nursing topics for research methods

Best Nursing Research Topics for Students

What is a nursing research paper.

• What They Include
• Choosing a Topic
• Best Nursing Research Topics
• Research Paper Writing Tips

Writing a research paper is a massive task that involves careful organization, critical analysis, and a lot of time. Some nursing students are natural writers, while others struggle to select a nursing research topic, let alone write about it.

If you're a nursing student who dreads writing research papers, this article may help ease your anxiety. We'll cover everything you need to know about writing nursing school research papers and the top topics for nursing research.  

Continue reading to make your paper-writing jitters a thing of the past.

A nursing research paper is a work of academic writing composed by a nurse or nursing student. The paper may present information on a specific topic or answer a question.

During LPN/LVN and RN programs, most papers you write focus on learning to use research databases, evaluate appropriate resources, and format your writing with APA style. You'll then synthesize your research information to answer a question or analyze a topic.

BSN , MSN , Ph.D., and DNP programs also write nursing research papers. Students in these programs may also participate in conducting original research studies.

Writing papers during your academic program improves and develops many skills, including the ability to:

• Select nursing topics for research
• Conduct effective research
• Analyze published academic literature
• Format and cite sources
• Synthesize data
• Organize and articulate findings

About Nursing Research Papers

When do nursing students write research papers.

You may need to write a research paper for any of the nursing courses you take. Research papers help develop critical thinking and communication skills. They allow you to learn how to conduct research and critically review publications.

That said, not every class will require in-depth, 10-20-page papers. The more advanced your degree path, the more you can expect to write and conduct research. If you're in an associate or bachelor's program, you'll probably write a few papers each semester or term.

Do Nursing Students Conduct Original Research?

Most of the time, you won't be designing, conducting, and evaluating new research. Instead, your projects will focus on learning the research process and the scientific method. You'll achieve these objectives by evaluating existing nursing literature and sources and defending a thesis.

However, many nursing faculty members do conduct original research. So, you may get opportunities to participate in, and publish, research articles.

Example Research Project Scenario:

In your maternal child nursing class, the professor assigns the class a research paper regarding developmentally appropriate nursing interventions for the pediatric population. While that may sound specific, you have almost endless opportunities to narrow down the focus of your writing. 

You could choose pain intervention measures in toddlers. Conversely, you can research the effects of prolonged hospitalization on adolescents' social-emotional development.

What Does a Nursing Research Paper Include?

Your professor should provide a thorough guideline of the scope of the paper. In general, an undergraduate nursing research paper will consist of:

Introduction : A brief overview of the research question/thesis statement your paper will discuss. You can include why the topic is relevant.

Body : This section presents your research findings and allows you to synthesize the information and data you collected. You'll have a chance to articulate your evaluation and answer your research question. The length of this section depends on your assignment.

Conclusion : A brief review of the information and analysis you presented throughout the body of the paper. This section is a recap of your paper and another chance to reassert your thesis.

The best advice is to follow your instructor's rubric and guidelines. Remember to ask for help whenever needed, and avoid overcomplicating the assignment!

How to Choose a Nursing Research Topic

The sheer volume of prospective nursing research topics can become overwhelming for students. Additionally, you may get the misconception that all the 'good' research ideas are exhausted. However, a personal approach may help you narrow down a research topic and find a unique angle.

Writing your research paper about a topic you value or connect with makes the task easier. Additionally, you should consider the material's breadth. Topics with plenty of existing literature will make developing a research question and thesis smoother.

Finally, feel free to shift gears if necessary, especially if you're still early in the research process. If you start down one path and have trouble finding published information, ask your professor if you can choose another topic.

The Best Research Topics for Nursing Students

You have endless subject choices for nursing research papers. This non-exhaustive list just scratches the surface of some of the best nursing research topics.

1. Clinical Nursing Research Topics

• Analyze the use of telehealth/virtual nursing to reduce inpatient nurse duties.
• Discuss the impact of evidence-based respiratory interventions on patient outcomes in critical care settings.
• Explore the effectiveness of pain management protocols in pediatric patients.

2. Community Health Nursing Research Topics

• Assess the impact of nurse-led diabetes education in Type II Diabetics.
• Analyze the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare services.

3. Nurse Education Research Topics

• Review the effectiveness of simulation-based learning to improve nursing students' clinical skills.
• Identify methods that best prepare pre-licensure students for clinical practice.
• Investigate factors that influence nurses to pursue advanced degrees.
• Evaluate education methods that enhance cultural competence among nurses.
• Describe the role of mindfulness interventions in reducing stress and burnout among nurses.

4. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

• Explore patient outcomes related to nurse staffing levels in acute behavioral health settings.
• Assess the effectiveness of mental health education among emergency room nurses .
• Explore de-escalation techniques that result in improved patient outcomes.
• Review the effectiveness of therapeutic communication in improving patient outcomes.

5. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

• Assess the impact of parental involvement in pediatric asthma treatment adherence.
• Explore challenges related to chronic illness management in pediatric patients.
• Review the role of play therapy and other therapeutic interventions that alleviate anxiety among hospitalized children.

6. The Nursing Profession Research Topics

• Analyze the effects of short staffing on nurse burnout .
• Evaluate factors that facilitate resiliency among nursing professionals.
• Examine predictors of nurse dissatisfaction and burnout.
• Posit how nursing theories influence modern nursing practice.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Research Paper

The best nursing research advice we can provide is to follow your professor's rubric and instructions. However, here are a few study tips for nursing students to make paper writing less painful:

Avoid procrastination: Everyone says it, but few follow this advice. You can significantly lower your stress levels if you avoid procrastinating and start working on your project immediately.

Plan Ahead: Break down the writing process into smaller sections, especially if it seems overwhelming. Give yourself time for each step in the process.

Research: Use your resources and ask for help from the librarian or instructor. The rest should come together quickly once you find high-quality studies to analyze.

Outline: Create an outline to help you organize your thoughts. Then, you can plug in information throughout the research process. 

Clear Language: Use plain language as much as possible to get your point across. Jargon is inevitable when writing academic nursing papers, but keep it to a minimum.

Cite Properly: Accurately cite all sources using the appropriate citation style. Nursing research papers will almost always implement APA style. Check out the resources below for some excellent reference management options.

Revise and Edit: Once you finish your first draft, put it away for one to two hours or, preferably, a whole day. Once you've placed some space between you and your paper, read through and edit for clarity, coherence, and grammatical errors. Reading your essay out loud is an excellent way to check for the 'flow' of the paper.

Helpful Nursing Research Writing Resources:

Purdue OWL (Online writing lab) has a robust APA guide covering everything you need about APA style and rules.

Grammarly helps you edit grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Upgrading to a paid plan will get you plagiarism detection, formatting, and engagement suggestions. This tool is excellent to help you simplify complicated sentences.

Mendeley is a free reference management software. It stores, organizes, and cites references. It has a Microsoft plug-in that inserts and correctly formats APA citations.

Don't let nursing research papers scare you away from starting nursing school or furthering your education. Their purpose is to develop skills you'll need to be an effective nurse: critical thinking, communication, and the ability to review published information critically.

Choose a great topic and follow your teacher's instructions; you'll finish that paper in no time.

Joleen Sams is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner based in the Kansas City metro area. During her 10-year RN career, Joleen worked in NICU, inpatient pediatrics, and regulatory compliance. Since graduating with her MSN-FNP in 2019, she has worked in urgent care and nursing administration. Connect with Joleen on LinkedIn or see more of her writing on her website.

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Home » 500+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas

500+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas

Table of Contents

Nursing research plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. As a field that is constantly evolving, there is a great need for new ideas and innovative approaches to address the challenges faced by nurses in their day-to-day practice. In this article, we will explore some exciting nursing research topic ideas that can help guide the development of new studies and inspire nurses to make meaningful contributions to the field. From exploring the impact of technology on nursing practice to investigating the effectiveness of alternative therapies, there is no shortage of interesting and important topics to explore in the world of nursing research.

Nursing Research Topic Ideas

Nursing Research Topic Ideas are as follows:

