Short description:

This book presents a unique approach to teaching the principles of health research using practical case studies with which nurses and midwives can engage to gain the skills to read and understand reports, evaluate the quality of research, synthesise different studies and be able to evaluate its effectiveness when applied to clinical practice.

Long description:

This book presents a unique approach to teaching the principles of health research using practical case studies with which nurses and midwives can engage to gain the skills to read and understand reports, evaluate the quality of research, synthesise different studies and be able to evaluate their effectiveness when applied to clinical practice.

The book covers core concepts and principles, including the following:

• What evidence is and why understanding research is vital


• Finding reliable sources of evidence


• The nature of the research process


• Understanding quantitative and qualitative research


• Ethical considerations


• Using research to guide clinical practice

Throughout the book, activities, summaries and review questions help ground theory in real-life scenarios, showing how evidence-based practice can be applied in every aspect of nursing and midwifery care. It is designed for nurses and midwives, from those just beginning their studies to qualified practitioners undertaking their first research projects.

Table of Contents:

Section 1 How Do I Find and Use Evidence? 1.What is evidence and why do I need to understand research? 2.Locating evidence.  Section 2 How Can I Make Sense of Research Evidence?  3.Understanding how research is done.  4.Understanding quantitative research approaches.  5.Understanding qualitative research approaches.  Section 3 How Do I Critically Evaluate Research Studies?  6.Critiquing research.  7.Ethics and research in nursing and midwifery.  Section 4 How Do I Use Research Evidence to Inform My Practice? 8.Applying evidence in practice.  9.Writing effective reviews of literature.  10.Sharing Research.  Section 5 How Do I Pursue a Nursing or Midwifery Research Future? 11.Research pathways for nurses and midwives.