Succeeding in research: insights from management and game theory

1. Alexander M. Clark Professor¹, 
2. David R. Thompson Professor²

Article first published online: 10 APR 2013

DOI: 10.1111/jan.12061

© 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Issue

Journal of Advanced Nursing

Volume 69, Issue 6, pages 1221–1223, June 2013

Researchers have never had more potential to do so much. While the history of ‘universities’ is characterized by change and flux (Barnett2011), unprecedented advances in the last 20 years in research work have been made possible by powerful computing, email, the Internet, telecommunications, online access to publications and social media. Most recently, researchers have been challenged to focus their efforts on the world's most urgent problems (Jansen & Ruwaard 2012). They are also urged to be more collaborative and to work actively with communities, clinicians and the media before, during and after studies so that their research can better influence the world (CIHR 2012). These innovations create new opportunities for researchers, but place extra demands on their time (Christensen & Eyring 2011).  Read more...

Intelligent Decision Support in a Nursing Educational Institution 

Pages: 14-17   |   Full PDF Paper  |   DOI: 10.11648/j.ajns.20130202.11 

Authors 

Peter Kokol, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia

To cite this article 

Peter Kokol, Intelligent Decision Support in a Nursing Educational Institution, American Journal of Nursing Science. Vol. 2, No. 2, 2013, pp. 14-17. doi: 10.11648/j.ajns.20130202.11 

Abstract 

Evidence-based management is defined as a process of translating best evidence into organizational management practices. Surprisingly only 15 percent of decisions are evidence based. In the paper we present the idea how intelligent systems can be used to improve the current situation and show in a case study how intelligent systems can be successfully used to extract evidence to improve management practices and decision making, especially in human resource management. 

Keywords 

Evidence Based Practice, Evidence Based Management, Decision Making, Intelligent Systems 

OJNI Current Issue

Volume 17 Number 1 February 2013

Online Journal of Nursing Informatics (OJNI) February 2013
ISSN # 1089-9758 Indexed in CINAHL © 2013

ARTICLES

Development of a Social Networking Site for Patients and Families: A Doctoral Level Nursing Informatics Project. 
by Ann McNeill DNP(c), MSN, FNP-BC, CCRC, Andrea S. Underwood, DNP (c), FNP-C, Amy Wisniewski, DNP(c), MSN, APRN Susan Sitzenstock DNP(c), MSN, FNP-BC and Roseanne Fairchild, PhD, RN, CNE, NE-BC
Developing a Computer Interpretable Guideline with Nursing Knowledge: A Pilot Study of a Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment and Prevention
by Jeeyae Choi, DNSc, RN and Hyeoneui Kim, PhD, RN

Using High-Fidelity Simulation to Close the Teaching and Learning Loop.
by Lisa Sparacino MS, RN, PhD(c) and Elaine Della Vecchia, PhD, RN

Marking out the clinical expert/clinical leader /clinical scholar: perspectives from nurses in the clinical arena

Judy Mannix, Lesley Wilkes and Debra Jackson

Abstract (provisional)

Background

Clinical scholarship has been conceptualised and theorised in the nursing literature for over 30 years but no research has captured nurses' clinicians' views on how it differs or is the same as clinical expertise and clinical leadership. The aim of this study was to determine clinical nurses' understanding of the differences and similarities between the clinical expert, clinical leader and clinical scholar.

Methods

A descriptive interpretative qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 18 practising nurses from Australia, Canada and England. The audio-taped interviews were transcribed and the text coded for emerging themes. The themes were sorted into categories of clinical expert, clinical leader and clinical scholarship as described by the participants. These themes were then compared and contrasted and the essential elements that characterise the nursing roles of the clinical expert, clinical leader and clinical scholar were identified.

Results

Clinical experts were seen as linking knowledge to practice with some displaying clinical leadership and scholarship. Clinical leadership is seen as a positional construct with a management emphasis. For the clinical scholar they linked theory and practice and encouraged research and dissemination of knowledge.

