policy and Advocacy

• The effect of healthcare reform on nursing practice.
• Nurse involvement in policy development and its outcomes.
• Evaluating the implementation of evidence-based practice guidelines.
• Impact of nurse staffing regulations on patient care.
• The function of nurses in promoting health equity.
• Nurse advocacy for patient rights and its effects.
• Assessing the impact of healthcare legislation on the nursing workforce.
• Evaluation of nurse participation in healthcare quality improvement initiatives.
• The influence of reimbursement policies on nursing care delivery.
• Nurse engagement in public health initiatives and its outcomes.
• Assessing the influence of nurse advocacy campaigns on healthcare policy reform.

Chronic Disease Management

• Effectiveness of nurse-led diabetes management programs.
• Impact of nurse interventions on hypertension control. 
• Evaluation of nurse-led smoking cessation interventions.
• The position of nurses in managing chronic pain.
• Nurse-led interventions for heart failure management.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse case management in chronic disease.
• Influence of nurse counseling on lifestyle modification in chronic disease. 
• Evaluation of nurse telemonitoring in chronic disease management.
• The impact of nurse education on chronic disease self-management.
• Nurse-led interventions for asthma management.

Mental Health and Well-being

• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for anxiety management.
• Impact of nurse counseling on depression outcomes.
• Evaluation of nurse-led support groups for mental health patients.
• Nurse involvement in suicide prevention and its outcomes.
• The position of nurses in promoting mental health awareness.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse education on mental health stigma.
• Influence of nurse interventions on PTSD recovery.
• Evaluation of nurse-led interventions for substance abuse.
• The impact of nurse-led mindfulness programs on mental well-being.
• Nurse involvement in community mental health outreach programs.

Geriatric Nursing

• Effectiveness of nurse-led fall prevention programs for older people.
• Impact of nurse interventions on dementia patient outcomes.
• Evaluation of nurse-led palliative care for geriatric patients.
• Nurse involvement in end-of-life care and its effects.
• The role of nurses in stopping elder abuse.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse education on senior care.
• Influence of nurse-led medication management in the elderly.
• Evaluation of nurse-led rehabilitation programs for seniors.
• The impact of nurse counseling on quality of life in geriatric patients.
• Nurse involvement in advanced care planning for older people.

Maternal and Child Health

• The effectiveness of nurse-led prenatal education programs.
• Impact of nurse interventions on breastfeeding rates.
• Evaluation of nurse-led childbirth preparation classes.
• Nurse involvement in neonatal care and its outcomes.
• The role of nurses in preventing maternal complications.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse education on infant care.
• Influence of nurse counseling on postpartum depression outcomes.
• Evaluation of nurse-led childhood immunization programs.
• The impact of nurse interventions on pediatric obesity.
• Nurse involvement in school-based health promotion for children.

Infection Control and Prevention

• Effectiveness of nurse-led hand hygiene initiatives.
• Impact of nurse education on infection prevention practices.
• Evaluation of nurse-led antibiotic stewardship programs.
• Nurse involvement in reducing healthcare-associated infections.
• The role of nurses in encouraging vaccination uptake.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse education on infectious disease management.
• Influence of nurse-led infection control policies on patient safety.
• Evaluation of nurse-led interventions for preventing surgical site infections.
• The impact of nurse counseling on preventing sexually transmitted infections.
• Nurse involvement in community-based infection control initiatives.

Quality Improvement in Healthcare

• The effectiveness of nurse-led quality improvement projects.
• Impact of nurse involvement in hospital accreditation processes.
• Evaluation of nurse-led clinical audits for quality improvement.
• Nurse involvement in reducing medication errors and its outcomes.
• The role of nurses in facilitating evidence-based practice.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse education on quality improvement.
• Influence of nurse-led interdisciplinary rounds on patient outcomes.
• Evaluation of nurse-led initiatives for reducing hospital readmissions.
• The impact of nurse involvement in patient safety initiatives.
• Nurse participation in root cause analysis for adverse events.

Health Informatics and Technology

• Effectiveness of nurse-led electronic health record implementations.
• Impact of nurse use of mobile health applications on patient outcomes.
• Evaluation of nurse-led telehealth services.
• Nurse involvement in patient portal utilization and its outcomes.
• The role of nurses in promoting health information exchange.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse education on health informatics.
• Influence of nurse-led remote monitoring on chronic disease management.
• Evaluation of nurse-led initiatives for improving medication adherence using technology.
• The impact of nurse involvement in implementing health information systems.
• Nurse participation in telemedicine consultations.

Ethical Considerations in Nursing Practice

• Ethical dilemmas nurses face in end-of-life care
• Impact of nurse adherence to ethical codes on patient trust.
• Evaluation of nurse-led initiatives for ethical decision-making in practice.
• Nurse involvement in patient advocacy and its ethical implications.
• The role of nurses in ensuring informed consent.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse education on ethical principles.
• Influence of nurse-led ethics committees on healthcare policies.
• Evaluation of nurse involvement in resolving conflicts of interest.
• The impact of nurse participation in research ethics review boards.
• Nurse engagement in cultural competency training and its ethical implications.
• Evaluating the ethical implications of nurse participation in end-of-life decision-making for pediatric patients.

Community Health Nursing

• Effectiveness of nurse-led health screenings in the community.
• Impact of nurse involvement in disaster preparedness initiatives.
• Evaluation of nurse-led outreach programs for underserved populations.
• Nurse involvement in promoting healthy lifestyles in communities.
• The part of nurses in addressing social determinants of health.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse education on community health.
• Influence of nurse-led immunization campaigns on community health outcomes.
• Evaluation of nurse participation in community health assessments.
• The impact of nurse involvement in addressing healthcare disparities.
• Nurse engagement in public health policy advocacy.

Global Health Nursing

• Effectiveness of nurse-led international medical missions.
• Effect of nurse involvement in global health partnerships.
• Evaluation of nurse-led initiatives for infectious disease control in developing countries.
• Nurse involvement in promoting maternal and child health in low-resource settings.
• The position of nurses in disaster relief efforts on a global scale.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse education on global health issues.
• Influence of nurse-led training programs for healthcare workers in resource-limited areas.
• Evaluation of nurse participation in international health policy development.
• The impact of nurse engagement in refugee health initiatives.
• Nurse involvement in addressing non-communicable diseases in developing countries.

Nursing Leadership and Management

• The effectiveness of nurse leadership development programs.
• Impact of nurse managers’ leadership styles on staff morale.
• Evaluation of nurse-led initiatives for improving interdisciplinary communication.
• Nurse involvement in strategic planning and its outcomes.
• The role of nurses in change management within healthcare organizations.
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse education on leadership and management.
• Influence of nurse-led quality improvement teams on organizational performance.
• Evaluation of nurse participation in healthcare decision-making processes.
• The impact of nurse managers’ support on staff retention.
• Nurse involvement in fostering a culture of safety within healthcare organizations.

So, these are the Quantitative Research Topics For Nursing Students. 

Tips for Conducting Quantitative Research in Nursing

Here are some tips for conducting high-quality quantitative research in nursing:

• Clearly define your research question and variables. Identify the key factors you want to measure and the relationships you want to investigate.
• Choose an appropriate research design. Standard quantitative designs include experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, and survey research. Select a design that aligns with your research aims.
• Use random sampling to select participants. Random sampling allows you to generalize results to the broader population. Calculate the required sample size using power analysis.
• Select reliable and valid quantitative measures. Use questionnaires, surveys, structured interviews, etc., have been tested for reliability and validity.
• Collect high-quality data. Control extraneous variables, standardize procedures, and record data precisely and accurately. Use double data entry and coding checks.
• Employ robust statistical analysis methods. Seek expert stats advice. Typical analyses include regression, ANOVA, factor analysis, SEM, etc.
• Adhere to ethical practices. Gain informed consent, ensure confidentiality, minimize risk, and debrief participants. Seek IRB approval if required.
• Interpret results objectively. Report the statistical findings without personal bias. Discuss limitations and generalizability appropriately.
• Communicate findings. Use tables, charts, diagrams, and APA format . Focus on concise and logical explanations of critical results.

