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Foundations in Nursing and Health Care: Introduction to Research

AORN Journal, August, 2006 by Sonya Osborne

Foundations in Nursing and Health Care: Introduction to Research Mark Walsh and Lynne Wigens 2003, 151 pages 12.50 [pounds sterling] softcover

In this era of evidence-based practice, health care professionals increasingly are expected not only to use existing research findings in practice but also to engage in the design and implementation of primary research studies in the absence of empirical research evidence to support practice. There is, therefore, increasing appreciation for the value of understanding and conducting research using myriad theoretical and methodological paradigms. The aim of this book is to guide the reader through the research process using a clear and systematic approach. Based on a philosophy that understanding research must precede conducting research, the book has been written for novice researchers in general, with an inclination toward first-year students in health-related courses.

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The book serves as an introduction to research approaches and processes. The format, which is easy to read and navigate, helps readers to control and manage their learning about research. The book is organized into 13 chapters that cover topics from the simple to the advanced, ranging from the role of research in health care to writing the research report.

The book is basic in its explanation of research approaches, processes, and key terms; however, this simplicity often results in information that is confusing or inaccurate because of omission of key details. For example, not only is the definition of mode confusing, but the nonexclusive example given does nothing to clarify the definition. Other problems occur when the authors make outdated, unqualified statements. For example, the authors state that the highest level of evidence is obtained from a randomized, controlled trial, but they fail to mention that this is only the case when the research question is one that deals with effectiveness of interventions. Another example is that although the authors advocate the use of systematic reviews and clinical guidelines for busy health care practitioners, they fail to warn novice researchers that even systematic reviews and clinical guidelines must be critically appraised for reliability, validity, objectivity, and rigor in development.

Another drawback of the book is the authors' implication that lower standards are acceptable in student-conducted research. This is exemplified in the discussion about sample selection and sample size, in which the authors state that "in student research projects, the sample does not necessarily have to be precisely representative of the research," and "in student research projects, [sample] size is less important."

As an introductory text, this book provides relevant underlying theories and concepts in research without assuming previous knowledge. Although this book may be useful in introducing novice researchers, including students, to the basic language of research to help them understand the research they read, other available and more credible texts should be consulted before the readers embark on doing research themselves.

This book is available from Nelson Thornes Ltd, Delta Place, 27 Bath Rd, Cheltenham, GL537TH, United Kingdom.

SONYA OSBORNE

RN, BSN, MN, CNOR

LECTURER IN NURSING

QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Health Care Industry

Foundations in Nursing and Health Care: Introduction to Research

AORN Journal, August, 2006 by Sonya Osborne

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