Presenting and Publishing Research, and Preparing Research Proposals

Presenting and Publishing Research, and Preparing Research Proposals

Presenting and Publishing Research, and Preparing Research Proposals

Nursing research is significant for making healthcare policy, improving patient outcomes, and moving clinical practice forward. The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) sets priorities for research that will help solve important health problems and give strategic direction (Gray et al., 2023). These priorities help researchers provide knowledge that supports innovation and health equity. Research lenses that prioritize quality, variety, and effect across populations are outlined in the NINR 2022–2026 Strategic Plan. To offer a research proposal that is in line with NINR’s goal and strategic focus, this paper will explore these priorities, assess their implications for nursing research, and discuss evidence-based practice standards.

Overview of NINR Strategic Plan and Priorities

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is dedicated to promoting nursing science via innovative, rigorous, and practical research that tackles essential health issues. The 2022–2026 Strategic Plan is based on guiding principles that prioritize equity, diversity, inclusion, and response to contemporary and forthcoming healthcare concerns. The plan is structured around five research perspectives: Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, Population and Community Health, Prevention and Health Promotion, and Systems and Models of Care (Rawl, 2022). Health Equity research aims to eradicate systematic gaps in health outcomes. Social Determinants of Health studies look at factors such as education, income, and environment that affect health. Interventions that improve the well-being of a group or neighborhood are discussed in Population and Neighborhood Health. The study of prevention and health promotion includes primary, secondary, and tertiary ways to keep or improve health. Lastly, Systems and Models of Care looks at new ways to address challenges in healthcare, organizations, and policies. The overall goal of these objectives is to produce research that is new, useful to many people, and able to change the way things are done. The NINR plan makes sure that nursing research improves the health of individuals, communities, and populations in healthcare settings that are changing and becoming more varied by focusing on collaboration, inclusion, and methodological rigor.

Evaluation of NINR Priorities

The NINR 2022–2026 priorities offer a coherent strategy for tackling contemporary and future health concerns, closely aligned with public health requirements. The emphasis on health equality and social determinants of health guarantees the consideration of systemic inequities and non-clinical elements affecting well-being. The focus on Prevention and Health Promotion, in conjunction with Systems and Models of Care, facilitates proactive and efficient healthcare delivery (Gray et al., 2023). However, adding digital health innovations like telehealth optimization, using AI to help nurses make decisions, and wearable tracking to the plan would make it easier to adapt to emerging care models. In the same way, making climate change and public health top priorities would help nurses get ready for new risks. These goals are primarily focused on the future, but focusing on technology and the environment could make them even more important globally.

Impact of NINR Priorities on Nursing Researchers

The NINR priorities serve as a strategic framework for nursing researchers, shaping topic selection, methodology, and funding opportunities. The focus on health equity, social determinants, and care systems promotes research addressing tangible obstacles to health. This linkage enhances relevance to national health objectives and elevates the probability of converting results into policy and practice (Rawl, 2022). For early-career academics, the priorities provide a definitive structure for developing influential, fundable proposals. To align with these priorities, however, experts may need to change their approaches or work together across different fields. Also, meeting NINR’s strict standards requires extensive training and resources. Even with these problems, the priorities encourage excellence, new ideas, and a shared focus on important health issues. This increases the significance of nursing research in shaping healthcare services and making outcomes better around the world.

Evidence-Based Practice Criteria

Evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing integrates optimal research evidence, clinical acumen, and patient preferences to inform care decisions and enhance results. For a treatment to be deemed evidence-based, it must be substantiated by high-quality, peer-reviewed research—ideally from systematic reviews or randomized controlled trials—that consistently produces good, unbiased outcomes (Edmonds, 2022). Also, interventions need to be able to work in real-life clinical settings, considering financial constraints and cultural contexts. Clinical expertise makes sure that data is used correctly, and patient values support care that is centered on the person. Multifactorial fall prevention programs, nurse-led hypertension management, and early mobility efforts in intensive care are a few examples. These tried-and-true methods improve health, safety, and quality of life. They also make sure that nursing care is both scientifically sound and based on the needs of the community.

The Role of Quality in Evidence-Based Practice

Quality is fundamental to the proper execution of evidence-based practice, guaranteeing that interventions are safe, efficacious, and sustainable. High-quality evidence-based practice depends on stringent research methodologies, precise data acquisition, and ongoing assessment to verify that interventions yield the desired results. Quality indicators, including compliance with clinical standards, patient satisfaction ratings, and outcome metrics, serve as benchmarks for evaluating the efficacy of evidence-based therapies. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) methodologies, such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, facilitate the iterative enhancement of interventions by identifying obstacles and adjusting to evolving requirements (Gray et al., 2023). For instance, quality control through regular audits and staff feedback has been shown to significantly lower the number of pressure injuries that happen in programs that try to avoid them. By incorporating quality assurance into every step of EBP, nurses can make sure that interventions are based on sound evidence and continue to be safe, effective, and valuable in a range of clinical and community settings.