Sound quantitative research methods will produce more valid, reliable nursing research to inform evidence-based practice.

Final Remarks

In this blog, we have discussed quantitative research topics for nursing students. Quantitative research is vital for nursing students to build skills and contribute to evidence-based practice. Surveys, observations, and correlational studies are great starter projects to learn research basics. 

Students should pick topics matching their interests and nursing specialty. Research ideas include studying breastfeeding, risk factors, emerging tech, mental health, and more. Quantitative research teaches statistics, study design, and data analysis abilities that directly apply to evaluating and using evidence in daily nursing. 

This blog explored introductory quantitative research topics for nursing students to help them expand their nursing knowledge base through their research. Quantitative studies provide the numerical data and analysis needed to guide nursing education, practice, and policy in an evidence-based manner. 

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Before You Start Searching

Clinical and epidemiological question frameworks.

• Basic Literature Searching
• Advanced Literature Searching
• Searching for Evidence with ABCDE
• Citation Management
• Citing Sources: APA and Other Styles

Step One: Start to formulate a research question or topic.

Aiming for clarity at the beginning of the project can help you get started right. It can be helpful to use one of the question frameworks detailed below.

Step Two: Do some background searching on the topic.

Taking a look in relevant resources to see what's already been written about your topic will help you understand how you can best contribute to the body of literature. It will also help you grasp the terminology around the topic, so that you'll be more prepared to do an effective literature search.

Step Three: Narrow down the question or topic if needed.

You may find that your original topic is too broad. After you have taken the time to evaluate what's already been written about your topic, you'll have a better understanding of what you're interested in.

Step Four: Meet with your librarian.

Try one of these tried and true clinical or quantitative research question frameworks. Not sure where to start? PICO is the most common clinical question framework. and PEO works well for public health and epidemiology.

• Condition, Context, Population
• Aromataris, E., & Munn, Z. (2017). Joanna Briggs Institute reviewer's manual. The Joanna Briggs Institute. Available from JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis .
• Population, Exposure of Interest, Outcome or Response
• Population or Problem, Intervention or Exposure, Comparison or Control, Outcome
• Heneghan, C., & Badenoch, D. (2002). Evidence-based medicine toolkit. London: BMJ Books. https://www.worldcat.org/title/evidence-based-medicine-toolkit/oclc/62307845
• Population or Problem, Intervention or Exposure, Comparison or Control, Outcome, Study Type
• Methley, A. M., Campbell, S., Chew-Graham, C., McNally, R., & Cheraghi-Sohi, S. (2014). PICO, PICOS and SPIDER: a comparison study of specificity and sensitivity in three search tools for qualitative systematic reviews. BMC health services research, 14, 579. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-014-0579-0 .
• Population or Problem, Intervention or Exposure, Comparison or Control, Outcome, Time
• Richardson, W. S., Wilson, M. C., Nishikawa, J., & Hayward, R. S. (1995). The well-built clinical question: A key to evidence-based decisions. ACP Journal Club, 123(3), A12-A12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7582737/
• Population, Index Test, Reference Test, Diagnosis of Interest
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A Good Question...

• Focuses your information needs
• Identifies key seach concepts
• Points you in the direction of potential resources

Background Questions

These questions are general in nature and provide foundational information on a single concept.  Background questions cover:

• Terminology
• General Pathology
• Patient Education Resources
• General Drug Information
• Examination/Assessment Procedures

What is the pathology of asthma ?

What drugs are used to treat hypertension ?

How do I perform a psychological assessment ?

What education resources exist for patients with gestational diabetes ?

How is hepatitis b diagnosed?

What does a normal heartbeat sound like?

These questions are best answered using the resources found in the Background Info page of this guide.

Foreground Questions

These questions bring together multiple concepts related to a specific clinical situation or research topic.  They may be divided into two  broad categories:

• Qualitative Questions  aim to discover meaning or gain an understanding of a phenomena or experience.  They ask about an individual's or population's experience of certain situations or circumstances
• Quantitative Questions  aim to discover cause and effect relationships, often through comparison. Comparison may occur between two or more individuals or groups based on outcomes associated with differences in exposures or interventions. Comparison may also be made to 'no intervention', standard care or standard practice, 'no exposure'.

These questions are best answered using the resources found in the 6S/Foreground Info page of this guide.

Forming Foreground Questions

Building an effective foreground question can be challenging.  The following models will help:

Qualitative Questions: The PS Model

P - Patient/Population

S - Situation

How do/does ___ [P] ____ experience _____ [S] _____?

What is the experience of ____ [P] ___ [S] ____?

Ex. How do  caregiver- spouses of Alzheimer patients  experience  placing their spouse in a nursing home ?

___________________________________________________________________________

Quantitative Questions: The PICO(T) Model

A quantitative approach can answer many different types of questions, but all can be formatted by following the  PICO(T) Model  outlined below:     

PICO(T) Templates

In ___ [ P ]___,  do/does ___[ I ]___ result in ___[ O ]____ when compared with ___[ C ]___ over ___[ T ]____?

E.g.) In nursing home residents with osteoporosis , do hip protectors result in fewer injuries from slips, trips, and falls when compared with standard osteoporosis drug therapy over the course of their stay ?

Are ___[ P ]___  with  ___[ I ]___  over ____[ T ]____ more likely to ___[ O ]____ when compared with ___[ C ]___ ?

E.g.) Are   female non-smokers   with  daily exposure to second-hand smoke  over  a period of ten years or greater  more likely to  develop breast cancer  when compared with  female non-smokers without daily exposure to second-hand smoke ?

Is/are ___[ I ]___ performed on ___[ P ]___   more effective than ___[ C ]___  over ___[ T ]____in ___[ O ]____?

E.g.) Are   self-reporting interviews and parent reports  performed on   children aged 5-10   more effective than  parent reports alone  over a  four-week consultation process  in  diagnosing depression ?

In ___[ P ]___,  do/does ___[ I ]___ result in ___[ O ]____ when compared with ___[ C ]___ over ___[ T ]____?

E.g.) In  emergency room visitors , do   hand sanitizing stations  result in   fewer in-hospital infections  when compared  with no hand sanitizing stations  over  a year-long pilot period ?

Do/does ___[ I ]___ performed on ___[ P ]___   lead to  ___[ O ]___  over ___[ T ]____compared with ___[ C ]____?

E.g.) Do  regular text message reminders  performed on  patients recently diagnosed with diabetes  lead to  a lower occurrence of forgotten insulin doses  over  the first six months of treatment  compared with  no reminders ?

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Nursing Research (NURS 3321/4325/5366)

• Introduction
• Understand What Quantitative Research Is
• Understand What Qualitative Research Is
• Sage Methods Map
• Step 1: Accessing CINAHL
• Step 2: Create a Keyword Search
• Step 3: Create a Subject Heading Search
• Step 4: Repeat Steps 1-3 for Second Concept
• Step 5: Repeat Steps 1-3 for Quantitative Terms
• Step 6: Combining All Searches
• Step 7: Adding Limiters
• Step 8: Save Your Search!
• What Kind of Article is This?
• PICO Keyword Search Strategy
• PICO Keyword Search
• PICO Subject Heading Search
• Combining Keyword and Subject Heading Searches
• Adding Filters/Limiters
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What is Quantitative Research?

Quantitative methodology is the dominant research framework in the social sciences. it refers to a set of strategies, techniques and assumptions used to study psychological, social and economic processes through the exploration of numeric patterns . quantitative research gathers a range of numeric data. some of the numeric data is intrinsically quantitative (e.g. personal income), while in other cases the numeric structure is  imposed (e.g. ‘on a scale from 1 to 10, how depressed did you feel last week’). the collection of quantitative information allows researchers to conduct simple to extremely sophisticated statistical analyses that aggregate the data (e.g. averages, percentages), show relationships among the data (e.g. ‘students with lower grade point averages tend to score lower on a depression scale’) or compare across aggregated data (e.g. the usa has a higher gross domestic product than spain). quantitative research includes methodologies such as questionnaires, structured observations or experiments and stands in contrast to qualitative research. qualitative research involves the collection and analysis of narratives and/or open-ended observations through methodologies such as interviews, focus groups or ethnographies..