• The effectiveness of telemedicine in providing nursing care.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence in chronic disease management.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing burnout among nurses.
• The influence of cultural competence on patient satisfaction with nursing care.
• The effects of virtual reality simulation training on nursing students’ clinical competencies.
• The impact of nurse practitioner-led care on chronic disease management in primary care.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led discharge planning on patient outcomes.
• The influence of nurse-to-patient ratios on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led health coaching on lifestyle modifications in patients with chronic diseases.
• The effects of interprofessional collaboration on patient outcomes in acute care settings.
• The impact of nurse-led patient education on medication adherence in older adults.
• The relationship between nurse work environment and patient safety outcomes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain.
• The influence of nurse staffing levels on patient satisfaction with nursing care.
• The effects of a nurse-led palliative care program on quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses.
• The impact of nurse-led group therapy on social support and quality of life in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led motivational interviewing on smoking cessation in patients with mental health disorders.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient length of stay in acute care settings.
• The effects of nurse-led behavioral interventions on weight loss and management in patients with obesity.
• The influence of nurse-led interventions on self-care management in patients with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led mindfulness-based stress reduction programs on caregiver burden in family caregivers of patients with dementia.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on pain management in patients with sickle cell disease.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient readmission rates.
• The effects of nurse-led motivational interviewing on medication adherence in patients with hypertension.
• The influence of nurse-led telehealth programs on glycemic control in patients with diabetes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in postoperative care.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient satisfaction with hospital food services.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient falls in acute care settings.
• The effects of nurse-led interventions on patient anxiety and stress in the preoperative period.
• The influence of nurse-led interventions on wound healing in patients with chronic ulcers.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on postpartum depression in new mothers.
• The impact of nurse-led transitional care on hospital readmissions in older adults.
• The relationship between nurse work environment and nurse retention.
• The effects of nurse-led music therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with dementia.
• The influence of nurse-led mindfulness-based interventions on sleep quality in patients with insomnia.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on symptom management in patients with cancer.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient satisfaction with care coordination.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient mortality in critical care settings.
• The effects of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in end-of-life care.
• The impact of mindfulness meditation on the mental health of nursing students.
• The effect of patient education on the adherence to medication regimens in older adults.
• The role of nurse-led interventions in improving physical activity levels in sedentary individuals.
• The efficacy of telehealth in managing chronic conditions in rural communities.
• The effect of music therapy on anxiety and pain in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• The impact of cultural competency training on nursing students’ attitudes towards diverse patient populations.
• The effectiveness of peer support interventions in reducing readmission rates among individuals with heart failure.
• The use of virtual reality in nursing education to improve clinical decision-making skills.
• The role of family caregivers in end-of-life care decision making.
• The impact of nurse-led discharge planning on hospital readmission rates.
• The effect of a structured communication tool on interdisciplinary communication and collaboration in acute care settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting vaccination uptake in underserved communities.
• The impact of early mobilization on functional outcomes in critically ill patients.
• The effectiveness of an interdisciplinary team approach in managing chronic pain in older adults.
• The role of nursing in addressing the opioid epidemic.
• The effect of a nurse-led weight management program on obesity-related health outcomes.
• The impact of technology-based interventions on medication adherence in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
• The effectiveness of a nursing-led smoking cessation program in hospitalized patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy sleep habits in children.
• The effect of a nurse-led intervention on caregiver burden in family caregivers of stroke survivors.
• The impact of nurse-led motivational interviewing on lifestyle behavior change in individuals with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care transitions in reducing hospital readmissions.
• The role of nursing in promoting advance care planning among older adults.
• The impact of a nurse-led education program on self-care management in individuals with diabetes.
• The effect of nurse-led education on medication adherence in individuals with hypertension.
• The role of nurses in identifying and addressing social determinants of health in underserved populations.
• The impact of a nurse-led exercise program on physical function and quality of life in older adults.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on smoking cessation in pregnant women.
• The role of nurses in promoting health literacy among diverse patient populations.
• The effect of a nurse-led fall prevention program on fall-related injuries in older adults.
• The impact of a nurse-led education program on medication safety in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of a nurse-led mindfulness-based stress reduction program in individuals with chronic pain.
• The role of nurses in managing the care of individuals with multiple chronic conditions.
• The effect of nurse-led patient education on the prevention of hospital-acquired infections.
• The impact of nurse-led coaching on self-management in individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care coordination in improving care transitions for individuals with complex medical needs.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy eating habits in children and adolescents.
• The effect of a nurse-led symptom management program on quality of life in individuals with advanced cancer.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on the self-efficacy of individuals with chronic conditions.
• The role of nurses in promoting sexual health education among adolescents.
• The effect of a nurse-led peer support program on mental health outcomes in individuals with substance use disorders.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on nutrition and physical activity in pregnant women.
• The role of nurses in addressing health disparities in marginalized communities.
• The effect of nurse-led mindfulness interventions on the mental health of healthcare providers.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on medication adherence and quality of life in individuals with HIV/AIDS.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing healthcare-associated infections in long-term care facilities.
• The role of nurses in promoting palliative care for individuals with advanced dementia.
• The effect of a nurse-led exercise program on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing falls in hospitalized older adults.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in hospitalized patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting sexual and reproductive health among LGBTQ+ individuals.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving medication adherence in individuals with mental health conditions.
• The impact of nurse-led coaching on self-care management in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving sleep quality in individuals with chronic pain.
• The role of nurses in promoting oral health in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired delirium.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on the self-care management of individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on self-care management in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for individuals with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving the quality of life of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting early detection and management of sepsis in hospitalized patients.
• The effect of nurse-led education on promoting breastfeeding among new mothers.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on the management of chronic pain in individuals with sickle cell disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving medication adherence in individuals with heart failure.
• The role of nurses in promoting health literacy and patient empowerment among individuals with low health literacy.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing readmission rates in individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving medication adherence in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting self-care management among individuals with depression.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving the quality of life of individuals with spinal cord injuries.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in outpatient settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors among older adults with chronic conditions.
• The role of nurses in promoting self-management among individuals with schizophrenia.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital length of stay for individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving the quality of life of individuals with chronic hepatitis C.
• The role of nurses in promoting pain management strategies for patients with sickle cell disease.
• The effect of a nurse-led education program on improving the quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their caregivers.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare-associated infections in the neonatal intensive care unit.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care management and quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient safety through effective communication strategies.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on reducing readmission rates in patients with congestive heart failure.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving end-of-life care for patients with advanced cancer.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on improving the nutritional status of patients with diabetes.
• The role of nurses in promoting evidence-based practices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on reducing anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in the emergency department.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting tobacco cessation among patients with respiratory diseases.
• The role of nurses in promoting culturally competent care for patients from diverse backgrounds.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving sleep quality and quantity for patients with sleep disorders.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving self-management and quality of life for patients with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting early recognition and management of sepsis in the emergency department.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving patient satisfaction with pain management.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for patients with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting adherence to medication regimens among patients with HIV/AIDS.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient-centered care for patients with chronic diseases.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving pain management in patients with dementia.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of falls in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving wound healing in patients with chronic wounds.
• The role of nurses in promoting early detection and management of delirium in hospitalized patients.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving patient outcomes after cardiac surgery.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare-associated infections in long-term care facilities.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy eating behaviors among adolescents with obesity.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient safety through effective hand hygiene practices.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving functional status and quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing readmission rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving patient outcomes after hip replacement surgery.
• The role of nurses in promoting effective communication between patients and healthcare providers.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving medication management in patients with multiple chronic conditions.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for patients with mental health conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting physical activity among patients with cardiovascular diseases.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient-centered care for patients with substance use disorders.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving self-care management and quality of life for patients with asthma.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit.
• The role of nurses in promoting resilience among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving adherence to tuberculosis medication.
• The impact of nurse-led programs on improving end-of-life care in hospice settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy sleep habits in hospitalized children.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving wound care management in individuals with diabetes.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on improving patient satisfaction in emergency departments.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in pediatric settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging among older adults living in rural communities.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving oral hygiene in individuals with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in neonatal intensive care units.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on improving pain management in individuals with sickle cell disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health awareness and support in the workplace.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving hand hygiene compliance among healthcare providers.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on improving self-management in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing readmission rates in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors among individuals with HIV/AIDS.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving medication adherence in individuals with schizophrenia.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing falls in older adults living in long-term care facilities.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led programs on improving communication and teamwork in healthcare settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents with obesity.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving pain management in individuals with cancer.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on improving self-management in individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy sexuality in individuals with disabilities.
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health among homeless populations.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care management in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in geriatric settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led programs on improving patient outcomes in acute care settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy coping mechanisms among individuals with chronic pain.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving wound care management in individuals with venous leg ulcers.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital readmission rates in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led programs on improving end-of-life care in nursing homes.
• The role of nurses in promoting safe medication administration in pediatric settings.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving sleep quality in individuals with depression.
• The impact of nurse-led programs on improving pain management in individuals with fibromyalgia.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on improving communication skills among healthcare providers.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors among individuals with mental health conditions.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care management in individuals with chronic heart failure.
• The impact of nurse-led programs on improving patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy habits among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Interesting Nursing Research Topic Ideas

• The impact of nurse-led health education on the management of chronic diseases in low-income communities.
• The effectiveness of using telehealth technology to monitor and manage patients with mental health disorders.
• The role of nursing in promoting ethical and responsible use of AI in healthcare.
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of frontline nurses.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques on reducing burnout among nurses.
• Exploring the experiences of male nurses in a predominantly female profession.
• The impact of nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.
• The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety and pain among patients in intensive care units.
• The impact of social media on nursing education and professional development.
• The impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction.
• The use of simulation-based training in nursing education to improve clinical competency.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing hospital readmissions.
• The impact of interprofessional collaboration on patient safety and quality of care.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led smoking cessation interventions in promoting smoking cessation among patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting sexual and reproductive health among adolescent girls.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases.
• The impact of cultural competence training on nursing practice and patient outcomes.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in improving sleep quality among shift-working nurses.
• The role of nurses in promoting vaccination uptake among underserved populations.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care behaviors among patients with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving pain management among cancer patients.
• The impact of nurse-led care coordination on improving care transitions for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases.
• The effectiveness of peer mentoring programs in promoting professional development among novice nurses.
• The impact of nurse-led palliative care interventions on improving end-of-life care for patients with terminal illnesses.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing falls among elderly patients in long-term care facilities.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic diseases in the community.
• The impact of nurse-led discharge planning on reducing hospital readmissions and improving patient outcomes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving glycemic control among patients with diabetes.
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health and wellbeing among healthcare professionals.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in promoting self-management behaviors among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led motivational interviewing in promoting physical activity among sedentary patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting safe medication use and preventing medication errors.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in improving nutritional status among patients with malnutrition.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting breastfeeding among new mothers.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy work environments and preventing workplace violence.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in promoting early detection and management of hypertension.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy among patients with HIV.
• The role of nurses in promoting evidence-based practice and improving patient outcomes.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in promoting smoking cessation among pregnant women.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving sleep quality among patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient safety and preventing medical errors.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in improving symptom management among patients with advanced cancer.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers.

Evidence-Based Practice Nursing Research Topic Ideas

• The effect of nurse-led education on medication adherence in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The use of telehealth to improve patient outcomes in rural communities.
• The impact of music therapy on pain management in postoperative patients.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in reducing burnout in nursing staff.
• The effect of exercise on the prevention of falls in elderly patients.
• The use of simulation-based training in improving clinical competency in nursing students.
• The effect of nurse-led discharge planning on readmission rates.
• The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for agitation in patients with dementia.
• The impact of bedside reporting on patient safety and satisfaction.
• The effect of aromatherapy on anxiety in hospitalized patients.
• The use of standardized protocols to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
• The effectiveness of peer support in improving diabetes self-management.
• The impact of patient-centered care on outcomes for patients with chronic illnesses.
• The effect of nursing interventions on the prevention of pressure ulcers.
• The use of telemonitoring to improve outcomes in heart failure patients.
• The effect of early mobility programs on outcomes in critically ill patients.
• The effectiveness of team-based care in improving outcomes for patients with complex medical conditions.
• The use of acupressure to manage postoperative nausea and vomiting.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections.
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on pain management in cancer patients.
• The use of telepsychiatry in improving access to mental health care in rural communities.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led smoking cessation interventions.
• The impact of a family-centered care approach on outcomes for critically ill pediatric patients.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence in patients with hypertension.
• The use of music therapy to improve sleep in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of patient education in reducing hospital readmissions.
• The impact of nursing interventions on the prevention of falls in hospitalized patients.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on glycemic control in patients with diabetes.
• The use of mindfulness-based interventions to reduce stress in nursing students.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing healthcare-associated infections.
• The impact of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management on outcomes for patients with chronic pain.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
• The use of telehealth to provide palliative care to patients with advanced illnesses.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing the incidence of pressure injuries in long-term care facilities.
• The impact of a nurse-led transitional care program on outcomes for patients with heart failure.
• The effect of a nurse-led sepsis protocol on early recognition and treatment.
• The use of animal-assisted therapy in the management of anxiety and depression in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of a nurse-led motivational interviewing intervention in improving self-care behaviors in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The impact of a nurse-led hand hygiene program on healthcare-associated infections.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on the prevention of surgical site infections.
• The use of telehealth to provide mental health services to underserved populations.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving pain management in elderly patients with dementia.
• The impact of a nurse-led transitional care program on outcomes for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on the prevention of urinary tract infections in long-term care facilities.

Nursing Research Topic Ideas Medical Surgical Nursing

• The Effectiveness of Pre-operative Education on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Manual Turning vs. Mechanical Turning on Pressure Injury Prevention in Hospitalized Patients.
• The Impact of Postoperative Pain Management on the Length of Hospital Stay for Surgical Patients.
• The Role of Nursing Interventions in Reducing the Incidence of Falls in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Effect of Nursing Shortage on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Nurse-Patient Communication and its Impact on Patient Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Efficacy of Non-pharmacological Interventions in Reducing Anxiety and Stress among Medical-Surgical Patients.
• A Comparison of Standardized Nursing Care Plans vs. Individualized Nursing Care Plans in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Medication Adherence among Medical-Surgical Patients.
• The Effect of Family-Centered Care on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Wound Care Management in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Impact of Nursing Rounds on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparison of Two Nursing Care Models in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Pain Management Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Effectiveness of Discharge Planning on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Traditional vs. High-Fidelity Simulation Training on Nursing Competence in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Multidisciplinary Rounds on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Hand Hygiene Practices among Medical-Surgical Nurses.
• The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Nurses’ Well-being and Job Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Bedside Shift Reporting vs. Traditional Shift Reporting on Patient Safety in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Nursing Education on Pressure Injury Prevention in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Study of Nurse Leadership Styles and their Effect on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Effect of Teamwork on Patient Safety in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Electronic Health Records vs. Paper-Based Records on Nursing Documentation in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Nursing Knowledge on Medication Safety in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Study of Palliative Care Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Effect of Exercise Interventions on the Rehabilitation of Medical-Surgical Patients.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of RN-BSN Programs vs. ADN Programs on Nursing Competence in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Cultural Competence on Patient Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Advanced Practice Nursing in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Effectiveness of Clinical Decision Support Systems on Medication Safety in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Direct vs. Indirect Care on Nursing Workload in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Staff Education on Sepsis Management in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Study of Patient Education Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Effect of Nursing Care Models on Patient Safety in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Nurse-led vs. Physician-led Rounds on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Patient Experience on Nurse Job Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Medication Errors in Medical-Surgical Nursing.

