Patient outcomes researchSeizing the opportunity

摘要

Nurses must take a proactive role in patient outcomes research. Because the patient, not disease, has always been the focus of nursing, nurses are sensitized to the rich but complicated context in which patient outcomes research will be conducted. Nurse researchers are experienced in using complex research models, dealing with ambiguous concepts, grappling with difficult measurement issues, and subscribing to methodological pluralism. These skills are important to success with patient outcomes research. In this article, the opportunities and challenges posed to nurses by patient outcomes research will be addressed. One of the benefits will be a stronger knowledge base for clinical practice and hence patient care.