Coghlan, D., Brydon-Miller, M. (2014).  The SAGE encyclopedia of action research  (Vols. 1-2). London, : SAGE Publications Ltd doi: 10.4135/9781446294406

What is the purpose of quantitative research?

The purpose of quantitative research is to generate knowledge and create understanding about the social world. Quantitative research is used by social scientists, including communication researchers, to observe phenomena or occurrences affecting individuals. Social scientists are concerned with the study of people. Quantitative research is a way to learn about a particular group of people, known as a sample population. Using scientific inquiry, quantitative research relies on data that are observed or measured to examine questions about the sample population.

Allen, M. (2017).  The SAGE encyclopedia of communication research methods  (Vols. 1-4). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc doi: 10.4135/9781483381411

How do I know if the study is a quantitative design?  What type of quantitative study is it?

Quantitative Research Designs: Descriptive non-experimental, Quasi-experimental or Experimental?

Studies do not always explicitly state what kind of research design is being used.  You will need to know how to decipher which design type is used.  The following video will help you determine the quantitative design type.

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Nursing Resources : Qualitative vs Quantitative

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Differences between Qualitative & Quantitative Research

" Quantitative research ," also called " empirical research ," refers to any research based on something that can be accurately and precisely measured.  For example, it is possible to discover exactly how many times per second a hummingbird's wings beat and measure the corresponding effects on its physiology (heart rate, temperature, etc.).

" Qualitative research " refers to any research based on something that is impossible to accurately and precisely measure.  For example, although you certainly can conduct a survey on job satisfaction and afterwards say that such-and-such percent of your respondents were very satisfied with their jobs, it is not possible to come up with an accurate, standard numerical scale to measure the level of job satisfaction precisely.

It is so easy to confuse the words "quantitative" and "qualitative," it's best to use "empirical" and "qualitative" instead.

Hint: An excellent clue that a scholarly journal article contains empirical research is the presence of some sort of statistical analysis

See "Examples of Qualitative and Quantitative" page under "Nursing Research" for more information.

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Mixed Methods in Nursing Research : An Overview and Practical Examples

Ardith z. doorenbos.

School of Nursing, University of Washington, USA, Box 357266, Seattle, WA 98177

Mixed methods research methodologies are increasingly applied in nursing research to strengthen the depth and breadth of understanding of nursing phenomena. This article describes the background and benefits of using mixed methods research methodologies, and provides two examples of nursing research that used mixed methods. Mixed methods research produces several benefits. The examples provided demonstrate specific benefits in the creation of a culturally congruent picture of chronic pain management for American Indians, and the determination of a way to assess cost for providing chronic pain care.

Introduction

Mixed methods is one of the three major research paradigms: quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed methods research. Mixed methods research combines elements of qualitative and quantitative research approaches for the broad purpose of increasing the breadth and depth of understanding. The definition of mixed methods, from the first issue of the Journal of Mixed Methods Research, is “research in which the investigator collects and analyzes data, integrates the findings, and draws inferences using both qualitative and quantitative approaches or methods in a single study or program of inquiry” ( Tashakkori & Creswell, 2007 , p.4).

Mixed methods research began among anthropologists and sociologists in the early 1960s. In the late 1970s, the term “triangulation” began to enter methodology conversations. Triangulation was identified as a combination of methodologies in the study of the same phenomenon to decrease the bias inherent in using one particular method ( Morse, 1991 ). Two types of sequencing for mixed methods design have been proposed: simultaneous and sequential. Type of sequencing is one of the key decisions in mixed methods study design. Simultaneous sequencing is postulated to be simultaneous use of qualitative and quantitative methods, where there is limited interaction between the two sources of data during data collection, but the data obtained is used in the data interpretation stage to support each method's findings and to reach a final understanding. Sequential sequencing is postulated to be the use of one method before the other, as when the results of one method are necessary for planning the next method.

Since the 1960s, the use of mixed methods has continued to grow in popularity ( O'Cathain, 2009 ). Currently, although there are numerous designs to consider for mixed methods research, the four major types of mixed methods designs are triangulation design, embedded design, explanatory design, and exploratory design ( Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007 ). The most common and well-known approach to mixed methods research continues to be triangulation design.

There are many benefits to using mixed methods. Quantitative data can support qualitative research components by identifying representative patients or outlying cases, while qualitative data can shed light on quantitative components by helping with development of the conceptual model or instrument. During data collection, quantitative data can provide baseline information to help researchers select patients to interview, while qualitative data can help researchers understand the barriers and facilitators to patient recruitment and retention. During data analysis, qualitative data can assist with interpreting, clarifying, describing, and validating quantitative results.

Four broad types of research situations have been reported as benefiting particularly from mixed methods research. The first situation is when concepts are new and not well understood. Thus, there is a need for qualitative exploration before quantitative methods can be used. The second situation is when findings from one approach can be better understood with a second source of data. The third situation is when neither a qualitative nor a quantitative approach, by itself, is adequate to understanding the concept being studied. Lastly, the fourth situation is when the quantitative results are difficult to interpret, and qualitative data can assist with understanding the results ( Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007 ).

The purpose of this article is to illustrate mixed methods methodology by using examples of research into the chronic pain management experience among American Indians. These examples demonstrate the methodology used to provide (a) a detailed multilevel understanding of the chronic pain care experience for American Indians using triangulation design (multilevel model), and (b) a comparison of cost for two different chronic pain care delivery models, also using triangulation design (data transformation model).

An Example : Understanding the Pain Management Experience Among American Indians

Chronic pain poses unique challenges to the American health care system, including ever-escalating costs, unintentional poisonings and deaths from overdoses of painkillers, and incalculable suffering for patients as well as their families. Approximately 100 million adults in the United States are affected by chronic pain, with treatment costs and losses in productivity totaling $635 billion annually ( Institute of Medicine, 2011 ). Symptoms of pain are the leading reason patients visit health care providers ( Hing, Cherry, & Woodwell, 2006 ).

At the level of the community-based primary care provider, especially in tribal areas of the United States, there is often not enough capacity to manage complex chronic pain cases, and this is often due to lack of access to specialty pain care ( Momper, Delva, Tauiliili, Mueller-Williams, & Goral, 2013 ). The American Indian population in particular is underserved by health care and the most vulnerable to the impact of chronic pain, with high rates of drug poisoning due to opioid analgesics ( Warner, Chen, Makuc, Anderson, & Minino, 2011 ). There are 2.9 million people who report exclusive and an additional 1.6 million who report partial American Indian ancestry in the United States. They are a diverse group, residing in 35 states and organized into 564 federally recognized tribes ( U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 ). However, there is a scarcity of published literature exploring the experience, epidemiology, and management of pain among American Indians ( Haozous, Knobf, & Brant, 2010 ; Haozous & Knobf, 2013 ; Jimenez, Garroutte, Kundu, Morales, & Buchwald, 2011 ).

Using Mixed Methods to Overcome Barriers to Research

Barriers to effective research into chronic pain management among American Indians include the relatively small number of American Indian patients in any circumscribed area or tribe, the limitations of individual databases, and widespread racial misclassification. A mixed methods research approach is needed to understand the complex experience, epidemiology, and management of chronic pain among American Indians and to address the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative methodologies (large sample size, trends, generalizable) with those of qualitative methodologies (small sample size, details, in-depth).

This first example is from an ongoing study that uses triangulation design to provide a better understanding of the phenomenon of chronic pain management among American Indians. The study uses a multilevel model in which quantitative data collected at the national and state levels will be analyzed in parallel with the collection and analysis of the qualitative data at the patient level (see Figure 1 ). This allows the weakness of one approach to be offset by the strengths of the other. The results of the separate level analyses will be compared, contrasted, and blended leading to an overall interpretation of results.

Role of quantitative data

Previous examination of U.S. national databases has reported a higher prevalence of lower back pain in American Indians than in the general population (35% compared to 26% ; Deyo, Mirza, & Martin, 2002 ). Thus, at level 1, quantitative administrative data sets representing health care received by American Indians, both across the United States and in broad regions, will be used to evaluate macro-level trends in utilization of health care and in basic outcomes, such as opioid-related deaths.