Nursing Research Topics About Community

• The effectiveness of community health worker programs in improving health outcomes among underserved populations
• The role of nurses in promoting community-based health initiatives and prevention programs
• The impact of neighborhood characteristics on health outcomes and health behaviors
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing health disparities in rural communities
• Examining the effects of community-based palliative care programs on end-of-life care
• Investigating the factors influencing healthcare access and utilization among homeless populations
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on vaccination rates in low-income communities
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse-led telehealth programs in rural and remote communities
• Examining the role of community-based nursing in disaster preparedness and response
• The effects of social determinants of health on maternal and child health outcomes in disadvantaged communities
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on substance abuse and addiction in community settings
• The effectiveness of community-based health promotion programs in reducing obesity rates
• The impact of cultural competency training on nursing practice in diverse communities
• Examining the effects of community-based nursing on healthcare costs and utilization
• Investigating the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving mental health outcomes in community settings
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related illnesses in community settings
• The effects of community-based interventions on reducing hospital readmissions for chronic conditions
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on access to healthcare for undocumented immigrants
• The effectiveness of school-based nurse-led interventions in promoting adolescent health
• Examining the effects of community-based nursing on reducing emergency department visits for non-emergent conditions
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing infant mortality rates in disadvantaged communities
• The role of nurses in promoting health equity and reducing health disparities in underserved communities
• The effects of community-based nursing on improving medication adherence and reducing medication errors
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving health literacy in disadvantaged communities
• Investigating the effectiveness of community-based nursing in reducing readmissions for heart failure patients
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related illnesses in long-term care settings
• Examining the effects of community-based nursing on reducing healthcare costs for chronic conditions
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing sexually transmitted infections in high-risk communities
• The effectiveness of community-based nursing in reducing hospital-acquired infections in long-term care facilities
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health and well-being in community settings
• The effects of community-based nursing on reducing healthcare utilization for chronic conditions
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for low-income populations
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving health outcomes among immigrant populations
• Examining the role of community-based nursing in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in high-risk populations
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on improving health outcomes for LGBTQ+ populations
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting breast cancer screening in disadvantaged communities
• The role of nurses in promoting health equity and reducing health disparities in migrant populations
• The effects of community-based nursing on improving end-of-life care for patients with advanced illness
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on improving health outcomes for individuals with disabilities in community settings
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing rates of cardiovascular disease in high-risk communities
• Examining the role of community-based nursing in promoting healthy eating behaviors and reducing food insecurity
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for chronic pain management in community settings

Nursing Research Topics for BSc Students

• The impact of nursing interventions on patient satisfaction in post-operative care.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in ICU.
• The role of the nurse in promoting patient safety in a pediatric setting.
• The effectiveness of simulation-based training in nursing education.
• The impact of electronic medical records on nursing practice.
• The experiences of nursing students during clinical placements.
• The role of the nurse in managing chronic illness in the elderly.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in palliative care.
• The effectiveness of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare teams.
• The impact of nursing leadership styles on job satisfaction and retention.
• The role of the nurse in promoting self-management in patients with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for nursing students.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient mortality in acute care settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in rural healthcare settings.
• The role of the nurse in promoting health literacy among patients.
• The effectiveness of nursing interventions for reducing hospital readmissions.
• The relationship between nurse burnout and patient safety.
• The experiences of family caregivers of patients with dementia.
• The role of the nurse in managing symptoms in patients with cancer.
• The impact of cultural competence on patient-centered care.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in psychiatric settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in home healthcare settings.
• The role of the nurse in promoting healthy lifestyle choices among patients.
• The effectiveness of nursing interventions for reducing healthcare-associated infections.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient satisfaction in emergency departments.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with substance abuse disorders.
• The role of the nurse in promoting medication adherence in patients with chronic conditions.
• The impact of technology on nursing practice and patient outcomes.
• The relationship between nursing education and patient outcomes.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with developmental disabilities.
• The role of the nurse in promoting patient-centered care in long-term care settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care for patients with chronic conditions.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in hospice care.
• The role of the nurse in promoting mental health and wellness in patients.
• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in maternal and child health.
• The relationship between nurse burnout and patient outcomes in critical care settings.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with eating disorders.
• The role of the nurse in promoting patient safety in surgical settings.
• The effectiveness of nursing interventions for reducing pain in patients with chronic conditions.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in primary care settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in disaster response settings.
• The role of the nurse in promoting cultural humility in healthcare.
• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in infectious disease management.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes in neonatal care.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with traumatic brain injuries.
• The role of the nurse in promoting end-of-life care and advance care planning.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for managing depression in patients with chronic conditions.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in geriatric care.
• The experiences of nurses working in correctional healthcare settings.

About the author

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Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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List of 350 Brilliant Nursing Research Topics to Investigate in 2024

Nursing education is challenging. Writing hundreds of tedious nursing research pieces is the most frustrating part. But we know how to help you! Discover 350 exciting nursing research topics and learn how to choose the best one.

• Primary Care Topics
• Public Health Topics
• Emergency Nursing Topics
• Midwifery Topics
• Neonatal Nursing Topics
• Pediatric Research Topics
• Nutrition Topics
• Mental Health Topics
• Healthcare Management Topics
• Medical Ethics Topics
• Nursing Leadership Topics
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research
• How to Choose a Nursing Topic

Process of Nursing Research

350 interesting nursing research topics.

Nursing research topics for college students can cover various areas of this field. Below you will find a list of 350 exciting ideas, which we have divided into different areas of activity. No matter what nursing research is in your sphere of interest. We’ve got you covered! You can also check research essay samples on the same topic for more inspiration.

Primary Care Research Topics

Primary care is the leading clinical service that sustains the health of an entire nation. The study of this topic is mandatory for the stable development of the healthcare system. Here are primary nursing research titles examples:

• What healthcare problems can be in primary care?
• The role of private health care providers in primary care.
• Peculiarities of vaccination in rural areas.
• Basic methods for assessing the quality of primary care .
• The role of modern technology in primary care .
• Basic techniques of evaluating the patient’s health .
• Private sector activities in primary care .
• The necessity to provide childcare services.
• Primary care and chronic pain problem .
• Vaccination programs : pros and cons.
• The role of social workers in primary care.
• Responsibility of the pharmacist for public health.
• Effective methods of asthma prevention.
• Advantages and disadvantages of home nursing care.
• How can primary care system help fight depression?
• Vaccination of the elderly: challenges and potential benefits.
• Principles of preventive medicine: primary care for the elderly.
• Migraine diagnosis and treatment methods.
• Innovative methods in cardiology .
• Major causes of anxiety disorders in adults.
• The problem of obesity treatment in primary care .
• Effective ways of taking anamnesis.
• Methods for diagnosing stroke in the elderly.
• Basic precautions for Parkinson’s disease .
• Basic requirements for intensive care .
• Connection of primary care and information technology training .
• Sleep disorders in women.
• Standard protocol for the treatment of headache in adults.
• Basic guidelines for primary care for disaster victims.
• The role of government agencies in primary care.

Based on previous papers, you can try to come up with your nursing research topics, for example, on infection control.

Research Topics in Public Health

The public health area has a strong connection with government issues. However, it is doctors who study the basis of all problems. So, let’s check out these special nursing research paper topics!

• The role of governmental organizations in the public health system .
• Effectiveness of government programs to prevent drug addiction .
• What role do parents play in promoting children’s health?
• Features of the school nurses’ work.
• The importance of proper nutrition and exercise .
• Telemedicine : advantages and disadvantages.
• The role of government in providing nursing education.
• The importance of long-term care facilities to the healthcare system .
• Discovering public health’s primary functions .
• Promoting healthy lifestyle in old age.
• Sedentary change programs for adolescents.
• Educational strategies for healthcare organizations in social media.
• Ways to educate young people about a positive body image .
• Formation of public behavior in the problem of cancer prevention.
• Occupational health and safety for workers in hazardous professions.
• Connection of modern technologies and public health system .
• Government AIDS awareness programs.
• State programs to increase awareness of heart disease .
• Government programs aimed at maintaining a healthy work environment .
• Health promotion methods.
• Companies against alcohol: examples from history.
• Public health policies: sugary drink tax .
• Raising awareness of the importance of vaccines .
• How is lung cancer related to air condition?
• Promotion of activity among children with disabilities .
• Disease eradication as a leading public health policy target .
• Government mental health awareness programs.
• Improving individual health as a way to counter epidemics .
• Ways of transmission of infectious diseases .
• Educating children about the importance of sports .

Public health is an excellent topic choice for a nursing dissertation. Try it!

Emergency Nursing Research Topics

New studies are essential for new practical approaches for nurses in emergencies. Try to discover new methods with these critical care nursing research topics!

• What role can stress play in emergency nursing?
• How to deal with anaphylactic shock?
• Effective methods of providing emergency care .
• Features of decision-making by a nurse in critical situations.
• Analysis of the effectiveness of emergency assistance in case of accidents.
• Analysis of the extreme degrees of pain in a patient.
• Diagnosing problems in ER.
• Emergency training methods.
• How to increase chances to save a drowning person?
• Models for reducing violence in emergency departments.
• The problem of rural residents’ access to ambulance services.
• Can family stay close to the patient during resuscitation?
• What effect do tasers have on the development of heart disease ?
• Diagnosing sepsis in emergencies.
• Effective methods of dealing with the effects of using pepper sprays.
• Screening for alcohol and drug addiction in adolescents.
• The role of ambulance crews in the fight against human trafficking .
• Identification and assistance to victims of violence.
• How to deal with unwanted patient behavior?
• Pediatric trauma and shock.
• Psychiatric screening in first aid cars.
• Ways to develop tolerance in first-aid workers.
• Effective ER worker behavior models.
• The role of private clinics in providing emergency services.
• The role of nurses in the ambulance crew.
• Common causes of death in ER patients.
• Correct gender policy towards ER staff.
• How to organize a working emergency care system?
• How to help relatives survive the death of a patient?
• Techniques for teaching nurses to diagnose and respond to life threats quickly.

These nursing research topics for critical care would be an excellent choice for your papers!

