Comprehensive Introduction to Nursing Research: Principles, History, and Practice

NCM 111- Nursing Research 1- Prof. Mark Allan B. Juan, RN, LPT MAN

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course deals with concepts and principles in the
application of the major phases of the research process. It
introduces the beginning role of a nurse as a nurse
researcher. The learners are expected to develop technically
and ethically sound research proposals. Moreover, an
independent study will also be incorporated in order to
develop the student's quest for self-directed learning in the
conceptualization of the research process.

COURSE CREDIT: 3 units (2 units lecture, 1 unit RLE)
CONTACT HOURS/SEM: 36 hours lecture / 54 hours
RLE

Level Outcomes:
At the End of the student’s third year level, the students will
be able to:
1. Describe the basic foundation in Nursing Research.
2. State steps in writing a research proposal.
3. Explain the major phases in the conduct of research in
nursing.
4. Develop a technically and ethically sound research
proposal.

At the End of the , the students will be able to:
1.Define research and nursing research.
2. Discuss the history of Nursing Research
3.Explain the characteristics of nursing research.
4.Describe the roles of nurses in research.
5.Discuss the competencies required in nursing research.
6.Explain the goals and purposes of nursing research.
7.Recognize the importance of research in evidence-based
nursing practice.

Healthcare is constantly evolving due to scientific
discoveries, technological advancements, and changing
patient needs.
Nurses are expected to provide care that is not only
compassionate but also evidence-based.
- Research serves as the foundation for evidence-
based nursing practice by providing scientific evidence
that guides nursing interventions, policies, and
education.

Research enables nurses to answer questions such as:
• Which intervention is most effective?
• How can patient safety be improved?
• What factors influence patient outcomes?
• Which nursing practices should be changed or
maintained?

Without research, nursing would rely
primarily on tradition and personal
experience rather than scientific
evidence.

Definition of Research:
- Research is derived from an old french word
cerchier meaning to “seek” or “search” and the
prefix re means “again”. (to search again)

Definition of Research:
- Research is a systematic, objective, and scientific
investigation conducted to answer questions, solve
problems, or generate new knowledge.
- According to the Committee on Research of the
Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), research is
defined as an honest, scientific investigation
undertaken to discover new facts or establish new
relationships among already known facts

Key Characteristics of Research:
 Systematic: Methodical
 Logical: Rational
 Empirical: Evidence-based
 Replicable: Repeatable
 Objective: Unbiased
 Controlled: Regulated
 Ethical: Principled
Be mindful!
- Research follows an
organized process
that begins with
identifying a problem
and ends with
dissemination of
findings.

Definition of Nursing Research:
Nursing research is the systematic investigation
designed to develop knowledge about issues
important to nursing, including nursing practice,
education, administration, healthcare delivery, and
informatics.

According to the American Nurses Association
(ANA):
Nursing research generates scientific knowledge
that improves patient care, enhances nursing practice,
and contributes to healthcare policy.

According to the International Council of Nurses
(ICN):
Nursing research supports evidence-informed
decision-making that improves health outcomes
globally.

Brief History of Nursing Research:

why nursing is called an art and science?

The Evolution of Nursing as a Science
Nursing as an Art and a Science
Historically, nursing was viewed primarily as an occupation
centered on compassion and caregiving. Before the nineteenth
century, nursing practices were largely based on customs, traditions,
and religious beliefs rather than scientific evidence. Care was often
provided by family members, religious communities, or individuals
without formal education.
As healthcare systems became more complex, it became evident
that nursing required a systematic body of knowledge. Today,
nursing is recognized as both an art and a science.

The Evolution of Nursing as a Science
The art of nursing emphasizes compassion, empathy, communication, and
the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient. These
humanistic qualities foster trust and holistic care.
The science of nursing involves applying knowledge from anatomy,
physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, psychology, sociology, and research to
deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based care. Scientific inquiry allows nurses
to evaluate interventions, improve outcomes, and continuously refine clinical
practice.
The integration of art and science distinguishes nursing as a unique
profession that combines technical competence with compassionate care.