At level 2, more detailed quantitative Washington state tribal clinic data will be used to identify American Indian populations, evaluate breakdowns in the delivery of care, and identify processes that lead to unsuccessful outcomes. For example, in a study conducted with community health practitioners in Alaska, participants reported low levels of knowledge and comfort around discussing cancer pain ( Cueva, Lanier, Dignan, Kuhnley, & Jenkins, 2005 ).

Role of qualitative data

At level 3, qualitative research through focus groups and key informant interviews will provide even more refined information about perceptions of recommended and received care. These interviews will provide insight into selected immediate and proximal factors. These factors include patients' choice and use of services; attitudes, motivations, and perceptions that influence their decisions; interpersonal factors, such as social support; and perceived discrimination. This qualitative data will shed light on potential barriers to care that are not easily recognized in administrative or clinical records, and thereby will provide greater detail about patient views of chronic pain care.

Role of (qualitative) indigenous methodologies

Since the focus of this study is on the chronic pain experience among American Indian patients, it is important that the qualitative work in level 3 be guided by indigenous methodologies, in both data collection and analysis. The phrase “indigenous methodologies” refers to an evolving framework for creating research that places the epistemologies of indigenous participants and communities at the center of the work, while building an equitable and respectful setting for bidirectional learning ( Evans, Hole, Berg, Hutchinson, & Sookraj, 2009 ; Louis, 2007 .; Smith, 2004 ). Although the tenets of indigenous methodologies vary according to the source, there is agreement among sources that research with indigenous populations should be wellness-oriented, holistic, community-oriented, and focused on indigenous knowledge, and should incorporate bidirectional learning ( Louis, 2007 ; Smith, 2004 ).

The ongoing project aligns with these guidelines by building knowledge about the chronic pain experience from the perspective of American Indian patients. The data is being interpreted with the goal of designing a usable and relevant model that will resonate at the American Indian community level. The researchers have conducted focus groups with the needs and priorities of the participants placed at the forefront, to best achieve the goals of learning and building knowledge that reflects the participants' experiences. Specifically, the focus groups were scheduled within three tribes, ensuring high familiarity and social support among group members. These focus groups met either at a tribal community center or in a nearby tribally owned casino in the evening. Each focus group started with a dinner, followed by discussion.

The focus group facilitator was well-known to the community, and although not American Indian, had been an active participant in community events and had provided expert knowledge and consultation to the tribes. Additionally, each focus group was co-facilitated by a tribal elder. The high familiarity among the participants and the research team was an important component of the bidirectional learning: it helped reduce much of the mistrust that has historically prevented medical researchers from obtaining high-quality data in similarly vulnerable populations ( Guadagnolo, Cina, & Helbig, 2009 ).

Benefits of Triangulation Design: Multilevel Model

In summary, only a mixed methods study that included quantitative and qualitative methods could provide the data required for a comprehensive multilevel assessment of the chronic pain experience among American Indians. Although this study is ongoing, the plan is for a nationwide analysis of variations in chronic pain outcomes among American Indians to examine the structure of service delivery and organization. Analysis of the state tribal clinic data will address intermediate factors and will examine community-level variation in pain management and local access to pain specialists. Preliminary analysis of the focus group data has already demonstrated that there is insufficient pain management among American Indians, due in part to lack of knowledge about pain management among providers and lack of access to pain specialists.

An Example; Comparing the Costs of Two Models for Providing Chronic Pain Care to American Indians

Telehealth is one innovative approach to providing access to high-quality interdisciplinary pain care for American Indians. A telehealth model with a unique approach based on provider-to-provider videoconference consultations allows community-based providers to present complex chronic pain cases to a panel of pain specialists through a videoconferencing infrastructure that also incorporates longitudinal outcomes tracking to monitor patient progress. Telehealth is an innovative model of health care delivery, and its use among American Indians has been expanding over the past several years ( Doorenbos et al., 2010 ; Doorenbos et al., 2011a ; 2011b ). Although the use of telehealth for providing chronic pain consultation is still in early stages, the long-term effectiveness of this approach and its impact on increasing capacity for pain management among community providers is being investigated ( Haozous et al., 2012 ; Tauben, Towle, Gordon, Theodore, & Doorenbos, 2013 ). The mixed methods approach for this transaction cost analysis used a unique triangulation design with a data transformation model to build a body of evidence for telehealth pain management.

With ever increasing mandates to reduce the cost and increase the quality of pain management, health care institutions are faced with the challenge of demonstrating that new technologies provide value while maintaining or even improving the quality of care ( Harries & Yellowlees, 2013 ). Transaction cost analysis can provide this evidence by using mixed methods research methodologies to provide comparative evaluation of the costs and consequences of using alternative technologies and the accompanying organizational arrangements for delivering care ( Williamson, 2000 ).

The theory of transaction cost developed from the observation that our structures for governing transactions—the ways in which we organize, manage, support, and carry out exchange — have economic consequences ( Williamson, 1991 ). Though prices matter, this theory recognizes that prices can and do deviate from the cost of production and do not include the cost of transacting ( Coase, 1960 ). Setting aside neoclassical economic conceptions of price, output, demand, and supply, the transaction becomes the unit of analysis ( Williamson, 1985 ).

In transactions, there are typically two parties engaging in the exchange of goods or services, and both exert effort to carry out the transaction, incurring costs in the hope or with the expectation of realizing benefits. Some ways of structuring or supporting a given transaction, such as consultation or treatment for a patient from a health care provider, may be more efficient than others. The analysis examines the actual costs incurred and the related consequences experienced by the parties over time, with the hypothesis that efficiency results from the discriminating alignment of transactions with alternative, more efficient structures of governance ( Williamson, 2002 ).

Specialty health care services participating in the study described here included the University of Washington (UW) Center for Pain Relief and the UW TelePain program. The UW Center for Pain Relief is an outpatient multispecialty consultation and treatment clinic that uses the assembled expertise and skills of physicians and other medical team providers to assist in diagnosis and care for chronic pain, for example for people with painful disorders that have persisted beyond expected duration, or for people who have persistent uncontrolled pain despite appropriate treatment for the underlying medical condition. The clinic also offers pain consultation and treatment for a variety of new-onset or acute problems that may benefit from selective anesthetic procedures, such as nerve blocks or spinal nerve root compression.

The UW TelePain program serves tribal providers in the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI) region. These tribal providers include primary care physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. The tribal providers have access to weekly videoconferences both with other community providers and with university-based pain and symptom management experts. During videoconferences, providers manage cases, engage in evidence-based practice activities, and receive peer support. Throughout the process, these community providers are responsible for direct patient care, and they act on recommendations of the consulting pain specialists.

The two care delivery models discussed above — traditional in-clinic consultation at the Center for Pain Relief and telehealth case consultation through TelePain — provided this mixed methods study using triangulation design and a data transformation model with two comparative arrangements for delivering the same transaction: delivery of pain care to patients (see Figure 2 ).

Qualitative and Quantitative Data Collection Procedures

Participant observation and structured interviews were used to identify and describe two comparable completed transactions for patients with chronic pain. Members of the clinical care teams selected one transaction from each service for which the care could be said to represent the routines and norms of their health care organization. The chosen transactions were carried out with patients of the same gender, similar age, and similar health characteristics. For the study, clinical care teams from each service provided two qualitative on-site interviews documenting clinical work flow and processes (i.e., the steps in the transaction). For the in-clinic transaction, members of the clinical care team interviewed included a nurse care coordinator, pain specialist, medical assistant, patient outcomes assessment coordinator, nurse triage manager, patient support services supervisor, and financial authorization specialist. For the Tele-Pain transaction, team members interviewed included the TelePain nurse care coordinator, two pain specialists, an information technology specialist, and the clinic provider.

The following details the process of the mixed methods analysis. First, individual steps, or discrete tasks, within each transaction (in-clinic versus TelePain) were identified using qualitative interviews and itemized in detail. Details from the qualitative data included a description of each task, the person (s) engaged, the duration of engagement of each person in minutes, the information accrued to the patient's medical record, the technologies employed, and the locations where tasks were conducted and information was transmitted or stored.