Midwifery Research Topics

Midwifery is one of the more challenging medical areas. We picked 30 of the best nursing research topics on pregnancy and prenatal care to help you improve your knowledge! Take a look:

• How can midwifery recognize domestic violence?
• Excess weight problems during pregnancy .
• How to analyze the effectiveness of childbirth ?
• Disease prevention during pregnancy.
• Effective methods of newborn resuscitation.
• Features of adolescent education in gynecology.
• Prenatal nursing care.
• Precautions for preterm labor.
• Rules of conduct for staff in the delivery room.
• Basic rules for saving mother and child.
• Preparing staff and the patient for a caesarean section.
• Preventing depression during pregnancy.
• Features and importance of family planning .
• Childbirth in water: advantages and disadvantages.
• Features of caring for pregnant women with breast cancer .
• The influence of the autonomic nervous system on the course of pregnancy.
• Methods for predicting preeclampsia.
• Diseases of the cervix associated with human papillomavirus .
• Frequency and possible complications of pregnancy and cervical disease.
• Treatment tactics of pregnancy complications in women with disorders of the upper urinary tract.
• Identifying asymptomatic pregnancy complications.
• The use of modern technologies in the treatment of fetal diseases.
• Features of the reproductive system after termination of pregnancy.
• Reasons for using iodine supplementation during pregnancy.
• Prevention of complications after operations on the pelvic organs .
• Impact of epilepsy on reproductive health .
• Features of reproductive behavior in students and ways to correct it.
• The effect of oral contraceptives on the contents of immune complexes in the blood.
• Operative delivery and influence on the child.
• Psychological assistance to patients with infertility .

Remember some of these nursing research topics on midwifery. Profs love them!

Neonatal Nursing Research Topics

Neonatal studies are one of the most innovative medical spheres. Check out this brilliant list of research topics for nursing students in the neonatal area. They will help you better understand the neonatal care importance.

• The importance of hand hygiene in neonatal units .
• Features of neonatal practice in rural areas.
• The leading causes of child mortality .
• How neonatal care has evolved in recent decades.
• Hygiene of newborns and skincare for babies.
• Postpartum infant care basics.
• Principles of breastfeeding infants.
• Predicting feeding problems and treatments.
• The leading causes of seizures in newborns and methods of treatment.
• Eating disorder in infants.
• Methods for predicting diseases in newborn children.
• Effective medical practices for babies.
• Nursing ethics for newborn care.
• Features of modern neonatal practices.
• Features of the development of the pulmonary tract of newborns.
• Studies of the lungs of a newborn: functions and structural features.
• Influence of inflammatory processes on the infant’s brain.
• The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury in infants.
• The importance of neonatal health services.
• Basic strategies for modeling neonatal education.
• Monitoring the quality of neonatal services.
• Influence of neonatal care on the further treatment of a newborn.
• Impact of maternal obesity on infant development.
• Causes of abnormal neurological development in children.
• Use of hormones to regulate fetal lung development.
• Diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in infants.
• Potential lung disease in premature babies.
• Using nitric oxide to treat premature babies.
• Parental drug use and effects on fetal neurological development.
• Use of biomarkers for neonatal sepsis.

A nursing dissertation on neonatal issues is always a wise choice!

Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

Studies in pediatrics are aimed to help students discover children’s health issues to solve. Innovative approaches are mandatory to fight modern challenges. Check out these research topics for nursing students; they’ll help you become more informed:

• The importance of self-care nursing in pediatrics.
• Features of the treatment of children with autism .
• Childhood obesity problem.
• Features of vaccination of minors.
• Therapy for speech disorders .
• Causes of diabetes in young people.
• Music therapy and phlebotomy.
• Suboptimal diabetes: causes and methods of intervention.
• Causes of increased fatigue in adolescents.
• HIV prevention in adolescence.

• Preventing unwanted teenage pregnancies .
• Features of the use of painkillers in children.
• Methods for analyzing adolescent behavior.
• Features of the work of the pediatric department in schools.
• The importance of health promotion in pediatrics .
• Ways to connect with your child.
• Pediatric care basics.
• How can a healthcare professional deal with adolescent aggression ?
• Reducing the risk in children receiving oxygen therapy .
• The role of molecular markers in the diagnosis of childhood leukemia .
• Psychological help for children with cancer .
• Assessment of language models in children with autism.
• The use of stem cells in the treatment of childhood diseases.
• How do environmental problems affect the development of a child’s body?
• Implications of passive smoker syndrome for children.
• Possible complications of measles in children .
• Methods for diagnosing asthma in children .
• Common causes of Tourette’s syndrome in children.
• How does anorexia affect cognitive function in children?
• Diagnosis of ear infections in childhood.

We guess this ultimate list of research topics in pediatric nursing will be helpful for you!

Nutrition Research Topics for College Students

The eating habits of modern people can be harmful to the body. Therefore, doctors are seriously studying the current problems in this area. Here you can find tons of excellent nursing research topics on nutrition and its possible issues.

• What are referral reasons for the dietary assessment?
• Nutrition assistance for the elderly.
• Effects of stress on childhood metabolism .
• Prevention of obesity in adolescents.
• Linking diet to behavioral changes.
• How social media influences teen food choices .
• Patient nutrition problem in healthcare policy .
• Predicting and assessing diabetes .
• The problem of dietary intervention in the elderly.
• Promoting healthy eating as a way to fight obesity.
• Nursing promotion of healthy homemade food.
• Effects of good nutrition on fetal development .
• How does nutrition affect a child’s development ?
• Root causes of weight gain : a clinical study.
• Common diseases caused by poor nutrition .
• Nutrition screening for the elderly.
• The nutritional problem of children with autism .
• The importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy .
• Baby food: preventing eating disorders.
• Diet as a cause of dementia development in adults.
• Osteoporosis: the role of diet in disease prevention.
• The role of diet in healthy aging.
• What is the relationship between cancer and diet ?
• Nursing role in the safety of nutrition.
• The main benefits of a healthy diet : advice to patients.
• The role of parents in maintaining healthy eating habits in children.
• The relationship between healthy eating and cognitive development .
• Modern trends in youth nutrition.
• The nurse’s role in maintaining quality nutrition for pregnant women .
• Innovative nursing nutritional care.

Now let’s move to the next section – research topics in mental health!

Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

Mental health problems are more relevant now than ever. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness , nearly 20% of the US adult population suffers from mental health problems. That’s why psychiatry research topics capture the interest of college students.

• The importance of nursing in mental health safety .
• Features of mental disorder in alcohol dependence .
• How does police work affect mental health?
• The connection between video games and the development of teenage aggression.
• How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

• Main theories in mental health studies .
• Features of bipolar mental disorder .
• Causes and prevention of drug addiction .
• Mental health problems of athletes after physical injuries .
• Conditions for the use of psychotherapy .
• Reasons and methods for tackling health imbalances.
• The influence of phone usage on mental health .
• Brain stimulation techniques.
• Diversity of sexual orientation psychology features.
• Methods for dealing with physical violence.
• The effectiveness of traditional methods of treating mental illness .
• Features of mental support for the patient’s relatives.
• The role of nurses in the management of geriatric patients with mental disorders.
• Combating burnout in the practice of healthcare professionals.
• The problem of war veterans’ mental health .
• The phenomenon of occupational deformation as a type of mental disorder.
• Chest pain as a symptom of mental health problems in adults.
• The relationship between increased risk of cancer and depression.
• Basic treatments for dementia .
• Nursing refugee mental health help .
• The practice of mirror therapy in rehabilitation.
• Methods to help victims of violence.
• Helping patients after a stroke .
• The use of antipsychotics : benefits and harms.
• How belly massage helps fight residual stomach volume.

We believe you’re going to find one of the best psychiatric nursing research topics!

Healthcare Management Research Topics

The effective functioning of the health care system is impossible without competent leadership. Therefore, nursing research study topics on healthcare management are as important as the others!

• The importance of financial management for the healthcare industry .
• Assessment of the economic component of primary health care .
• How does bias affect healthcare funding?
• How to properly organize health care at home?
• The Importance of a Unified Nursing Code.
• How risk management affects healthcare projects?
• Gender policy in health management .
• Features of the initial stages of private medical practice.
• The importance of the apology law.
• Features of selling medical marijuana .
• Features of healthcare contracts.
• The problem of human resources in the healthcare industry .
• The problem of the shortage of men in healthcare.
• Medicare: how to get benefits.
• How to improve the minimum level of nursing training ?
• Modern trends in the healthcare management area .
• Staff uniform rules.
• Legal risks of medical personnel .
• Gender bias in nursing.
• Features of the organization of the first aid service in private sector.
• Risk management in healthcare.
• The connection of healthcare and conflict management .
• Ways to solve staffing problems in healthcare.
• Ensuring the personnel safety from infectious diseases .
• Strategies to improve the emotional health of employees.
• What is the danger of not having enough nursing staff for patients?
• Personnel policy in public medical institutions.
• International nursing training.
• Basic principles of management in healthcare facilities.
• Possible ways to get a nursing promotion.

These nursing research titles on healthcare management will impress your professors!

Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics

Controversial issues in the field of medical ethics are felt more and more acutely every year. That is why they need to be solved, and research topics related to nursing ethics present a good opportunity for highlighting them:

• The role of ethical values in the nursing decision-making process .
• Particular ethics of data collection in primary care.
• The ethical dilemma of abortion.
• Moral choice in opioid addiction .
• Features of ethics in helping the homeless .
• Ethics of care for patients with mental disorders .
• Phantom pain phenomenon.
• Features of cultural perception in the work of nurses.
• How can religious beliefs affect medical ethics?
• The role of relatives in the treatment of geriatric patients .
• Ethics of the need to increase sales in medicine.
• The problem of sexualizing the image of a nurse.
• The importance of solving moral dilemmas in nursing .
• Assisting female patients by male nurses .
• What are the main medical ethics principles?
• Ethics of care for geriatric patients.
• The problem of compulsory vaccination : solutions.
• The dilemma of artificial feeding of patients.
• Ethics of nursing in preventive medicine.
• The importance of a hospital work ethic.
• The U.S. standard of ethics for nursing .
• The dilemma of medical ethics .
• The difference in medical ethics in Asian countries and European countries.
• How can medical ethics conflict with religious beliefs?
• Assisting suicide as a dilemma in medical ethics.
• The ethical problem of marijuana usage for medical purposes .
• The impact of cultural patterns on medical ethics .
• Child maltreatment : a medical ethics dilemma.
• Implementation of international medical ethics standards for healthcare development.
• Methods for monitoring compliance with medical ethics.

Nursing ethics research questions have a tendency to be the most interesting ones!

Nursing Leadership Paper Topics

The principle of developing leadership among nurses is vital for improving the performance of any clinic. This list consists of 30 nursing research topics about leadership in healthcare field:

• What role does leadership play in nursing?
• Which skills are necessary for effective nursing leadership performance?
• The nurse’s role in providing quality health care .
• Why is it important for nurses to attend medical conferences?
• Features of the classification of nurses.
• What is a retention strategy for experienced nurses?
• How does nursing leadership development affect patient outcomes?
• The problem of obtaining a diploma for a nurse.
• Nursing leadership : key challenges and opportunities.
• Ethical issues in nursing leadership .
• Protecting staff interests in nursing management .
• Analyzing college students’ nursing leadership experience .
• Effective nursing leadership styles .
• Ways to develop nursing leadership in private healthcare facilities.
• Nursing manual: Betty Newman theory.
• The importance of intuitiveness in the workplace.
• The importance of conflict resolution in the nursing leadership sphere .
• Patient advocacy opportunities for the lead nurse.
• Nursing manual: theory of intellectual capital.
• Effective models of professional practice in nursing.
• Professional opportunities for nursing graduates in nursing leadership .
• What are modern approaches in nursing leadership?
• Transformational leadership model for nursing.
• Fundamental theories for effective nursing leadership .
• Methods for applying leadership theories to nursing .
• What is the need for effective nursing leadership ?
• Methods for monitoring the effectiveness of nursing leadership .
• Principles of delegation of authority in nursing leadership practice.
• The importance of nursing leadership in strategic hospital planning.
• Nursing leadership as a method to retain experienced staff.