Evolution of Nursing Knowledge
The development of nursing knowledge has progressed through several
stages:
Traditional Nursing
In the early stages, nursing care was based primarily on customs, cultural
beliefs, and physician instructions. Decisions were guided by experience rather
than scientific evidence.
Nursing Education
The establishment of formal nursing schools in the nineteenth century
introduced standardized education and clinical training. Nursing became a
recognized profession with defined competencies and ethical standards.

Evolution of Nursing Knowledge
Nursing Theory Development
During the twentieth century, nursing scholars developed theories that
explained nursing phenomena and guided practice. These theories helped
establish nursing as an independent discipline.
Notable nursing theorists include: Florence Nightingale, Virginia Henderson,
Dorothea Orem, Sister Callista Roy, Martha Rogers, Jean Watson, Imogene
King. These theories continue to guide nursing education, practice, and
research.
Research-Oriented Nursing
Today, nursing emphasizes research to evaluate interventions, improve
healthcare quality, develop policies, and strengthen evidence-based practice.
Nurses are expected to integrate research findings into daily clinical decision-
making.

History of Nursing Research
Florence Nightingale: The First Nurse Researcher
Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) is widely recognized as the founder of
modern nursing and the first nurse researcher.
During the Crimean War (1853–1856), Nightingale observed alarmingly high
mortality rates among wounded soldiers. Rather than accepting these deaths as
inevitable, she systematically collected and analyzed data on mortality,
sanitation, ventilation, nutrition, and infection rates.
Her observations revealed that poor sanitation—not battle injuries—was
the leading cause of death. By implementing environmental improvements such
as clean water, proper sewage disposal, adequate ventilation, hand hygiene,
and nutritious diets, she dramatically reduced mortality among hospitalized
soldiers.

One of Nightingale's most significant contributions was her innovative use of
statistics. She developed the "coxcomb" or polar area diagram to present
mortality data in a visual format that policymakers could easily understand. This
work demonstrated the power of research and data visualization in influencing
public health reforms.
Her landmark publication, Notes on Nursing (1859), emphasized observation,
documentation, environmental management, and patient-centered care—
principles that remain foundational to modern nursing.
Florence Nightingale's legacy established that nursing decisions should be
guided by observation, measurement, and evidence rather than tradition.

Development of Nursing Research After World War II
Following World War II, rapid advancements in medicine and healthcare
technology highlighted the need for scientific nursing knowledge.
Several important developments occurred during this period:
• Universities established graduate nursing programs emphasizing research.
• Nursing journals began publishing scientific studies.
• Government agencies funded nursing research.
• Statistical methods became widely used in healthcare research.
• Nursing researchers investigated patient outcomes, nursing interventions,
education, and healthcare systems.

Development of Nursing Research After World War II
By the 1970s and 1980s, nursing research expanded significantly into
specialized fields such as intensive care, maternal and child health, psychiatric
nursing, oncology, gerontology, and community health.
The establishment of organizations such as the National Institute of Nursing
Research (NINR) in the United States further strengthened nursing as a
scientific discipline.
Today, nursing research addresses complex healthcare issues including
patient safety, chronic disease management, healthcare technology, workforce
challenges, and health equity.

Nursing Research in the Philippines
Nursing research in the Philippines has evolved alongside the
development of nursing education and healthcare reforms.
Formal nursing education began during the American colonial
period with the establishment of hospital-based nursing schools.
Initially, research activities were limited, and nursing education
focused primarily on clinical skills.
As universities introduced bachelor's and graduate nursing
programs, research became an integral component of nursing
curricula. Students were required to complete research projects to
develop critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills.

Several organizations have contributed significantly to nursing
research in the Philippines:
• Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
• Philippine Nurses Association (PNA)
• Department of Health (DOH)
• Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for
Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD)
• Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB)

The National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA)
identifies priority research areas that address the country's major
h e a l t h c o n c e r n s , i n c l u d i n g c o m m u n i c a b l e d i s e a s e s ,
noncommunicable diseases, maternal and child health, mental
health, disaster preparedness, environmental health, digital health,
and health systems strengthening.
Today, Philippine nursing research focuses on improving
healthcare delivery, patient safety, nursing education, community
health, disaster nursing, infectious disease management, and
universal health coverage.

