EDITORIAL
Challenges in utilizing the findings from qualitative research
Although qualitative research is not a new theme, it is important to clarify, re-affirm, and discuss the utilization of the findings of qualitative research, specifically in relation to its contribution to evidence-based practice as well as investigators' strategies to secure funds to conduct this type of research.
Nowadays, expansion and utilization of qualitative research presents a challenge to investigators. They need to be persistent in continuing searching for support and funding in order to conduct this type of research, so as to have more influence on evidence-based practice.
Investigators who conduct qualitative research must explicate and disseminate potential hypotheses that can be posed and tested in future quantitative studies. Investigators must also point out how their study's findings will contribute for the development of nursing science.
Other potentials of qualitative research include the possibility of conducting meta-synthesis and meta-analysis studies by combining research findings about the same themes or similar themes, which may originate explanatory theories. These types of studies can be easily conducted because there are numerous studies about several themes of interest for nursing that allow researchers to design these types of studies.
Qualitative research has great potential to contribute to the advancement and refinement of nursing quality care and evidence-based practice. Therefore, the most important point of this editorial consists on the fact that the quality of nursing care might be affected when findings from qualitative research are not valued and not incorporated into practice.
Profa Dra Maria Clara Cassuli Matheus
Publication Dates
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Publication in this collection
17 Sept 2007 -
Date of issue
Mar 2006