Evidence-based nursing topics on leadership can become a great start to your career!

Easy Topics for Nursing Qualitative and Quantitative Research

The division into qualitative and quantitative research can be confusing. But don’t worry, we’ll help you figure it out! Each type of nursing research topic and other materials may depend on dry numbers or subjective opinions. Keep reading for more detailed information and examples of quantitative and qualitative research topics in nursing!

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Nursing Research

Empirical research methods can be divided into two broad categories: quantitative and qualitative. As their name suggests, each view relies on specific types of data. Therefore, your nursing paper topics can also reveal either qualitative or quantitative aspects of the problem. Let’s take a quick look at the main differences between these two methods.

The quantitative method relies entirely on numbers and statistics. Your task is to find patterns and come to a conclusion by analyzing a large amount of data. This type of nursing research is as structured and objective as possible. These are the quantitative method characteristics:

• Sources of information are polls, reviews, records, documents.
• The deductive methodology involved.
• As objective as possible.
• The main content is numbers and data.
• Validity depends on the selected analysis tools.

The qualitative method , on the contrary, is a reflection of the author’s thoughts and conclusions. It depends entirely on the depth of understanding of the problem and the existing materials on the nursing thesis topics. The task of the researcher is to analyze previous works and create their theory through reflection. Check the qualitative method characteristics:

• Sources of information: focus groups, document reviews, interviews.
• The inductive process is involved.
• The subjective opinion of the author is allowed.
• The main content is text and reflections.
• Validity depends on the skill of the author.

You can check lists of topics for nursing research ideas in these spheres below!

Qualitative Nursing Research Topics

Qualitative analysis is a complex but critical aspect of medical practice. Nursing qualitative research topics are designed for students to develop skills of analyzing challenging issues and make proper conclusions:

• The role of technology in improving the quality of nursing care .
• Empowering nurses to prescribe: advantages and disadvantages.
• The problem of equality between doctors and nurses .
• Nursing stereotypes.
• Issues of accreditation of medical schools.
• The problem of systemic racism in the healthcare system.
• How nursing has changed in the 20th and 21st centuries.
• The importance of nursing staff in primary care .
• Priority of cancer in adults.
• Advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research in nursing .

These qualitative nursing research topics can help you improve your analytical skills significantly!

Quantitative Nursing Research Topics

Quantitative type of scientific work is all about statistics, percentages, and numbers. Prepare yourself to analyze tons of information with these nursing quantitative research topics:

• Evaluation of the effectiveness of primary patient care.
• The leading causes of heart disease .
• Analysis of the efficacy of telemedicine .
• The problem of an overabundance of information noise in the modern world.
• Evaluation of methods of assistance in suicide attempts.
• Statistical analysis of the benefits of diets .
• Causes of mental illness in women.
• Using unconventional methods to treat diabetes .
• Benefits of probiotics for treating diarrhea .
• Methods for assessing pain in critically ill patients.

For a successful paper, it’s importnt to pick a good research topics for nursing students based on quantitative evidence.

How to choose a Nursing Research Topic?

Choosing a quality nursing research topic idea can be a daunting task. This is mainly because the variety of possible options is simply too large. But don’t worry, here are some simple tips to help you choose the theme that’s right for you!

📜 Remove large-scale topics . You should not waste your energy on massive topics. Instead, choose narrow evidence-based ideas that allow you to focus on one issue. 📜 Use personal experience . One cannot be informed in all aspects of medicine. So when you write about a topic you have no experience with, you risk getting bogged down in hours of tedious research. Try to remember what problems you faced yourself. This way, you will already have a basic knowledge of the topic. 📜 Review literature . A large amount of ready-made research a topic will be an excellent help in writing about it. Try to do a systematic nursing topics review to find more examples. This does not mean that you should copy the work of another medic. On the contrary, it will be a good opportunity for you to highlight additional information. Therefore, before choosing from easy nursing research topics, look at how much information is already in the public domain.

What is the process of nursing research? Oh, that’s a tricky question. Let’s look at the main stages you need to go through!

✨ Define the research problem . To solve a problem, you first need to find it. That is why the first thing you should do is choose a nursing research question. If you have any experience with the topic, that will be a big plus! ✨ Develop hypothesis . Now, you need to think and create your theory. It can be of any form. The main thing is to make a connection between the data pieces and find a pattern. Of course, the hypothesis must be consistent with the current nursing research topics. ✨ Literature review . Before you start writing, it’s important to tighten your knowledge of the central thesis of the topic you’ve selected. Try reading other people’s research, finding the statistics you want, and just surfing the internet. ✨ Prepare an outline . It is essential to formulate a plan for your work before you start working on it. The more detailed you describe each paragraph of your article, the less time you will need to write it. Quality work begins with a quality plan! ✨ Conduct research . Now you start the longest and most important part of the whole nursing project. You should delve deeper into the problem and find the information you need. Everything that you write should help you prove your hypothesis in one way or another. ✨ Make a conclusion and develop further recommendations . After you have processed all the material, it is time to write a conclusion. Here, you must indicate whether you have succeeded in proving the hypothesis and recommend the application for your scientific work.

Congratulations, you did it! Writing a good paper is not that difficult. It all depends on a well-chosen research topic in the nursing field; luckily, you have a list of 350 topics to look through in this article! You can find more nursing research ideas on our website!

❓ What Is Translational Research in Nursing?

Translational research is a kind of scientific work, and its task is to transform theory into new practical approaches. In other words, discoveries made in laboratories become the basis for creating a new actionable framework in nursing.

❓ What Is an Example of a Clinical Question?

The clinical question is an integral part of your scientific work. It can relate to categories such as the cause of the problem, the manifestation of the disease in the patient, possible solutions, and potential results. A well-formulated clinical question helps you write a quality article.

❓ How to Determine Level of Evidence in Nursing Research?

Several criteria determine the level of evidence in nursing research. These include quality of design, validity, and applicability of results to patient care. Therefore, you should constantly monitor the reliability of your sources and the correctness of your conclusions.

❓ What Are Some Controversial Issues in Nursing?

In modern nursing, there are some controversial issues, mainly of an ethical nature. Such problems include the issue of vaccination of people who are against it, artificial nutrition, opioid addiction, and others. There is a lively discussion about how to act correctly in some instances and what factors the decision may depend on.

📎 References:

• Evidence-Based Practice: PICO. Duke University .
• Asking the clinical question. Penn State University
• Evidence-Based Practice Toolkit. Darrell W. Krueger Library
• Top 5 Ethical Issues in Nursing. American Mobile
• Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods.
• Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research – What Is the difference? Imotions
• The Seven Steps of the Research Process. Teacherph
• Research Paper Writing Guide. Grammarly
• Choosing a research topic. Florida Gulf Coast University
• Nursing Process. NCBI
• Sample Research Topics. CFAES
• Selecting a Research Topic: Overview. MIT Libraries
• Three Important Nursing Subjects Students Should Know. Distant learning systems
• Evidence-Based Practice Tutorial: Asking Clinical Questions. University of Maryland
• Top 5 Ethical Issues in Nursing. Avant Healthcare
• Ethical Issues in Nursing: Explanations & Solutions. Duquesne University
• Clinical & Translational Research. UNC
• Writing a Thesis for Nursing School | Nursejournal.org
• A practical approach to the process of writing a dissertation. Nursing Times
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200+ Great Ideas of Nursing Research Topics to Get Started

Running out of topic ideas for your nursing research paper?

Stay on this page to find really cool and helpful lists of interesting research topics for your nursing dissertation or thesis.

What are Some Cool topics to Research?

Whenever students are asked to work on a research paper or present their thesis, the very first concern for them is choosing a unique, interesting, and research-worthy topic that makes their research significant and has enough future scope.

When it comes to finding a unique topic without working on something that’s already been done, most of the nursing and healthcare students struggle. A good research topic should be unique, relevant to current times, and have future scope as well. And you’ll find all three qualities in the topics mentioned below:

1. Primary Healthcare Nursing Research Topics

Primary healthcare refers to essential or basic health care service based on socially acceptable and scientifically sound methods and technology. Since it includes physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being, there are many topics for nursing scholars to explore:

• Strengthening primary healthcare system as the first line of referral system
• Introduction of home health nursing in the community set up
• Primary health care delivery system clinical pathways
• From home visits to home health care: strengthening primary health care delivery system
• Expanding the roles of community health nurses
• Millennial models of health care system
• Strengthening disease surveillance program in the community health set-up
• Home health care of debilitated patients
• Acceptance of evidence-based practice in the primary health care
• Strengthening continuity of care in the community / home health care post hospitalization
• Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy in the community health care setting

2. Good Research Topics in Healthcare Management

Healthcare management is the management, administration, or oversight of healthcare systems, hospitals, public health systems, and other medical facilities. Since it comprises the overall management of all the work of the hospitals, it opens avenues for a lot of research work. Take, for example, the following:

• Evaluating who is responsible for failure in surgeries?
• Healthcare Contracts Limitations
• Medical Home Service
• Analysing nursing channels that nurses can use for becoming physicians?
• Gender Bias in Nursing Profession
• Starting Private Practice as a Nurse
• Medicare: Pros and Cons
• What are the most appropriate methods for increasing staff retention in a health care setting?
• Nursing Uniform Code Rules
• Role of nurses in enhancing a hospital quality improvement
• Legal Risks with Non-English Patients
• Medical Marijuana: Risk, Benefits, and Management Rules
• Shortage of Men in Healthcare
• Health tracking apps for continuity of care post discharge to home
• Telehealth: the impact of virtual care to urban and rural areas
• Strategic referral system to prevent tertiary hospital congestion
• Clinical pathways for referral system
• Drive-thru pharmacy
• Strenghtening the roles of social works and social workers in the health care team
• Case management approach in the healthcare delivery system
• Defining and application of Expected Length of Stay in patient management
• Impact of case managers in Expected Length of Stay and patient outcomes
• Redefining hospital cultures on bed rest versus mobilization
• Redefining hospital cultures on diet and food services
• Redefining hospital cultures on the assumption of the sick roles
• Strict implementation of Expected Length of Stay to prevent hospital congestion
• Roles of Case manager in the Clinical pathways
• Case Manager as a new nursing role an specialization
• Nurse navigator as a new form of nurse entrepreneurship
• Case management clinical pathway for smooth admission, patient flow and continuity of care after discharge
• Increase nursing specialization
• Internet savvy for healthcare providers

3. Nursing Research Topics about Pain Management

Pain management, in nursing, includes study of all the interventions nurses can make during their hospital hours – mainly to relieve a patient’s pain or ailments through medicinal interventions. Pain is complex, with many treatment options such as therapies, medicines, and also mind-body techniques. Nursing research scholars can research about the following topics:

• Pain management in children suffering from life-limiting illnesses: learning about the best practices
• Headache Treatment Protocol
• A closer look at hemophilia patient’s pain management
• Myofascial Pain Rehabilitation
• Labor and delivery: best practices for pain management
• Using Opioid for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Fetal pain perception: analysis by medical experts
• Innovative Injection Use
• Therapeutic Injections: Cons & Pros
• Cognitive hypnotherapy application: how effective are they in pain management?
• Evaluating the effectiveness of Benson’s relaxation therapy as a pain management practice.
• Post-discharge pain-management strategies: evaluating their effectiveness in a health care setting?
• Phantom Pains Phenomenon
• Pain management in cancer patients: best practices according to expert nurses
• Spinal cord nerve injury related to chronic constipation
• Mobile pain unit

4. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

In Pediatric nursing, the nursing staff is responsible for medical care of the children and neonates, and adolescents – mainly in a day-clinic or the in-patient setting. Though the main role of child health nursing is administering procedures and medicines to all children as per their prescribed nursing care plans, the research scholars can write papers on the following topics:

• Speech Disorders Therapy
• ADHD Causes & treatment
• Prevalence of misdiagnosis in child health or paediatric ward
• Vaccination & Autism
• Systematic review of range of child health nursing services in UK
• Antibiotic Resistance in Preschool Children
• Mental and Emotional health of children under 10
• Eating Disorders in Children
• Social Media Impact on Teenagers
• Seizures Causes in Infants
• Teething issues in children under 10
• Psychological Aspects of Infant Care
• Use of social media platforms in preparation and prevention of hospital phobia among pediatric groups
• Family engagement in the pediatric care by using hospital information system
• Safety and efficacy of telehealth for pediatric patients

What are the Current issues in Nursing?