The quantitative data collected included date and time, and therefore duration in business days, that accumulated with each step in the transaction. Finally, the costs of each step collected from the qualitative data were identified and transformed into quantitatively estimated data for each transaction. Analysis focused on the primary costs in health care: the value of people's time. These values were limited to labor costs for the in-clinic and telehealth personnel; proxies for the value of time were used with estimates of time for the patient. Costs were estimated as a function of time spent per task and per patient, and the actual wage, including benefits, of personnel engaged in the transaction.

Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis

Personal identifiable information was redacted from each patient's medical record, and the records were reviewed for comparability as well as for norms and routines of care for the in-clinic and telehealth organizations. The characteristics of the two patients were similar. Both were first-time patients to their respective organizations, and were referred by their primary care providers for specialized care. The reasons for seeking care and report of conditions potentially related to chronic pain were similar. Both transactions resulted in a consultation recommending referral for additional specialized care or treatment.

Two work flows, one in-clinic and one telehealth, were developed by documenting actual tasks undertaken during the transactions. In follow-up interviews, these work flows were presented to participants for review and comment. These interviews resulted in a complete itemized list of dates, personnel, and time spent per person on discrete steps or tasks. Tables and graphs expressing the steps, with cost accrual over time and in sum, were developed and compared for each transaction, to each other, and with respect to participants' rationales for the tasks in each transaction.

The equation expressing the cost per transaction is as follows, where the total cost of the transaction ( C T ) is the sum of the costs of each discrete task ( k i ) in the transaction, measured per participant ( x, y, z …) on the task, as the product of time ( t ) and wage rate ( w ), or in the case of the patient ( x, y, z …), a proxy for the value of time ( w ) and estimated time ( t ).

In total, 46 discrete steps were taken for the typical in-clinic transaction at the UW Center for Pain Relief (one patient case, reviewed by two pain specialists) versus 27 steps for the typical TelePain transaction (three patient cases, reviewed by six pain specialists). The greater number and types of administrative steps taken to schedule, execute, and follow up the in-clinic consultation resulted in greater duration of time between receipt of initial referral request and completion of the initial consultation with the pain specialists. A total of 153 business days (213 calendar days) elapsed between referral and the completion of the entire in-clinic transaction, versus 4 business days (4 calendar, days) for the TelePain transaction. Importantly, for the transaction at the UW Center for Pain Relief, 72 business days transpired before consultation concluded with a referral for the patient's record; the same conclusion was reached in 4 days in the TelePain transaction. These methods used to determine transaction costs provide an excellent example of mixed methods research, where both qualitative and quantitative data and analysis are needed to provide the transaction cost results.

Mixed methods are increasingly being used in nursing research. We have detailed two studies in which mixed methods research with triangulation design brought a richness to the examination of the phenomenon that a single methodology would not In the two examples described, a major advantage of the triangulation design is its efficiency, because both types of data are collected simultaneously. Each type of data can be collected and analyzed separately and independently, using the techniques traditionally associated with each data type. Both simultaneous and sequential data collection lend themselves to team research, in which the team includes researchers with both quantitative and qualitative expertise.

Challenges include the effort and expertise required due to the simultaneous data collection, and the fact that equal weight is usually given to each data type. Thus this research requires a team, or extensive training in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and careful adherence to the methodological rigor required for both methodologies. Nursing researchers may face the possibility of inconsistency in research findings arising from the objectivity of quantitative methods and the subjectivity of qualitative methods. In these cases, additional data collection may be required.

The first example, regarding the pain management experience among American Indians, used triangulation design in a multilevel model format. The multilevel model was useful in designing this study as different methods were needed at different levels to fully understand the complex health care system. In this example, quantitative data is being collected and analyzed at the national and state levels, and qualitative data is being collected at the patient level. Both qualitative and quantitative data are being collected simultaneously. The findings from each level will then be blended into one overall interpretation.

The second example, a transaction cost analysis, also used triangulation design, but the model used was that of data transformation. As in the multilevel model used in the first example, the data transformation model involved the separate but concurrent collection of qualitative and quantitative data. A novel step in this model involves transforming the qualitative data into quantitative data, and then comparing and interrelating the data sets. This required the development of procedures for transforming the qualitative data, related to, time spent on a step and salary of the provider, into quantitative cost data.

The two studies presented as examples demonstrate mixed methods research resulting in the creation of (a) a rich description of the American Indian chronic pain experience, and (b) a way to assess cost for providing chronic pain care via tribal clinics. In both examples, the quantitative data and their subsequent analysis provide a general understanding of the research problem. The qualitative data and their analysis refine and explain the results by exploring participants' views in more depth. Research using a single methodology would not have been able to achieve the same results.

Acknowledgments

Research reported in this paper was supported by the National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health under award number #R01NR012450 and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award number #R42 CA141875. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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Defining the Question: Foreground & Background Questions

In order to most appropriately choose an information resource and craft a search strategy, it is necessary to consider what  kind  of question you are asking: a specific, narrow "foreground" question, or a broader background question that will help give context to your research?

Foreground Questions

A "foreground" question in health research is one that is relatively specific, and is usually best addressed by locating primary research evidence. 

Using a structured question framework can help you clearly define the concepts or variables that make up the specific research question. 

 Across most frameworks, you’ll often be considering:

• a who (who was studied - a population or sample)
• a what (what was done or examined - an intervention, an exposure, a policy, a program, a phenomenon)
• a how ([how] did the [what] affect the [who] - an outcome, an effect). 

PICO is the most common framework for developing a clinical research question, but multiple question frameworks exist.

PICO (Problem/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome)

Appropriate for : clinical questions, often addressing the effect of an intervention/therapy/treatment

Example : For adolescents with type II diabetes (P) does the use of telehealth consultations (I) compared to in-person consultations  (C) improve blood sugar control  (O)?

Framing Different Types of Clinical Questions with PICO

Different types of clinical questions are suited to different syntaxes and phrasings, but all will clearly define the PICO elements.  The definitions and frames below may be helpful for organizing your question:

Intervention/Therapy

Questions addressing how a clinical issue, illness, or disability is treated.

"In__________________(P), how does__________________(I) compared to_________________(C) affect______________(O)?"

Questions that address the causes or origin of disease, the factors which produce or predispose toward a certain disease or disorder.

"Are_________________(P), who have_________________(I) compared with those without_________________(C) at_________________risk for/of_________________(O) over_________________(T)?" 

Questions addressing the act or process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or injury through evaluation.

In_________________(P) are/is_________________(I) compared with_________________(C) more accurate in diagnosing_________________(O)?

Prognosis/Prediction:

Questions addressing the prediction of the course of a disease.

In_________________(P), how does_________________(I) compared to_________________ (C) influence_________________(O)?

Questions addressing how one experiences a phenomenon or why we need to approach practice differently.

"How do_________________(P) with_________________(I) perceive_________________(O)?" 

Adapted from: Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2011). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Beyond PICO: Other Types of Question Frameworks

PICO is a useful framework for clinical research questions, but may not be appropriate for all kinds of reviews.  Also consider:

PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome)

Appropriate for : describing association between particular exposures/risk factors and outcomes

Example : How do  preparation programs (E) influence the development of teaching competence  (O) among novice nurse educators  (P)?

SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research Type)

Appropriate for : questions of experience or perspectives (questions that may be addressed by qualitative or mixed methods research)

Example : What are the experiences and perspectives (E) of  undergraduate nursing students  (S)  in clinical placements within prison healthcare settings (PI)?

SPICE (Setting, Perspective, Intervention/phenomenon of Interest, Comparison, Evaluation)

Appropriate for : evaluating the outcomes of a service, project, or intervention

Example : What are the impacts and best practices for workplace (S) transition support programs (I) for the retention (E) of newly-hired, new graduate nurses (P)?

PCC (Problem/population, Concept, Context)

Appropriate for : broader (scoping) questions

Example : How do nursing schools  (Context) teach, measure, and maintain nursing students ' (P)  technological literacy  (Concept))throughout their educational programs?