Conclusion

There are distinct markers for the roles of clinical expert, clinical leader and clinical scholar. Nurses working in one or more of these roles need to work together to improve patient care. An 'ideal nurse' may be a blending of all three constructs. As nursing is a practice discipline its scholarship should be predominantly based on clinical scholarship. Nurses need to be encouraged to go beyond their roles as clinical leaders and experts to use their position to challenge and change through the propagation of knowledge to their community.

The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.

Everyday Ethics in Nursing Practice: Empirical Research and Methods for Reflection
PDF Call for Papers | HTML Call for Papers
Guest Editors: Berit Støre Brinchmann, Bert Molewijk, Siri Tønnessen, Betty-Ann Solvoll
Manuscript Due: Friday, 12 April 2013 
Publication Date: Friday, 30 August 2013

Insomnia is associated to depressive symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure
Peter Johansson, Anders Broström
Abstract | References PDF (187KB) , PP. 33-41, Pub. Date: March 18, 2013
DOI: 10.4236/ojn.2013.31005, Downloads: 75 Google Scholar

Engagement in clinical learning environment among nursing students: Role of nurse educators
Melba Sheila D’Souza, Ramesh Venkatesaperumal, Jayanthi Radhakrishnan, Shreedevi Balachandran
Abstract | References PDF (184KB) , PP. 25-32, Pub. Date: March 18, 2013
DOI: 10.4236/ojn.2013.31004, Downloads: 258 Google Scholar

OJN> Vol.3 No.1, March 2013

OPEN   ACCESS

Factors that affect the process of professional identity formation in public health nurses

PDF (Size:172KB) PP. 8-15   DOI: 10.4236/ojn.2013.31002

Author(s)

Mika Okura, Miyoko Uza, Hisako Izumi, Masami Ohno, Hidenori Arai, Kazuko Saeki

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate the process of professional identity formation and the factors that affect the process in public health nurses (PHNs). Methods: We performed an inductive qualitative analysis based on semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews of 65 PHNs. Results: At years 1 - 5, PHNs did not have a professional self-identity. Therefore, it was important for them to recognize the significance of their own work. At years 6 - 10, PHNs acquired self-assurance as a practitioner through feedback from residents. It was important for them to have a better understanding, broader viewpoints and more affection for their own community. At years 11 - 20, PHNs felt ambivalent toward the challenges and heavy responsibilities based on the objective assessment of their jobs and roles. PHNs felt embarrassed by role changes when they became a manager or an expert. It was important for them to become aware of their new role through managerial education and training. However, some PHNs who were unable to establish a clear PHN identity experienced setbacks at each developmental stage. Conclusions: Our data suggest that a differential approach dependent on the stage and level of confidence in an individual’s PHN identity is required for the formation of PHN identity. 

Indexing metadata

The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Sentiment Analysis and Credential Correlation

DUBLIN CORE		PKP METADATA ITEMS	METADATA FOR THIS DOCUMENT
1.	Title	Title of document	The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Sentiment Analysis and Credential Correlation
2.	Creator	Author's name, affiliation, country	Matthew Lewis; St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, TX; United States
2.	Creator	Author's name, affiliation, country	Mark D Welliver; School of Nurse Anesthesia Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Texas Christian University. Fort Worth, Texas.; United States
2.	Creator	Author's name, affiliation, country	Stephen Leach; Steven Leach CRNA, DNP School of Nurse Anesthesia Texas Christian University Adjunct Clinical Faculty. Saint Joseph Medical Center Chief CRNA and Clinical Coordinator Houston, Texas, United States e-mail: sleach5@sbcglobal.net; United States
3.	Subject	Discipline(s)
3.	Subject	Keyword(s)
4.	Description	Abstract	The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is gaining interest within the nursing profession but not without debate. A review of the literature regarding the DNP demonstrates that the debate focuses on academic, clinical, and professional practice issues of nursing. The multiple debate points and positive and negative perspectives leads one to ask, “do author degree credentials correlate with positive or negative sentiment regarding the DNP?” The points of debate surrounding the DNP were identified from the literature and adapted into a sentiment analysis tool. The tool was used for the extraction of positive or negative sentiment from 90 pieces of DNP and practice doctorate related literature. The positive or negative sentiment expressed by each author was correlated with their credentials. No particular sentiment was found that correlated with non-DNP credentialed authors. However, a correlation was identified between DNP credentialed authors and the expression of positive sentiment toward the DNP.
5.	Publisher	Organizing agency, location	Science Publishing Corporation
6.	Contributor	Sponsor(s)
7.	Date	(YYYY-MM-DD)	2012-07-29
8.	Type	Status & genre	Peer-reviewed Article
8.	Type	Type
9.	Format	File format	PDF
10.	Identifier	Uniform Resource Identifier	http://www.sciencepubco.com/index.php/IJANS/article/view/39
11.	Source	Journal/conference title; vol., no. (year)	International Journal of Advanced Nursing Studies; Vol 1, No 1 (2012)
12.	Language	English=en	en
13.	Relation	Supp. Files	Untitled (52KB)
14.	Coverage	Geo-spatial location, chronological period, research sample (gender, age, etc.)
15.	Rights	Copyright and permissions	Copyright Notice