Nursing is a high-pressure job. It demands patience, determination, and perseverance. As a high-pressure job, it gets quite challenging and leads to issues from time to time. Some of the examples being staff shortages, long working hours, workplace hazards, personal health, and workplace violence. All of these can be addressed in nursing research papers:

• Analysis of the registered nurse workforce and the relationship to work environments
• Transforming loss: A developing concept for nursing
• Nursing Staff Shortages
• Nursing Practitioners
• Meeting Patient Expectations: A challenge for nurses
• Biggest obstacles nurses face in their education and maintaining career alongside
• Workplace Violence and Hazards Nurses face
• Diversity in Healthcare
• Importance of Community Nursing
• Future of Nursing in the Digital Age
• What measure can a nurse take for helping a person with their eating disorder?
• Clinical Nurse Roles
• How can nurses help in treating patients who already know they don’t have a survival rate?
• Ethics and Homeless People Treatment
• Critical Care Nursing Management
• A nurse’s role in helping and assisting patients with chronic diseases?
• Nursing Theorists Works
• Remote Intensive Care Unit
• Stress Management Practice for Nurses Working in Night Shifts
• Between Career & Professional Service
• Preceptorship and training after distant education program and online learning
• Centralized infectious disease surveillance
• Centralized reporting of chronic diseases
• Patient become more educated: the pros and cons of social media
• Fake news and misinformation on health related issue with the rise of social media platforms
• BPO and call centers for medical procedures booking and admission to decongest emergency room
• Application of BPO in the quality assurance monitoring in documentation

What are Some of the Research Topic Ideas in Surgical Nursing?

• Moral distress among nurses in Surgical units
• Patient’s satisfaction and experience about care provided by nurses in the surgical units
• Organizational effects on patient satisfaction in surgical units
• Medical-Surgical nurses and their perceived leadership abilities as responders in patient deterioration events
• Role of Nurses in Surgical Wards
• Medical-surgical nursing: Critical thinking in client care
• Pain assessment and management in surgical nursing
• Understanding technology in contemporary surgical nursing
• Understanding Medical surgical nursing as an integrated approach
• Standardising fast-track surgical nursing care
• Mobilization team for the fast recovery of post-operative patients
• Use of telehealth for pre-operative preparations and elective surgical admissions to lessen hospital length of stay among surgical patients
• Continuity of care post surgery in the community health care

What have been some of the more important nursing research questions discussed in nursing class?

If you are here to find more important topics for your nursing dissertations, then scroll through this section for topics that are often discussed in nursing classes. Nursing research articles and topics change over time. However, we find these relevant to current times and challenges in healthcare:

1. Research topic ideas for Midwifery Nursing

Nurse-midwife, as a licensed healthcare professional, specialises in child birth and also women’s reproductive health. Apart from attending pregnant women during childbirth, they are responsible for several roles during emergencies, and pre and postnatal care. Hence, opening avenues for research topics such as:

• Role of nurses in improving patient safety during childbirth: Evidence from obstetric trauma
• Evaluate the impact of delayed umbilical cord clamping after child birth
• Maternal & Neonatal Practices in Rural Areas
• Emerging trends in obstetrical and midwifery nursing
• First Antenatal Appointment Analysis
• Limiting interventions during a low-risk labour
• Mental Illness & Post-natal Period
• Analysing the role of prenatal care in pregnant women
• Shift Study Midwives & Length
• Evaluating impact of AIDS and Hepatitis B in the pregnant women
• Self-Instruction Kits & Natal Safety
• Studying advanced trends in obstetrics and gynaecology
• Midwifery Continued Care
• Evaluating pros and cons of labouring in water
• Gestational Weight Gain Challenges
• Vitamin D’s role as a supplement during pregnancy
• Studying clinical reasoning integration into midwifery practice
• Obese Pregnant Women Safety Rules
• A decade after BEmONC and CEmONC

2. Health Promotion Research Topics

Health promotion mainly comes from behavioral social science which draws from the environmental, biological, psychological, medical, and physical sciences for promoting health and preventing diseases. For health promotion, the research topics include the following:

• Healthcare Dangers of Digital Age
• Benefits and Shortages of Telemedicine
• Healthy living and Preventive medicine for Senior Citizens
• Role of School Nurses
• Obstacles for Smoking cessation
• Healthy Eating & Sports
• Causes of Youth Inactivity
• Roles of Parents for Healthy Lifestyle of Children
• Obesity and Mental Stability
• Pharmacist Responsibility
• Social Media and Educational Strategies
• HealthBank as new form of medical insurance inside the hospital organization
• Collaboration of private health insurance company with public and private hospitals

3. Adult Research Topics for Nursing Students

As a nursing scholar, you can also write research papers on adult healthcare, disease prevention, and management. Take, for example, reasons behind anxiety disorders in adults. Find more topics in the list below:

• Nurses’ experiences with urinary catheter insertion: A qualitative focus group study
• Clinical Cardiology Innovations
• CV Imaging Process
• Migraine Case Example
• Bipolar Disorder Non-Chemical Practices
• Mental Health & Psychiatric Care in Adults
• Online nursing education program
• Self care in Nursing
• Home health care for longterm vented patients
• Clinical Instructor, Preceptorship, Educator and Professor as specialized field requiring licensure
• Specialization program in nursing education

4. Geriatric Care Nursing Journal Topics

Nurses working in Geriatric care and management are responsible for coordinating and planning care of the elderly people dealing with mental or physical disabilities. Some of the research work topic ideas for geriatric care include the following:

• Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke in Elderly people
• Pain in elderly people: Assessment and Management
• Joint Disorders Study in Elderly Population
• Rapid Nutritional assessment in Elderly
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Bladder Cancer Therapy
• Atrial Fibrillation Study
• Critical Care Requirements
• Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
• Geriatrics Ethics
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Parkinson’s Disease Precautions
• Geriatric care clinical pathways of care: holistic approach

What are the recent nursing research paper topics?

If you’re facing the challenge of choosing a recent nursing research topic, we’ve got your back. Many nurses, including experienced and freshers, are faced with this challenge at some point. But there’s no need to panic. So, without further ado, let’s jump-start the list of most recent research topics for nursing students:

1. Women’s Health Nursing Research Topics

Research topics related to women’s health are always trending, relevant, and have future scope as well. Hence, these topics are still worth exploring and researching:

• Culture affects women’s health
• Substance Abuse and Addiction in Women
• Menopause Challenges
• Infertility Ethical Rules
• Ovarian Cancer and Ovarian Disorder Analysis
• Modern Neonatal Practices
• Pregnancy Prevention Measures
• Sepsis after labour
• Cosmetic Dermatology
• Cystic Fibroids
• Sleep Disorders in Women
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Women’s Sexual Health Disorders
• HPV and Cervical Cancer
• Vaginal Atrophy Causes
• Sleep disturbances in Women

2. Mental Health Nursing Research Articles Topics

Research papers focusing on mental health are still one of the most read and referred papers. And there’s still more scope for research on topics such as:

• Evaluating the concept of Integrated Mental and Physical Health Care
• Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health
• Possible skills required for Nurses in Mental health care setting
• Assessing the mental health of nurses
• Depression Causes
• Schizophrenia Diagnostics
• Alcohol Addiction Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Studying the impact of PTSD in the Army Veterans
• Impact of Video Games on Teenage Aggression
• Stress Among Police Officers
• Psychiatric Patient Ethics
• Forbidden Substances: Prevention and Use
• Bioterrorism Medicine
• Physical Traumas & Recovery Methods
• Application of Nursing Case Management in Psychiatry

Nursing leaders have called for research focusing on which of the following topics?

If you’d like to take an expert’s opinion before choosing a topic for your nursing dissertation, this section will be helpful. Our list of best nursing research topics doesn’t end here. We’ve got here more interesting topics that are recommended by nursing leaders and experts. Take a look at some more relevant topics:

• Preterm Labor Dangers
• Labor and Delivery Management Practices
• Saving Mother & Child Challenges
• Abortion Care Ethical Side
• Adolescent Gynecology Education
• Antenatal Care Recommendations
• Hypertensive Disorders Causes
• Newborn Resuscitation Rules
• Caesarean Section Preparation
• Delivery Room Behavior Checklist
• Nurses play vital roles in healthcare. Why are they invisible in the media?
• Increasing nursing research capacity: The roles of nurse scientists within healthcare systems
• Microeconomics and macroeconomics for sources of hospital funds
• Diverting patients and funds to economical services
• Culture vs evidence based practice
• Social media influencer in health education dissemination
• Acceptance of evidence based practice in the hospital
• Impact of socio-cultural nursing to evidence-based practice
• Hindrances in the implementation of evidence-based practice
• Nursing faculty shortage and brain-drain
• Online continuing professional education and development

Academic Writing Service: Work Directly With the Experts

The are list of best nursing research paper topics ends here. However, we still have something helpful for you. Writing a dissertation or a nursing paper is time consuming – needless to mention the mental exertion. That explains why the majority of students prefer seeking research writing help.

Take, for example, apessay.com , a place where you can get in touch with registered experts who have successfully passed their competency examinations to provide academic writing service at an affordable rate. The three USPs include plagiarism free content, complete privacy and security standards to protect your personal info, and money-back guarantee.

What makes apessay.com academic writing service unique is you can work in direct cooperation with your preferred writer and consult them for everything – from choosing a relevant topic to revisions for final submission.

Feel free to get professional help from nursing research paper writing service which will take care of your nursing papers online.

Final Thoughts

Nursing research topics for a dissertation or thesis should not be difficult to find through the ideas suggestion above. Just make sure that you provide a twist (segment or expand the topic, perhaps) and come up with a unique topic for your paper.

During the initial stages of finalising a nursing research topic, you can struggle with a lot of choices or overwhelming information. However, when you start to consider a research topic’s limitations and scope, and outline your topic into a question, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the topic you can manage in terms of workload.

We hope these nursing research topics mentioned above help you find that unique thesis statement or idea you’re looking for. In case you’re still having a tough time making a choice, leave us a comment or drop a mail, and we will direct you to better resources.

• https://www.journals.elsevier.com/applied-nursing-research/recent-articles
• https://www.syberscribe.com.au/blog/10-emerging-trends-healthcare-technology-2019-beyond/
• https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/nursing/top-10-nursing-trends/
• http://ojin.nursingworld.org/

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Research Topics & Ideas: Nursing

50+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a nursing-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of nursing-related research ideas and topic thought-starters, including general nursing, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetrics and gynaecological nursing, ICU and mental health nursing.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the nursing domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. 