Background Questions

To craft a strong and reasonable foreground research question, it is important to have a firm understanding of the concepts of interest.  As such, it is often necessary to ask background questions, which ask for more general, foundational knowledge about a disorder, disease, patient population, policy issue, etc. 

For example, consider the PICO question outlined above:

"For adolescents with type II diabetes does the use of telehealth consultations compared to in-person consultations  improve blood sugar control ?

To best make sense of the literature that might address this PICO question, you would also need a deep understanding of background questions like:

• What are the unique barriers or challenges related to blood sugar management in adolescents with TII diabetes?
• What are the measures of effective blood sugar control?
• What kinds of interventions would fall under the umbrella of 'telehealth'?
• What are the qualitative differences in patient experience in telehealth versus in-person interactions with healthcare providers?
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This guide is designed to help you find specific types of articles - research and reviews.  It will walk you through the resources to search in, strategies to find the articles you need, and provide helpful definititions for understand the different types of articles.  

Every article contains different ideas and approaches to topics, so starting your search by brainstorming different keywords and ways to describe your topic will give you tools to get at more of the research out there.

It can be challenging to think of a topic for a research question.  Consider using topics from your course readings, lectures, current news, or ideas you see mentioned in other articles.  Once something catches your attention, use one of these resources to learn a bit more about it and gather additional keywords.

• UT Quantitative vs Qualitative Nursing Research
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• Last Updated: Apr 4, 2023 9:24 AM
• URL: https://libguides.salemstate.edu/nursingarticles

290 Good Nursing Research Topics & Questions

Florence Nightingale is called “the mother of modern nursing.” She was the first one who started incorporating research into her practice. While providing patients with health care and support, nurses observe things that may need further investigation. This way, they become not only caretakers but also scientists.

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Research topics in nursing are a way to gain valuable evidence-based knowledge while providing patient care. Moreover, they offer an opportunity to help other nurses by contributing to global healthcare. Some of the most pressing nursing research questions concern medical surgery, midwifery, and geriatrics, as well as the issues of leadership and management.

Need some inspiring topics for nursing students? Look no further! This article by Custom-writing.org experts contains 290 hot nursing research topics, as well as useful additional information and writing tips.

• 🔝 Top 10 Topics
• ☑️ How to Choose a Topic?
• 🐥 Pediatric Topics
• 👴 Geriatric Topics
• 🍼 Midwifery Topics
• 💆 Mental Health Topics
• 🏊 Health Promotion Topics
• 💡 Topics for Discussion
• 🔝 10 Research Questions
• 🔢 Quantitative Research
• 🔬 Qualitative Research

👋 Conclusion

🔝 top 10 nursing research topics 2024.

• The social effect of the opioid crisis.
• Cancel culture and women’s health.
• Economic aspects of euthanasia.
• Nursing adaptation for a digital era.
• The gender pay gap in nursing.
• Health issues of immigrant women.
• Should futile medical care be provided?
• Ways to improve diversity in nursing.
• Ethics of artificial hydration and nutrition.
• Overcoming vaccine hesitancy during pregnancy.

☑️ Research Topics in Nursing: How to Choose?

BSc students and interns often find it challenging to come up with a nursing research paper topic. Healthcare covers a lot of very diverse topics. It’s easy to get confused while trying to choose the most interesting one.

First of all, t is very important to narrow your focus. If the problem you’ve chosen is too large, it can be impossible to examine it properly. Remember: you don’t have to solve world problems in order to contribute to medical science. Choose a current topic which already has plenty of literature studies , and add something new to it. There are interesting nursing research questions in any area, be it social work, psychology, obstetrics, or clinical nursing.

You can choose a topic based on your personal experience. It can be something you observe in your family or an issue that made you interested in the nursing profession in the first place. You can look at the situation in your hometown or city to help you come up with an idea for evidence-based practice nursing research topics.

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📜 Nursing Research Topics

Once you’ve chosen your area of interest, you are ready to formulate your thesis and write a research proposal. Below is a list of research questions examples for you to choose from.

🐥 Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

Ways of enhancing language development for children with developmental disabilities

• Evaluation of pragmatic language patterns in autistic children
• Taking care of children with congenital heart disease : psychological issues
• Childhood cancer treatment optimization: new ways
• Children with cancer and their families: psychological issues
• Cancer: health service delivery efficiency
• Childhood obesity: a population health issue
• Radiation therapy: the response of the hematopoietic system in oncology patients
• Leukemia cells and the immune system: mechanisms of interaction
• Childhood acute leukemia : the use of molecular markers in diagnosis
• Blindness in children receiving oxygen therapy : risk-reducing strategies

• Early life exposures that promote heart disease later in life
• Role of early-life exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in childhood obesity
• Obesity in children and adolescents : prevention strategies
• Childhood obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors: epidemiologic research
• Childhood obesity : identification, screening, prevention, and management
• Stem cells and their usage in the treatment of pediatric diseases
• Early-life exposure to air pollution : health effects
• Prenatal exposure to nicotine : health effects
• Effects of early life stress on metabolic and cognitive development of children
• Asthma in children: diagnosis and management
• Asthma in children : monitoring techniques
• Opportunistic fungal infections: pathogenesis and treatment
• HHV6: pathogenesis, immunology, and treatment
• Meningitis in children: prevention and vaccination
• Vaccination against influenza in children: reactions and complications
• Common measles complications in children
• Surfactant replacement therapy for premature infants: beneficial effects
• Animal models for respiratory diseases : the investigation of pathogenesis
• Cells and molecules in lung health and disease: understanding the function
• Neurotrophin and neurotransmitter receptors: a molecular study
• New therapeutic approaches to developmental diseases of the nervous system
• Movement disorders in children: understanding and treatment
• Tourette syndrome in children: causes and treatment
• Neuroblastoma in children: understanding racial differences
• Understanding Metabolic Syndrome : symptoms and causes
• Anorexia and related changes in brain function and behavior
• Eating disorders in children : effects on growth and health
• Infant nutrition: prevention of obesity and eating disorders
• ADHD medication for children: long-term effects
• ADHD in children: efficacy of dance and music therapy
• Efficacy of mind-body therapy in children with ADHD
• Autism in children : benefits of meditation techniques
• Ear infections in children: diagnosis and treatment
• Acute renal insufficiency: nursing care and treatment
• Childhood nephrotic syndrome : nursing care and management
• Kidney stones in children: preventive strategies
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : development and symptoms
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: management strategies
• Type 1 diabetes in children: genetic and environmental factors
• Children with type 1 diabetes from ethnic minorities: risk factors

👴 Geriatric Nursing Research Topics

• Age-Related Changes in Health: cardiovascular system
• Age-Related Changes in Nervous System and Cognition abilities in older adults
• Physiologic changes in the musculoskeletal system in older adults
• The effects of aging on the immune system
• Vaccination for older adults: benefits and challenges
• Urinary tract infections in older adults: risk factors and diagnosis
• Malnutrition in older adults: consequences and effects on organ systems
• Gastrointestinal tract disorders in older age: nursing care strategies
• Nursing: long-term care facilities
• Sensory system changes and impairments in older adults: nursing care strategies
• Assessment of physical function in older adults: effects of regular physical activity
• Oral health conditions in older adults: effects and treatment
• Ways of improving oral care for older people
• Oral hydration in older adults: ways of maintaining
• Dehydration in older adults: prevention, recognition, and treatment
• Diet as a risk factor for dementia

