The discursive field of Web-based health research: implications for nursing research in cyberspace.

摘要

Web-based health research is a relatively new phenomenon. Its definition and conceptualization differs markedly as it is deployed within and across a complex array of discourses, with serious implications for nursing research and knowledge development. Web-based health research offers nurse researchers unique and abundant opportunities to provide leadership in the development and conduct of diverse modes of online health research. To appropriately avail themselves of such opportunities, however, nurse researchers must first address the significant ontological, epistemological, methodological, ethical, legal, and professional issues and concerns that nursing research in cyberspace raises.