Indexing metadata

Nurse Caring: A Review of the Literature

DUBLIN CORE		PKP METADATA ITEMS	METADATA FOR THIS DOCUMENT
1.	Title	Title of document	Nurse Caring: A Review of the Literature
2.	Creator	Author's name, affiliation, country	Danita R. Potter; Grambling State University, Grambling, LA, USA
2.	Creator	Author's name, affiliation, country	Joshua Fogel; Brooklyn College, Department of Finance and Business Management, 2900 Bedford Avenue, 218A, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA; United States
3.	Subject	Discipline(s)
3.	Subject	Keyword(s)
4.	Description	Abstract	The purpose of this paper was to review the literature on caring among nurses. The approach utilized studies on nurse caring behaviors in a variety of patient care settings. Articles published between 1987-2012 in the CINAHL, Medline, and PubMed databases were used. Overall, fourteen different articles were deemed relevant and were included in the review. The review articles were grouped into three categories which were Acute/Surgical, Community/Institutionalized, and Postpartum/Childbirth. In conclusion, human needs assistance was a consistent aspect of caring valued by patients.  We recommend that nurses learn their patient’s likes and dislikes while also providing for topics related to patient physical needs. Also when caring for children, nurses should use entertainment and humor as part of their caring approach.
5.	Publisher	Organizing agency, location	Science Publishing Corporation
6.	Contributor	Sponsor(s)	N/A
7.	Date	(YYYY-MM-DD)	2013-02-13
8.	Type	Status & genre	Peer-reviewed Article
8.	Type	Type
9.	Format	File format	PDF
10.	Identifier	Uniform Resource Identifier	http://www.sciencepubco.com/index.php/IJANS/article/view/644
11.	Source	Journal/conference title; vol., no. (year)	International Journal of Advanced Nursing Studies; Vol 2, No 1 (2013)
12.	Language	English=en	en
13.	Relation	Supp. Files
14.	Coverage	Geo-spatial location, chronological period, research sample (gender, age, etc.)
15.	Rights	Copyright and permissions	Copyright Notice

Indexing metadata

Nurses’ Job satisfaction and Burnout : Is there a Connection?