• Personalized diets for older adults and their role in healthy aging
• The role of diet in reducing the risk of osteoporosis
• Family caregiving of older cancer patients: psychological issues
• Taking care for seniors with chronic illness : psychological issues
• Risk factors for functional decline in older patients: ways of optimization
• Physical environment as a risk factor for functional decline in older patients
• Later-life depression : cause and risk factors
• Ophthalmic care for older patients: nursing strategies
• Medication adherence in patients with dementia : development and implementation of interventions
• Use of machine learning in predicting dementia in older adults: effectiveness and accuracy assessment
• Alzheimer’s disease : biological mechanisms and preventive measures
• Cognitive therapy for older patients with Alzheimer’s disease : effectiveness and strategies
• Delirium in elderly patients: prevention strategies
• Massage Therapy vs. Simple Touch to Improve Pain and Mood in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Trial
• Improving pain management in older patients: care strategies
• Falls and injury risk in older adults: prevention and management
• Adverse drug effects in elderly patients: interventions and care strategies
• Use of physical restraints : ethics of the issue
• Ethnicity as a risk factor for pressure ulcer development
• Excessive sleepiness as a risk factor of cognitive decline in elderly patients
• Alcohol use disorders in elderly patients: care strategies
• Substance use disorders in older adults: treatment and care options
• Management of sepsis in critically ill elderly patients
• Complications in critically ill patients due to prolonged hospital stay
• Heart failure in older adults: current therapeutic options
• Care of elderly surgical patients: ways of optimization
• The concept of geriatric dehydration
• Perioperative care of older adults: nursing strategies
• Medical emergencies associated with cancer treatment of elderly patients
• Cancer surgery in elderly patients: risk assessment
• Pancreatic cancer surgery in older adults: balancing risks and benefits
• Bladder cancer in older adults: risk factors and challenges
• Older patients with fragility hip fracture: care strategies
• Handling pressure ulcers in hip fracture patients
• Care of the older patients in the ED: nursing intervention
• Transitional care for elderly patients with chronic disease : care strategies
• Advanced care planning : nurse’s roles and strategies

🍼 Midwifery Nursing Research Topics

• Women with a disability: pregnancy and childbirth
• The effect of midwifery care in pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postnatal period
• Maternal and infant outcomes of caseload care
• Caseload midwifery care in ethnic minorities
• Ways of improving health outcomes for women and babies from ethnic minorities
• Depression and anxiety in new mothers : effects on the health of mothers and infants
• Postnatal depression : risk factors
• Complication of pregnancy: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)
• Effectiveness of peer support in preventing postnatal depression
• Telephone support as a means of reducing postnatal depression : a cost-effectiveness analysis
• Diabetes in pregnancy: risk factors and management
• Hypoglycemia in newborns: preventive measures
• Women’s experience of motherhood: attachment and mother-infant bonding
• Stress in midwives and nurses: causes and prevalence
• Group antenatal care: feasibility and acceptability
• The positive impact of early parenting education

• Midwifery continuity of care and its effectiveness.
• The role of community support in maintaining emotional health during pregnancy
• Birth plan and its effects on the birth experience
• Effects of prenatal yoga on women and infants
• Prolonged labor and its effect on birth experience in women
• Childbirth experience for autistic women
• Pain management in labor: relaxation techniques and therapies
• Cesarean section : risks and long-term effects
• Fear of childbirth: symptoms and treatments
• Parental experiences with premature and low birth weight infants
• Sleep disorders in new mothers: effects on mothers and infants
• Perinatal palliative care : the role of midwives in providing care and support to families
• Childbirth expectations and experience: effect on new mother’s mental health
• Advanced maternal age: risk factors
• Adverse pregnancy outcomes: causes and risk factors
• Periodontitis: effect on preterm birth and low birth weight in babies
• Spirituality in midwifery: effects on labor and delivery
• Obesity and pregnancy: labor intervention and outcomes
• Teamwork in midwifery: key concepts
• Power dynamics in midwifery care: initiating, building, and maintaining relationships
• Domestic violence against women: raising awareness among midwives
• Midwifery care for women of low socioeconomic status: benefits of understanding social context
• Psychological traumatic childbirth: contributing factors
• The role of midwives in the monitoring process of emergency care
• Fetal monitoring, screening, and other tests during pregnancy
• Weight management and physical activity in pregnancy
• Handling physical and emotional changes during pregnancy
• Facilitating and maintaining normal childbirth: strategies and practices
• Decision-making during birth: the role of midwives
• Midwifery care during the immediate postnatal period
• Engaging fathers in perinatal services: ways and strategies
• Skincare and hygiene for newborns and infants
• Immediate care of the newborns
• Infant feeding : methods and techniques
• Common feeding problems: identification and management

💆 Mental Health Research Topics in Nursing

• The connection between air pollution and Alzheimer’s disease
• Vitamin D Deficiency and long-term cognitive impairment among older patients
• Effects of meditation on patients with cognitive impairment
• The connection between social phobia and selective mutism
• Post-traumatic stress disorder : new prevention techniques
• Social media : effects on mental health among teenagers
• Stimulant treatments of ADHD
• Bipolar disorder : early detection and risk factors
• Bipolar disorder in families: genetic factors
• Effectiveness of deep brain stimulation in patients with depression

• Reconstruction of the sense of self in schizophrenia patients
• Understanding personal experience and phenomenology in patients with schizophrenia
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for panic attack treatment
• The connection between panic disorder and maladaptive behavior
• The connection between brain inflammation and OCD
• White matter abnormalities in patients with OCD
• The combined effects of TMS and therapy on patients with depression
• Changes in task performance under stress in patients with anxiety disorders
• Biological processes of generalized anxiety
• Depression in perimenopausal women
• Schizophrenia : genetic factors
• Schizophrenia : environmental factors
• Ways of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in adults
• Ways of detecting early-stage dementia
• The connection between dopamine levels and autism spectrum disorders
• The connection between serotonin levels and autism spectrum disorders
• The connection between screen time and inattention problems in children with ADHD
• ADHD : prevention strategies
• The efficacy of mindfulness techniques in patients with social phobia
• The efficacy of paroxetine in treating patients with anxiety
• Etiology of anorexia nervosa
• The role of socio-cultural factors in the development of eating disorders
• Treatment of agoraphobia : new ways
• Phobias and the ways to deal with them
• Seasonal affective disorder: summer and winter patterns
• Brain differences in patients with insomnia
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: brain mechanisms and risk factors
• The physical response to a traumatic experience in patients with PTSD
• Borderline personality disorder : brain factors
• Effects of music therapy for adolescents with autism
• The connection between traumatic events during childhood and the development of borderline personality disorder
• Dialectical behavior therapy in the treatment of patients with a borderline personality disorder
• Ways of diagnosing of psychogenic movement disorders
• Conduct disorder in children : ways of increasing awareness
• Adverse childhood experiences : the long-term effects
• Body dysmorphic disorder : diagnosis and treatment
• The mechanisms of body dysmorphic disorder : the use of brain imaging studies
• Adjustment disorder : diagnosis and treatment
• Schizotypal personality disorder : neurobiology and symptoms
• The efficacy of exposure therapy in the treatment of PTSD
• Codependency : ways of raising awareness
• Mood disorders in children: treatment options

🏊 Health Promotion Research Topics in Nursing

• Preventative medicine practices for seniors
• New ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in older age
• Communication and sharing of preventative medicine techniques: new ways
• Community-based exercise programs for older adults
• Late-life depression management programs for the elderly
• Planning meaningful activities with older adults as a means of reducing depressive symptoms
• Smoking cessation : the study of obstacles
• Ideas for quitting smoking : new techniques
• Youth inactivity : ways of raising awareness
• Health promotion strategies for obesity
• Motivation to change inactive behavior in young people
• Involvement of children in various physical activities: promotion strategies
• New ways of educating young people about the importance of having a positive body image
• The relationship between a healthy lifestyle promotion and social media: new educational strategies
• Improving diabetes lifestyle
• New ways of increasing cancer screening rates
• New strategies in fostering cancer-preventive behaviors
• Workplace wellness programs as ways of supporting healthy behavior
• Occupational health and safety programs for people working in dangerous conditions
• Maintenance of healthy work environments : new ways
• Workplace programs for raising awareness of AIDS
• Workplace programs for raising awareness of heart disease
• Workplace health promotion among low-paid workers: new strategies
• New ways of increasing workers’ participation in shaping the working environment
• Non-occupational factors in the general environment: ways of raising awareness
• Award-system as means of promotion of participation in workplace initiatives
• New ways of reducing exposure to cancer risk factors
• The effects of second-hand smoking: ways of raising awareness
• Healthy eating habits as a means of preventing the development of diet-associated cancers
• The connection between obesity and cancer: ways of raising awareness
• Alcohol use as a risk factor for cancer: ways of raising awareness
• The importance of vaccines for the hepatitis B virus in cancer prevention
• Cancer-causing air pollution : ways of raising awareness
• The connection between air pollution and lung cancer
• UV radiation and skin cancer : ways of raising awareness
• Physical inactivity as a major cause of death in developed countries
• Physical activity promotion among people of low socioeconomic background: challenges and opportunities
• Physical activity promotion among people with disabilities: challenges and opportunities
• Eating habits and behaviors in children: ways of influencing
• The efficacy of school-based sex education programs
• Cyberbullying : ways of raising awareness and prevention
• Workplace policies: depression management promotion
• The efficacy of school health promotion
• The role of school-based interventions in preventing childhood mental health problems
• Brain health programs: creating new strategies on a small budget
• Brain exercise: understanding key principles
• Communication of useful health information to lay community: new ways
• Managing the global epidemic: ways of raising health awareness
• Disease outbreaks : the role of health promotion
• HIV prevention : new ways of health promotion
• Ways of raising awareness on the routes of transmitting infectious diseases
• Healthy childhood development : health education for children