Importance and Purpose of Nursing Research:
Nursing research helps:
 Improve patient outcomes
 D e v e l o p e v i d e n c e - b a s e d n u r s i n g
interventions
 Enhance patient safety
 Improve quality of healthcare

Importance and Purpose of Nursing Research:
Nursing research helps:
 Develop nursing theories
 Improve nursing education
 Influence healthcare policies
 Reduce healthcare costs
 Promote professional accountability

Characteristics of Nursing Research:

1. Patient-Centered
- The primary focus is improving patient
outcomes.
Example: Research on reducing falls among
elderly patients.

2. Evidence-Based
Research produces evidence that supports
nursing interventions.
Example: Research demonstrating early
a m b u l a t i o n d e c r e a s e s p o s t o p e r a t i v e
complications.

3. Systematic
Every step follows a structured scientific
method.
Steps include:
1-Problem identification, 2- Literature review 3-
Research design, 4- Data collection, 5- Data analysis,
6- Interpretation and 7- Dissemination.

4. Ethical
Protects human participants by ensuring:
• Informed consent
• Confidentiality
• Privacy
• Beneficence
• Justice

5. Replicable
Other researchers should be able to repeat the
study using the same procedures.
 Replication strengthens scientific evidence.-
Evidence-based nursing relies on multiple high-quality
studies rather than a single research finding. Replicated
studies provide stronger support for clinical decision-
making.

6. Objective
Researchers minimize bias during data
collection and analysis.

7. Theory-Based
Many nursing studies are guided by nursing
theories or conceptual frameworks.
Examples:
• Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory
• Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Theory
• Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring
• Sister Callista Roy's Adaptation Model

8. Interdisciplinary
Nursing research often collaborates with:
• Physicians
• Pharmacists
• Physical therapists
• Psychologists
• Public health professionals

Roles of Nurses Nursing Research:

Not every nurse becomes a researcher,
but every nurse uses research.

1. Research Consumer
The most common role. Nurses read and evaluate
research to improve practice.
Example: Using updated pressure injury prevention
guidelines.

2. Research Participant
Nurses may participate by:
 Completing surveys
 Being interviewed
 Assisting in clinical studies

3. Data Collector
Responsibilities include:
Conducting interviews
Measuring vital signs
Administering questionnaires
Recording observations

4. Research Collaborator
Works with multidisciplinary teams.
Responsibilities:
Data management
Literature review
Patient recruitment
Quality assurance

5. Principal Investigator (Researcher)
Plans and conducts research.
Responsibilities:
Writing proposals
Securing ethical approval
Collecting data
Analyzing findings
Publishing results
!!! Usually requires graduate
education.

6. Evidence-Based Practice Advocate
Encourages implementation of research findings into
clinical practice.

7. Policy Developer
Research findings influence:
Hospital policies
Clinical guidelines
National health policies

Competencies in Nursing Research:

Knowledge Competencies
Nurses should understand:
• Research methods
• Evidence-based practice
• Statistics
• Ethics
• Literature review

Skills Competencies
Nurses should be able to:
Search scientific literature
Critically appraise research
Collect data accurately
Interpret research findings
Apply evidence to practice

Attitude Competencies
Nurses should value:
Lifelong learning
Curiosity
Integrity
Ethical conduct
Critical thinking

Core Competencies
Information literacy
Evidence appraisal
Data management
Ethical decision-making
Communication
Collaboration

Goals of Nursing Research

Goals of Nursing Research:
The overall goal is to improve healthcare through scientific
evidence. Specific goals include:
1. Improve Patient Care- Develop better nursing interventions.
2. Enhance Nursing Practice- Replace outdated practices with
evidence-based care.
3. Build Nursing Knowledge - Generate new theories and
concepts.
4. Improve Nursing Education- Develop effective teaching
methods.

Goals of Nursing Research:
5. Improve Healthcare Systems: Research identifies ways
to improve: Workflow, Patient safety and Resource
allocation
6. Influence Health Policy : Research supports
government decisions.
Example: Studies on vaccination coverage influence
immunization policies.
7. Promote Professional Growth: Research strengthens
nursing as a scientific profession.

