PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L H Nicoll

Publications and source records attributed to L H Nicoll.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting focus group data.

Conducting a focus group is only one approach to gathering information. The worthiness of the information derived from a focus group depends on many factors. The main advantage of a focus group is that it is a convenient, cost-effective, relatively fast method to collect information from a number of individuals. Useful information only can be obtained with special attention to research methods and assessment of the reliability and validity of collected data. Using a focus group should be considered when the method is appropriate to answer the research question. Remember, adequate resources and skill are required to conduct a focus group in a manner that ensures the quality of the results.

Data Collection↗
PubMed2000

Clinical expertise and research findings--understanding the fit.

Clinical expertise is as valuable as the information that supports decisions. The worth of that information must be evaluated carefully and constantly questioned. Clinicians must work together to carefully and systematically analyze what they bring to the decision-making process. Rules that serve as the foundation of one's decision need to be evaluated continuously. As well, every clinician must be aware of inherent and subtle biases that influence decisions. Relying on clinical expertise can be a helpful strategy, but clinicians must proceed with caution. As with research, nothing is correct 100% of the time--even experts make mistakes. Use your expertise to determine what strategy is correct when facing a clinical problem. If your clinical expertise will serve the patient best, do not be afraid to use this hard-earned knowledge for the optimum patient outcome.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2000

Working with staff around evidence-based practice: the next generation of research utilization.

Evidence-based practice is becoming a ubiquitous term in health care, including nursing. Many staff members are feeling the need to become familiar with what evidence-based practice is and how to use it in their practice. At the same time, many resist the thought of learning something new, especially related to research. This article illustrates the parallels between research utilization activities, which have been occurring in nursing for at least three decades, and the more contemporary notion of evidence-based practice. Important skills that are common to both, including finding and grading the evidence, are discussed. A clinical example, using latex allergy response, is presented to highlight the process of incorporating research evidence into practice.

Clinical Nursing Research↗