Research Proposal

Topic Selection and Alignment with NINR Priorities

This proposed research aims to assess the efficacy of nurse-led community-based hypertension care programs in lowering blood pressure levels in underserved adults. This subject directly corresponds with the NINR priorities of Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, and Systems and Models of Care. Hypertension disproportionately impacts individuals in low-income and minority populations, where access to consistent, high-quality care is frequently restricted (Freeley et al., 2022). Nurse-led interventions that include information, help with taking medications as prescribed, and lifestyle counseling show promise and are cost-effective in addressing these differences. The proposed study helps the NINR’s goal to improve health and promote equity by looking at both clinical outcomes and the social factors that affect them.

Hypothesis

This study posits that adults with uncontrolled hypertension engaged in a nurse-led community management program will experience more significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over six months than those receiving standard clinic-based care (Freeley et al., 2022). More physical exercise, better adherence to medications, and healthier eating habits are also expected in the intervention group. There is evidence that nurse-led interventions work in underserved areas. These expected changes will all lead to better cardiovascular health outcomes.

Theoretical Framework

The research will be directed by the Health Belief Model (HBM). This concept posits that individuals are more inclined to engage in health-promoting behaviors when they recognize a significant risk of sickness, acknowledge the advantages of the recommended acts, and possess confidence in their capacity to implement them (Freeley et al., 2022). The HBM framework will help shape intervention techniques like motivational interviewing, individualized education sessions, and culturally tailored tools to improve participants’ sense of benefit and sense of self-efficacy.

Research Design and Methods

A quasi-experimental design utilizing a pretest-posttest control group will be implemented. The intervention group will participate in a nurse-led program that includes monthly blood pressure monitoring, evaluations of medication adherence, personalized health coaching, and referrals to community resources for dietary and exercise assistance (Freeley et al., 2022). The people in the control group will get regular care at the center, with no extra steps taken by nurses. People will be asked to take part in community health centers that serve primarily low-income areas. Adults between the ages of 30 and 65 who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and whose baseline blood pressure readings are above goal levels despite being treated for it will be eligible. Standardized methods will be used to test blood pressure at the start, after three months, and after six months. Self-reported medication adherence, diet and exercise habits, and perceived health will be added to the statistics.

Anticipated Results

The intervention group is expected to attain statistically and clinically substantial decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure relative to the control group (Freeley et al., 2022). It is also assumed that people will take their medications as prescribed and be more active. These findings show that nurse-led community programs can be expanded as a valuable way to help people with chronic conditions who are not getting enough care.

Dissemination Plan

Results will be communicated via several media to optimize reach and influence. Peer-reviewed journal papers in venues like Nursing Research or the Journal of Community Health Nursing will cater to academic and clinical audiences. Presentations at national conferences, including the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting and the NINR scientific symposium, will involve researchers and policymakers (Edmonds, 2022). At the local level, the data will be shared with community health centers that took part, stakeholders, and local health departments to inform policy and practice. Also, summaries will be written in simple terms for people in the community to understand. This will ensure openness and build trust.

Conclusion

The objectives set by the NINR for 2022–2026 are a good way to direct nursing research toward important, fair, and new ways to solve important health problems. These priorities keep nursing research current and valid by focusing on areas such as health equity, social determinants, prevention, and systems of care. Research results are turned into better outcomes through evidence-based practice that is backed up by strict quality measures. These goals guide the proposed study on nurse-led hypertension management, which aims to lower health disparities and improve the health of the community. When research proposals are in line with NINR’s strategic goal, the chances of real change are higher. This will help nursing research continue to improve the health of a wide range of people in the future.

References

Edmonds, J. K. (2022). New Strategic Plan from the National Institute of Nursing Research. JOGN Nursing, 51(4), 359–360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2022.05.004

Freeley, S., Broughan, J., McCombe, G., Casey, M., Fitzpatrick, P., Frawley, T., Morrisey, J., Treanor, J. T., Collins, T., & Cullen, W. (2022). Promoting nurse‐led behavior change interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease in disadvantaged communities: A scoping review. Health & Social Care in the Community, 30(6), 2071–2095. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13867

Gray, T. F., Henderson, M. D., Barakat, L. P., Knafl, K. A., & Deatrick, J. A. (2023). Advancing family science and health equity through the 2022–2026 National Institute of Nursing Research strategic plan. Nursing Outlook, 71(5), 102030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2023.102030

Rawl, S. M. (2022). Future directions for research and education. Nursing Outlook, 70(1), 204–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2021.12.004

CLICK HERE TO ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER

Explore the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) website.

Review their publication Bringing Science to Life: NINR Strategic Plan (2011, p. 7) to identify the current priorities for nursing research (https://www.ninr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/docs/Zenk_NINR_2022-2026_Strategic_Plan_508c.pdf).

• Do you agree with the priorities or would you recommend addition or elimination of some of the priorities?
• What effect do the nursing research priorities have on nursing researchers?
• What criteria must be met in order to consider a practice, evidence-based? Provide examples.
• Explain the role quality plays in evidence-based practice?

 

Based on the information you’ve learned to this point, write a research proposal that relates to a chosen research topic.

 

Include the following information in your proposal:

• Hypothesis
• Theory
• Design model
• Method(s)
• Anticipated results
• Potential Dissemination Avenues

REFERENCE

Tappen, R. (2016). Advanced nursing research: From theory to practice (2nd ed.). Jones and Bartlett.  ISBN: 978-1284048308. Read Chapters 22-26