Purposes of Nursing Research

Purposes of Nursing Research:
Research may aim to:
1. Describe- Example: Describe anxiety levels among first-year
nursing students.
2. Explore- Example: Explore experiences of nurses caring for
COVID-19 patients.
3. Explain- Example: Explain factors associated with medication
errors.
4. Predict- Example:
Predict patient readmission using discharge education scores.
5. Control- Example: Determine whether hourly rounding reduces
falls.

Importance of Evidence-Based Practice
(EBP)

Importance of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is the process of
using the best current scientific evidence, combined
with clinical experience and the patient's preferences,
to provide safe, effective, and high-quality nursing
care.

The Three Components of EBP:
1. Best available research evidence – Findings from
high-quality research studies.
2. Clinical expertise – The nurse's knowledge, skills,
and professional judgment.
3. Patient values and preferences – The patient's
beliefs, goals, culture, and treatment preferences.

Example: A patient is at high risk for pressure injuries.
The nurse:
• Reviews research showing that repositioning every 2
hours reduces pressure injuries.
• Uses clinical judgment to determine the patient's specific
needs.
• Discusses the plan with the patient and family,
considering their comfort and preferences.
• The nurse then develops a care plan based on all three
components of EBP.

Importance of EBP in Nursing
 Improves patient outcomes.
 Enhances patient safety.
 Promotes high-quality and cost-effective care.
 Reduces unnecessary or outdated practices.
 Supports clinical decision-making with scientific
evidence.
 Encourages lifelong learning and professional
development.

Easy way to remember
EBP = Best Research Evidence + Clinical
Expertise + Patient Values & Preferences = Best
Nursing Care.

Current Trends in Nursing Research

Nursing research continues to evolve in response to global health
priorities and technological advancements. Current trends include:
1. Precision and Personalized Care
Research explores individualized interventions based on genetic,
environmental, and lifestyle factors to optimize patient outcomes.
2. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health
Studies examine the use of artificial intelligence, electronic health
records, predictive analytics, and decision-support systems to
enhance patient care and clinical decision-

3. Telehealth and Remote Monitoring
Researchers evaluate the effectiveness of virtual consultations,
wearable devices, and remote patient monitoring, particularly for
chronic disease management and rural healthcare.
4. Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
Research focuses on reducing medication errors, preventing falls,
minimizing hospital-acquired infections, and improving
communication among healthcare teams.

5. Mental Health and Well-Being
There is increasing attention to mental health promotion, burnout
among healthcare workers, resilience, and psychosocial support.
6. Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Nursing
Given the increasing frequency of natural disasters and public
health emergencies, nursing research examines disaster response,
emergency preparedness, and community resilience.

7. Global Health and Health Equity
Researchers investigate disparities in healthcare access and
outcomes, aiming to promote equitable care across diverse
populations.
8. Climate Change and Planetary Health
Emerging studies examine the health impacts of climate change,
environmental sustainability, and the role of nurses in promoting
environmentally responsible healthcare.

References:
International References
• American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and Standards of
Practice (4th ed.). ANA.
• Grove, S. K., & Gray, J. R. (2023). Understanding Nursing Research:
Building an Evidence-Based Practice (8th ed.). Elsevier.
• LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2022). Nursing Research: Methods and
Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice (10th ed.). Elsevier.
• Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-Based Practice in
Nursing & Healthcare (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
• Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Nursing Research: Generating and
Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
• International Council of Nurses. (2021). The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Global Strategic Directions for Nursing
and Midwifery 2021–2025.

References:
Philippine (Local) References
• Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (2021). CMO No. 15, Series of 2021:
Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.
• Philippine Nurses Association (PNA). (Latest edition). Code of Ethics for Registered
Nurses in the Philippines.
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 (Republic
Act No. 9173).
• Department of Health (DOH). (Latest available). Philippine Health Agenda and related
nursing and health research publications.
• Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), Department of
Science and Technology (DOST). National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA)
2023–2028.
• University of the Philippines Manila – National Institutes of Health. Publications on
nursing and health research.
• De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute and other Philippine nursing
schools' research manuals (latest institutional editions, where available).

Comprehensive Introduction to Nursing Research: Principles, History, and Practice

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