Overview: Nursing Research Topics

• General nursing-related topics
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Pediatric nursing
• Obstetrics and gynaecological nursing
• ICU nursing
• Mental health nursing

General Nursing Research Topics & Ideas

• The impact of cultural competence on patient care in the UK
• The importance of evidence-based practice in nursing for patients with HIV/AIDS
• The effects of workplace stress on nurse well-being and performance
• The role of nurse-patient communication for patients transitioning from adolescent to adult care
• The impact of technology on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare for the rehabilitation of patients post-surgery
• The effects of fatigue on nurse performance in the emergency room
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in rural areas
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in managing chronic conditions: a case study of diabetes
• The impact of patient-centred care on health outcomes for the elderly
• The importance of patient safety in nursing: bedside nurse vigilance
• The effects of empathy and compassion in critical care nursing
• The role of nursing in disaster preparedness and response: a case study of the Haiti earthquake of 2021
• The impact of the level of nursing education on patient outcomes
• The importance of ethical considerations in frail care nursing practice

Topics & Ideas: Medical-Surgical Nursing

• The impact of bedside care on patient outcomes in medical-surgical units
• The role of the nurse in managing post-operative patient pain
• The effects of nurse-patient ratios on patient outcomes in medical-surgical units
• A systematic review of different approaches to patient education in medical-surgical units
• The relationship between nurse-patient communication and patient satisfaction in medical-surgical units: perspectives and recommendations to improving patient satisfaction

Topics & Ideas: Pediatrics Nursing

• The impact of family-centered care on pediatric patient outcomes with sickle cell anemia
• The role of nursing interventions in promoting developmental and behavioral health in pediatric patients
• The effects of play therapy on anxiety and pain in pediatric patients during hospitilisation
• A systematic review of different approaches to pain management in pediatric cancer patients
• The relationship between parent involvement and post-operative patient outcomes in pediatric units

Ideas: Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing

• The impact of nurse-led prenatal care on maternal and fetal outcomes in African American communities
• The role of the nurse in promoting sexual and reproductive health for women in the UK
• The effects of midwifery care on maternal satisfaction of primiparous women and birth outcomes
• A comparative study of different approaches to childbirth education for expectant mothers and partners: perceptions of control
• The relationship between lactation support and breastfeeding success of primiparous women

Topics & Ideas: ICU Nursing

• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in intensive care units in a developing country
• The role of the nurse in managing palliative and end-of-life care in the ICU
• The effects of family presence on patient outcomes and satisfaction in the ICU: A systematic review of the literature
• A comparative study of different approaches to pain management for trauma patients in the ICU
• The relationship between nurse-patient communication and geriatric patient outcomes in ICU

Topics & Ideas: Mental Health Nursing

• The impact of nurse-led therapy on adolescent patient outcomes in mental health settings
• The role of the nurse in promoting recovery and resiliency in mental health patients through group interventions
• The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on stress and anxiety in mental health patients: A systematic literature review
• A comparative study of the role of nurses in applying different approaches to patient education in mental health settings
• The association between nurse-patient therapeutic alliance and patient outcomes in mental health settings

Nursing Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a nursing-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various nursing-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Nursing Workload and Interventions of Licensed Nurses in Nursing Homes: An Observational Time and Motion Study (Kang, 2021)
• Missed Nursing Care: Accounting for Education, Experience, and Job Satisfaction in Registered Nurses (Bechard, 2021)
• Examining Predictors of Attitudes and Knowledge of Registered Nurses and Nursing Students in Tennessee toward Pregnant and Perinatal Women with a Substance Use Disorder (Patrylo, 2021)
• A Program Evaluation of the Organizational Readiness for Pathway to Excellence at Two Community Hospitals  (Behling, 2021)
• The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic Policy Decisions on the Wellbeing of Nursing Home Residents in Missouri (White, 2022)
• Battling A Parallel Pandemic: An Evaluation of Sustainable System-Level Nursing Support in Response To COVID-19 (Gifford, 2022)
• Holistic Nursing Process Maps: a Tool for Student Nurses to Operationalize the Nursing Process to Increase Clinical Reasoning (Reyes, 2022)
• Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance in Undergraduate Nursing Faculty: A Mixed-Methods Study (Crawford, 2021)
• The Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on the Stress, Anxiety, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion Levels of Nursing Students (Heinrich, 2022)
• Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Case Studies in Undergraduate Nursing Students (Becnel, 2022)
• A Telehealth Simulation Experiment: Exploring Prebriefing (Owen, 2022)
• Perceptions of Lateral Violence Among Vocational Nursing Students, Associate Degree Nursing Students, and Bachelor’s Degree Nursing Students (Martha, 2022)
• Nurse Educators’ Description of Ethics from a Disciplinary Perspective: A Qualitative Descriptive Research Study (Cuchetti, 2022)
• A Literature Review of the Relationship Between Oral Health and Pneumonia Risk in the Geriatric Nursing Home Population (Swift, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

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If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your nursing dissertation, thesis or research project, check out our private coaching services below.

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251+ Nursing Research Topics To Explore In 2024

Nursing research is an essential aspect of healthcare education, and it involves exploring various topics to improve patient care and outcomes. However, choosing the right nursing research topic can be challenging, especially for students who are new to the field. To help nursing students and professionals, we have compiled a list of 26 categories and 260 research ideas related to nursing research topics.

These categories include a large number of nursing research topics, including nursing ethics, paediatric nursing, mental health nursing, nursing education, nursing informatics, community health nursing, evidence-based nursing, nursing leadership, nursing management, nursing theory, holistic nursing, palliative care nursing, critical care nursing, maternal-child nursing, public health nursing, and more. By exploring these categories and research ideas, nursing students and professionals can gain valuable insights and inspiration for their research projects.

7 Tips For Nursing Students To Stay Fit And Healthy

Table of Contents

Before jumping on to the nursing research topics let us have a look at some of the tips for nursing students to stay fit and healthy:

• Stay Active: Take breaks during study sessions to stretch or walk. Find activities you enjoy, like dancing or cycling.
• Balanced Diet: Treat your body with a balanced diet and have good and healthy food. Include fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains.
• Stay Hydrated: To stay fit, your water intake should be good to keep your body hydrated and drink water regularly.
• Tackle Stress: Practise relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Take breaks to recharge.
• Sleeping Schedule: Take regular sleep of around 7 to 9 hours. Quality sleep boosts energy and supports learning.
• Socialise: Connect with friends, join study groups, or engage in hobbies. Social support is key for mental health.
• Self-Care Routine: Take time for yourself. Whether it’s a warm bath, reading, or listening to music, prioritise self-care to recharge.

251+ Nursing Research Topics

Here we have made different categories and listed top 10 research topics for all of them. Let us start.

Nursing Research Topics On Patient Care Management

• Impact of Telehealth Services on Patient Care Outcomes
• Comparative Analysis of Nurse-Patient Ratios on Care Quality
• Role of Interdisciplinary Teams in Enhancing Patient Care
• Effectiveness of Patient Education Programs on Self-Management
• Integration of Technology in Patient Care: Efficacy and Challenges
• Assessing the Influence of Cultural Competency Training on Care Delivery
• Patient-Centred Care Models: Evaluation and Implementation
• Evaluating the Long-Term Effects of Care Continuity on Patient Health
• Utilisation of Evidence-Based Practice in Patient Care Decision-Making
• Patient Satisfaction and its Correlation with Care Management Practices

Nursing Education Techniques

• Efficacy of Simulation-Based Learning in Nursing Education
• Integrating Virtual Reality in Nursing Curriculum
• Impact of Peer-to-Peer Teaching Methods in Nursing Programs
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Online Education for Nursing Students
• Use of Gamification in Enhancing Nursing Education
• Comparative Analysis of Clinical vs. Classroom Learning in Nursing
• Cultural Competence Training in Nursing Education: Outcomes and Implementation
• Evaluation of Mentorship Programs for Nursing Students
• Incorporating Interprofessional Education in Nursing Curricula
• Adaptive Learning Techniques for Diverse Nursing Learners

Pain Management In Nursing

• Efficacy of Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Pain Management
• Comparative Analysis of Different Pharmacological Approaches for Pain Relief
• Impact of Holistic Care Practices on Pain Management Outcomes
• Nurse-Led Pain Management Interventions: Effectiveness and Patient Satisfaction
• Addressing Barriers to Effective Pain Assessment in Clinical Settings
• Integrating Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Pain Management Protocols
• Exploring the Role of Nursing Staff Training in Improved Pain Control
• Pain Management Strategies for Special Populations (Pediatrics, Geriatrics, etc.)
• The Influence of Patient Education on Pain Perception and Coping Mechanisms
• Pain Management in Palliative Care: Challenges and Best Practices

Quality Improvement In Healthcare

• Implementation of Lean Management Principles in Healthcare Settings
• Analysing the Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHR) on Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety Initiatives and their Effectiveness in Healthcare Quality
• Role of Interdisciplinary Teams in Enhancing Healthcare Quality
• Planning for Reducing Medical Errors and Adverse Events
• Continuous Quality Improvement Models in Healthcare Institutions
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Benchmarking in Healthcare Quality
• Impact of Patient-Centred Care Models on Healthcare Quality
• Addressing Disparities in Healthcare Quality: Strategies and Interventions
• The Influence of Quality Improvement Initiatives on Cost-Efficiency in Healthcare

Mental Health Nursing Interventions

• Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Mental Health Nursing
• Evaluating the Impact of Psychoeducation in Mental Health Nursing Practices
• Role of Therapeutic Communication in Psychiatric Nursing Care
• Integrating Art Therapy in Mental Health Nursing Interventions
• Comparative Analysis of Pharmacological vs. Non-Pharmacological Interventions
• Analysing the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Mental Health Nursing
• Trauma-Informed Care in Mental Health Nursing: Implementation and Outcomes
• Evaluation of Family-Based Interventions in Psychiatric Nursing
• Integrating Technology-Assisted Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Care
• Addressing Stigma Reduction Interventions in Mental Health Nursing

Pediatric Nursing Practices

• Pain Management Strategies in Pediatric Nursing Care
• Impact of Family-Centred Care in Pediatric Nursing
• Effectiveness of Play Therapy in Pediatric Nursing Interventions
• Pediatric Immunization Practices: Efficacy and Adherence
• Psychosocial Support for Children with Chronic Illnesses
• Nurse-Led Education Programs for Pediatric Health Promotion
• Comparative Analysis of Pediatric Care in Different Healthcare Settings
• Integrating Technology in Pediatric Nursing: Benefits and Challenges
• Mental Health Screening and Support in Pediatric Nursing
• Palliative Care in Pediatrics: Enhancing Quality of Life

Geriatric Nursing Studies

• Fall Prevention Strategies in Geriatric Nursing Care
• Comparative Analysis of Pharmacological vs. Non-Pharmacological Approaches in Geriatric Care
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Dementia Care Models in Geriatric Nursing
• Role of Nutrition and Diet in Geriatric Health and Nursing Interventions
• Polypharmacy and Medication Management in Geriatric Nursing
• Geriatric Mental Health Interventions: Efficacy and Challenges
• Geriatric Palliative Care and End-of-Life Nursing Practices
• Evaluating Gerontechnology Integration in Geriatric Nursing Care
• Handling Social Isolation and Loneliness in Geriatric Nursing
• Nurse-Led Health Promotion Programs for Elderly Populations