💡 Nursing Topics for Discussion

• Concept comparison and analysis across nursing theories
• New technologies in nursing
• Undergraduate nursing program and resnick’s theory
• Contemporary nursing knowledge components
• Nurse-patient interactions and outcomes in clinical practice
• Continuing nursing education: a 3-5 year plan
• Evidence-based practice & applied nursing research
• Nursing communication process
• Certified nurse assistant preparatory school: business plan
• Nurse roles in practice
• Self-employed nurses as agents of change in Canada
• Joint Commission: national patient safety goals

🔝 Top 10 Nursing Research Questions

• What’s the connection between psychiatric ward design and aggressive behavior?
• How can computerized nursing records improve the outcomes for patients?
• Do changes that occur in the brain due to dementia cause pain?
• How can tweet reminders help teenagers with type 1 diabetes maintain lower blood sugars?
• What’s the efficacy of yoga as a treatment in reducing lymphedema in cancer patients?
• How can peer support intervention help to prevent suicides among female high school students?
• Is it possible to link veterans’ suicide rates to the timing and location of suicide prevention appointments?
• What can be done to improve the sustainability of operating rooms?
• What are the roles of nurse managers in turnover intervention among nursing staff?
• What are the ways of preventing cachexia in cancer patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy?

📑 Types of Nursing Research

When writing nursing research, you need to use a particular research design. Typically, the choice of design depends on your research question. There can be qualitative and quantitative nursing research topics.

🔢 Quantitative Research In Nursing

Quantitative research is aimed at gaining empirical evidence using deduction and generalization. This means gathering evidence to support or refute a particular theory and deciding to what extent the results can be generalized to a larger population.

Quantitative research can be non-experimental and experimental in design.

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Non-experimental designs imply a description of what happens naturally, without intervention. They are usually not used to detect causes and effects and are not effective for making predictions. Non-experimental designs are classified as follows:

• Descriptive. Descriptive studies are centered on under-researched subjects and phenomena. You describe it, see how often it occurs, and categorize the information you’ve gained.
• Correlational. Correlational studies are aimed at the examination of relationships between the variables. You must measure the variables, analyze the results, and present statistics.

Experimental designs imply strict control from the researcher. They can be used for establishing cause-and-effect relationships, as well as predictions. The experiments are usually blind, which helps to avoid bias. Experimental designs are classified in the following way:

• True-experimental designs , in which cause-and-effect relationships are examined in a controlled environment. It includes studying two groups of people who receive different treatments, assigned randomly.
• Quasi-experimental designs , which differ from true experiments by the absence of random assignments.

🔬 Qualitative Research In Nursing

Qualitative research studies are focused on one’s personal experience. It is conducted through observation and interaction with patients via interviews, notes, and diaries. Induction is often used, by which you gain evidence to support a theory without generalizing the results.

Qualitative research study designs include four types:

• Phenomenology. Phenomenological research is aimed at describing the phenomena as it is experienced by an individual. In this study, you need to select people who are familiar with the particular phenomenon. You gain information from each participant and make a conclusion.
• Grounded theory. This type of study includes the influence of social processes on individuals. You would need to interview the subjects themselves, as well as their relatives, spouses, etc. Then you synthesize the data into one theory.
• Ethnography. This type of research design is associated with the influence of a particular culture on individuals. It involves describing unique attributes of a culture from the insider’s perspective.
• Narrative inquiry. Narrative inquiry is a research study design that is based on an interpretation of personal accounts of the participants. You ask your subjects to talk about their experiences, and then you analyze their narratives. Contents, as well as the structure of the narratives, must be taken into account.

As you can see, there are great many research topics for nursing students to choose from! See what suits you best and formulate the idea for your own project. You can then publish your results in a nursing research journal article and start a discussion with other nurses around the world.

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If you’ve chosen an evidence-based practice nursing research topic, make sure that you find suitable human subjects for your experiment. You can ask your friends or make online questionnaires to help you conduct your research. Always take care of your subjects and protect their rights.

Once you’ve chosen your topic, study the available literature. See if there’s anything you can critique or question. This type of research is just as useful as applied research, as it helps to keep medical science relevant by constantly checking for obsolete information.

Find the topic, choose the design for your research, set yourself clear goals – and write your best nursing research paper or reflective essay ! Good luck!

🤔 Nursing Research FAQs

Nursing research is a type of study conducted by nurses during their practice. It helps them to gain evidence on the effectiveness of different treatments. Nursing research can be used to demonstrate the trustworthiness of new methods in medicine, as well as to predict outcomes for patients with illnesses or injuries.

The scientific activity of nurses is essential for the medical community. Nurses help to move medicine forward by challenging traditional practices with fresh ideas. Their research is usually aimed at enhancing professional practice and improving nursing activities. The topics include both physical and mental health.

The primary sources of nursing research are experience and scientific knowledge. Your personal experience as a nurse is especially important because it allows you to observe and gather first-hand information about various medical conditions. Scientific knowledge is then used for the evaluation and analysis of the collected data.

Sampling theory in medical science is a study of gathering information about a population by investigating only a part of it. To do that, you need to collect samples from a group of individuals who all share a common trait. A statistic is then estimated and applied to the whole population. Sampling is often conducted as part of nursing research because it allows making conclusions without testing it with all people.

Qualitative research in nursing is aimed at gathering information about patients’ subjective experiences. It is usually conducted in the form of interviews, notes, and diaries. It helps in understanding complex phenomena and is often used in psychology. Sometimes nurses themselves are interviewed about their working conditions. This type of research allows nurses to make their practice better by continually learning from experience.

Extraneous variables may affect the results of your research and even threaten its validity. They are hard to control, but their influence can be reduced in the following ways:

• Assign the subjects to treatment and control groups as randomly as possible.
• Match your samples by distributing people with different variables, such as age and gender, as evenly as possible.
• Maintain objectivity by avoiding bias.
• Adjust the results for the effects of extraneous variables through statistical analysis.

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🔎 References

• Find a Topic Idea: Questia
• Nursing: Choosing a Research Topic (FGCU Library)
• Examples of Research Questions: Vanderbilt School of Nursing
• Current Issue: Nursing Research
• Nursing Research: Definitions and Directions (NCBI)
• Table of Contents (Nursing Research and Practice – Volume 2023)
• Nursing, research, and the evidence: Evidence-Based Nursing
• Psychiatry & Mental Health Topics: Medscape
• Geriatric Topics: ConsultGeri
• Major Research Areas: Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester
• An overview of research designs relevant to nursing: Part 1: Quantitative research designs: SciELO
• An overview of research designs relevant to nursing: part 2: qualitative research designs: SciELO
• Clinical Nursing Research: Academia
• Innovation and scientific discovery: School of Nursing, University of Washington
• Center for Nursing Research: Duke University
• Research: Penn Nursing
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thanks for the presentation, now I know who to turn to for help

Thank you for your feedback, Frank!

Hello dear Thank you for your kind presentation like this hot topics . Am nursing master student and I need topic for my thesis.if you can help me

Hello, Alaa! Thank you for the great feedback!

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