DUBLIN CORE		PKP METADATA ITEMS	METADATA FOR THIS DOCUMENT
1.	Title	Title of document	Nurses’ Job satisfaction and Burnout : Is there a Connection?
2.	Creator	Author's name, affiliation, country	Rheajane Aguilar Rosales; College of Nursing Samar State University; Philippines
2.	Creator	Author's name, affiliation, country	Gilbey Lao Rosales; College of Nursing Samar State University; Philippines
2.	Creator	Author's name, affiliation, country	Leodoro Jabien Labrague; College of Nursing Samar State University; Philippines
3.	Subject	Discipline(s)
3.	Subject	Keyword(s)
4.	Description	Abstract	Burnout associated with stress has been documented in healthcare professionals including nurses and is considered as one of the potential hazards occurring among individuals who do “people work” (Cherniss, 1980). This study aimed to determine the level of job satisfaction and burnout among nurses in three government hospitals of Samar, Philippines. Descriptive-correlational method of research was utilized to all (48) regular nurses in three Government Hospitals of Western Samar, Philippines. Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) by Pul E. Spector, and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) by Cristina Maslach were administered to the respondents. Findings indicated that respondents experienced a moderate level of burnout and claimed to be slightly unsatisfied with their job. The highest scored subscale on the JSS was the Nature of the Work (m = 3.97) while the lowest scored subscale was the Fringe Benefit (m = 2.40). Findings revealed that the highest ranked subscale on the MBI was the Emotional Exhaustion (m = 3.28).  On the other hand, Depersonalization subscale was the lowest scored subscale with a mean of 2.74. Analyses also showed that there is a significant relationship between the respondent’s level of burnout and their level of Job Satisfaction. The result showed a statistically significant relationship between the nurse-respondents level of burnout and their level of job satisfaction which may affect on the quality of care given to their patients. Thus, proper measures must be made to prevent and manage nurses’ burnout. Furthermore, it proposed a job enrichment program to increase the level of job satisfaction and prevent burnout.
5.	Publisher	Organizing agency, location	Science Publishing Corporation
6.	Contributor	Sponsor(s)
7.	Date	(YYYY-MM-DD)	2013-01-06
8.	Type	Status & genre	Peer-reviewed Article
8.	Type	Type
9.	Format	File format	PDF
10.	Identifier	Uniform Resource Identifier	http://www.sciencepubco.com/index.php/IJANS/article/view/583
11.	Source	Journal/conference title; vol., no. (year)	International Journal of Advanced Nursing Studies; Vol 2, No 1 (2013)
12.	Language	English=en	en
13.	Relation	Supp. Files
14.	Coverage	Geo-spatial location, chronological period, research sample (gender, age, etc.)
15.	Rights	Copyright and permissions	Copyright Notice

Research article

Conceptualizing performance of nursing care as a prerequisite for better measurement: a systematic and interpretive review

Carl-Ardy Dubois^1*, Danielle D’Amour¹, Marie-Pascale Pomey², Francine Girard¹ andIsabelle Brault¹

Abstract

Background

Despite the critical role of nursing care in determining high-performing healthcare delivery, performance science in this area is still at an early stage of development and nursing’s contribution most often remains invisible to policy-makers and managers. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop a theoretically based framework to conceptualize nursing care performance; 2) to analyze how the different components of the framework have been operationalized in the literature; and 3) to develop a pool of indicators sensitive to various aspects of nursing care that can be used as a basis for designing a performance measurement system.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review of published literature across three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL), focusing on literature between 1990 and 2008. Screening of 2,103 papers resulted in final selection of 101 papers. A detailed template was used to extract the data. For the analysis, we used the method of interpretive synthesis, focusing first on 31 papers with theoretical or conceptual frameworks; the remaining 70 articles were used to strengthen and consolidate the findings.

Results

Current conceptualizations of nursing care performance mostly reflect a system perspective that builds on system theory, Donabedian’s earlier works on healthcare organization, and Parsons’ theory of social action. Drawing on these foundational works and the evidence collated, the Nursing Care Performance Framework (NCPF) we developed conceptualizes nursing care performance as resulting from three nursing subsystems that operate together to achieve three key functions: (1) acquiring, deploying and maintaining nursing resources, (2) transforming nursing resources into nursing services, and (3) producing changes in patients’ conditions. Based on the literature review, these three functions are operationalized through 14 dimensions that cover 51 variables. The NCPF not only specifies core aspects of nursing performance, it also provides decision-makers with a conceptual tool to serve as a common ground from which to define performance, devise a common and balanced set of performance indicators for a given sector of nursing care, and derive benchmarks for this sector.

Conclusions

The NCPF provides a comprehensive, integrated and theoretically based model that allows performance evaluation of both the overall nursing system and its subsystems. Such an approach widens the view of nursing performance to embrace a multidimensional perspective that encompasses the diverse aspects of nursing care.

Keywords: 

Performance measurement; Nursing care; Systems theory; Quality of care; Nursing structure; Nursing processes; Nursing sensitive outcomes; Systematic review.

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