Holistic Nursing Approaches

• Integrative Medicine and Holistic Nursing Practices
• Impact of Mind-Body Interventions in Holistic Nursing Care
• Comparative Analysis of Holistics vs. Traditional Nursing Interventions
• Spirituality and its Role in Holistic Nursing Care
• Wellness Promotion through Holistic Nursing Models
• Exploring the Efficacy of Alternative Therapies in Holistic Nursing
• Holistic Pain Management Strategies in Nursing Care
• Environmental and Occupational Health in Holistic Nursing Practices
• Holistic Health Assessments in Nursing Practice
• Cultural Competence and Diversity in Holistic Nursing Care

Nursing Ethics And Professionalism

• Ethical Dilemmas in End-of-Life Care: Nursing Perspectives
• Professional Boundaries in Nurse-Patient Relationships
• Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Practice
• Cultural Competence and Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing
• Professionalism and Social Media Use among Nurses
• Ethical Issues in Resource Allocation and Healthcare Equity
• Patient Advocacy and Ethical Nursing Practices
• Ethical Considerations in Nursing Research and Publication
• Legal and Ethical Challenges in Nursing Informatics
• Integrity and Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing Leadership

Nursing Research Topics On Nursing Informatics

• Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHR) on Nursing Workflow
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Informatics
• Usability and User Experience of Nursing Informatics Systems
• Data Security and Privacy in Nursing Informatics
• Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring in Nursing Informatics
• Standardisation and Interoperability in Nursing Informatics
• Big Data Analytics in Nursing for Improved Patient Outcomes
• Nursing Informatics and Clinical Decision Support Systems
• Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications in Nursing Practice
• Evaluating the Role of Informatics in Evidence-Based Nursing Practice

Community Health Nursing

• Effectiveness of Health Promotion Programs in Underserved Communities
• Effect of Community Health Nurses in Disease Prevention and Control
• Addressing Health Disparities in Urban vs. Rural Communities
• Effect of Community-Based Interventions on Public Health Outcomes
• Mental Health Support in Community Health Nursing
• Evaluating the Efficacy of School-Based Health Programs
• Community Health Nursing in Disaster Response and Preparedness
• Community Health Assessment and Planning Strategies
• Collaborative Partnerships in Community Health Nursing
• Assessing the Role of Technology in Enhancing Community Health Services

Palliative Care Research

• Level of Life Assessment in Palliative Care Settings
• Family Caregiver Support in Palliative Care
• Implementation of Palliative Care in Chronic Disease Management
• Spiritual and Existential Concerns in Palliative Care                
• Palliative Care in Non-Oncological Conditions
• Palliative Care and End-of-Life Decision-Making
• Advance Care Planning and Preferences in Palliative Care
• Palliative Care for Paediatric Populations
• Healthcare Provider Training in Palliative Care Practices
• Cultural Competence in Palliative Care Settings

Nursing Leadership And Management

• Transformational Leadership in Nursing
• Diversity and Inclusion in Nursing Leadership
• Effective Strategies for Nurse Retention and Satisfaction
• Nurse Manager’s Role in Staff Well-being and Burnout Prevention
• Change Management in Nursing Practice
• Leadership Styles and its Effect on Patient Outcomes
• Collaborative Leadership in Interprofessional Healthcare Teams
• Mentorship and Succession Planning in Nursing Leadership
• Ethical Leadership in Nursing Management
• Financial Management in Nursing Practice

Nursing And Technology Integration

• Adoption and Implementation of Wearable Health Devices in Nursing
• Impact of Telemedicine on Nursing Practice and Patient Care
• Cybersecurity Challenges in Nursing Technology Integration
• Role of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Decision Support Systems
• Robotics and Automation in Nursing Care
• Nursing Workflow Efficiency through Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Assessing the effect of Virtual Reality in Nursing Education and Practice
• Patient Engagement and Empowerment through Health Apps
• Augmented Reality Applications in Nursing Training
• Blockchain Technology in Healthcare and Nursing Documentation

Evidence-Based Practice In Nursing

• Implementation Strategies for Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Settings
• Assessing Barriers to the Adoption of Evidence-Based Nursing Interventions
• Long-Term Outcomes of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
• Impact of Evidence-Based Protocols on Patient Safety
• Evaluating the Role of Nursing Research in Shaping Evidence-Based Practice
• Patient Outcomes and Adherence to Evidence-Based Guidelines
• Incorporating Patient Preferences in Evidence-Based Nursing Care
• Sustainability of Evidence-Based Practice Initiatives in Nursing
• Nurse Education and Training in Evidence-Based Practice
• Comparative Effectiveness of Evidence-Based vs. Traditional Nursing Interventions

Cultural Competence In Nursing

• Cultural Competence Training Impact on Nursing Care
• Assessing Communication Challenges in Cross-Cultural Nursing
• Culturally Sensitive Care in End-of-Life Nursing Practices
• Effectiveness of Cultural Competence Assessments for Nursing Staff
• Cultural Competence and Health Disparities in Nursing Care
• Integrating Cultural Competence into Nursing Curriculum
• Cultural Competence in Mental Health Nursing Interventions
• Role of Cultural Competence in Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes
• Cultural Competence and Decision-Making in Nursing Practice
• Addressing Ethical Dilemmas in Culturally Diverse Nursing Settings

Women’s Health Nursing

• Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes
• Addressing Disparities in Women’s Access to Healthcare
• Menopause Management and Quality of Life
• Breast Health and Screening Practices
• Women’s Mental Health and Nursing Interventions
• Reproductive Health and Family Planning Services
• Gender-Based Violence and Nursing Support
• Chronic Disease Management in Women’s Health
• Cultural Influences on Women’s Health Decision-Making
• Innovations in Women’s Health Nursing Care

Nursing Research Topics On Nursing Workforce Issues

• Nursing Shortages: Causes and Solutions
• Consequences of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Outcomes
• Nurse Burnout and Mental Health in the Workforce
• Diversity and Inclusion in the Nursing Profession
• Job Satisfaction and Retention Strategies for Nurses
• Transitioning to Remote Work in Nursing
• Effect of Shift Length and Schedule on Nursing Performance
• Generational Differences in the Nursing Workforce
• Global Mobility and Migration of Nurses
• Impact of Technology on the Future Nursing Workforce

Nursing And Chronic Disease Management

• Nurse-Led Chronic Disease Management Programs
• Impact of Education Programs on Chronic Disease Self-Management
• Integrative Medicine in Chronic Disease Nursing Care
• Nurse Practitioner Role in Chronic Disease Management
• Home-Based Chronic Disease Care by Nursing Teams
• Palliative Care Integration in Chronic Disease Management
• Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring in Chronic Disease Nursing
• Cultural Competence in Chronic Disease Nursing Care
• Addressing Health Disparities in Chronic Disease Management
• Long-Term Outcomes of Nursing Interventions in Chronic Disease

Critical Care Nursing Research

• Early Mobilisation in Critical Care Patients
• Nurse Staffing Ratios and Patient Outcomes in Critical Care Units
• Sedation Practices and Patient Outcomes in Intensive Care
• Family-Centred Care in Critical Care Settings
• Infection Control Measures in Critical Care Nursing
• Impact of Nurse Education on Critical Care Patient Outcomes
• Ethical Dilemmas in Critical Care Nursing Practice
• End-of-Life Care in Critical Care Settings
• Technology Integration in Critical Care Nursing
• Burnout and Resilience among Critical Care Nurses

Healthcare Policy And Nursing

• Impact of Health Policy Changes on Nursing Practice
• Advocacy Role of Nurses in Health Policy Development
• Nursing Workforce Policies and Healthcare Delivery
• Access to Healthcare Services and Nursing Advocacy
• Health Equity Policies and Nursing Interventions
• Regulatory Policies and Nursing Practice Standards
• Nursing Leadership Influence on Health Policy
• Global Health Policy and Nursing Contributions
• Telehealth Policy Implementation in Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Financing Policies and Nursing Implications

Nursing In Disaster Management

• Communication Strategies in Disaster Nursing
• Psychological First Aid in Disaster Situations
• Triage Protocols during Natural Disasters
• Role of Nurses in Mass Casualty Incidents
• Resilience and Coping Mechanisms in Disaster Nursing
• Community Preparedness and Nursing Response
• Mobile Health Units in Disaster Relief
• Ethics and Decision Making in Crisis Nursing
• Nursing Leadership in Disaster Response
• Training and Education for Nurses in Disaster Management

Health Promotion And Diseases Prevention

• Effectiveness of Community-Based Health Promotion Programs
• Role of Technology in Disease Prevention Initiatives
• Impact of Lifestyle Modifications on Disease Prevention
• Cultural Adaptation in Health Promotion Strategies
• Workplace Wellness Programs and Disease Prevention
• Public Policy and Disease Prevention Interventions
• Health Literacy and Disease Prevention Outcomes
• Integrative Medicine in Health Promotion
• Behavioral Economics and Health Behavior Change
• Environmental Factors in Disease Prevention

Nursing Research Topics On Ethical Issues In Nursing

• End-of-Life Decision Making and Nursing Ethics
• Informed Consent in Nursing Practice
• Ethical Challenges in Nurse-Patient Relationships
• Confidentiality and Privacy in Nursing Care
• Cultural Competence and Ethical Care Delivery
• Allocation of Scarce Resources in Nursing
• Ethical Implications of Advanced Technology in Nursing
• Moral Distress Among Nurses
• Ethical Dilemmas in Mental Health Nursing
• Professional Boundaries and Ethical Practice in Nursing

Infectious Disease Control

• Effectiveness of Vaccination Campaigns in Disease Control
• Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control
• Nosocomial Infections and Hospital Protocols
• Contact Tracing Strategies in Controlling Outbreaks
• Behavioral Interventions for Infectious Disease Prevention
• Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plans
• Role of Public Health Policies in Disease Control
• Environmental Factors in Infectious Disease Transmission
• Community Engagement in Disease Control Efforts
• Surveillance Systems for Infectious Disease Monitoring

Wound Care And Healing

• Advanced Wound Dressings and Healing Outcomes
• Biofilm Management in Chronic Wounds
• Role of Nutrition in Wound Healing
• Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment Strategies
• Regenerative Medicine in Wound Care
• Innovations in Wound Closure Techniques
• Pain Management in Wound Care
• Psychological Impact of Chronic Wounds on Patients
• Factors Influencing Scar Formation and Management
• Telemedicine Applications in Wound Assessment

As we wrap up this exploration of nursing research topics, remember, the world of nursing is vast, diverse, and always evolving. These 26 categories we’ve covered offer an introduction into the huge possibilities for research within this field. With 260 research ideas to spark your curiosity, there’s something here for every aspiring nurse researcher.

But this is just the beginning. The beauty of nursing research lies in its ability to make a real impact, from improving patient care to shaping healthcare policies. Your journey doesn’t end here; it’s the first step towards contributing to a healthier, more informed world.

So, take these categories and ideas as inspiration. Dive deeper, ask questions, and let your passion for nursing guide your research works. Each idea is a curiosity waiting to bloom into a significant contribution to the nursing profession. Increase your curiosity, enjoy the challenges, and most importantly, feel the journey of discovery in nursing research. The future of healthcare eagerly awaits your perception and innovations!

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100+ Hot Nursing Research Topics For a Successful Paper

By the end of this article, you’ll have some innovative evidence-based practice nursing research topics for students to use.

Introduction: Why Innovative Nursing Research is Important

Nursing research plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare by generating new knowledge and evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes. Innovative nursing research is particularly important in addressing current healthcare challenges, such as the aging population, chronic disease management, healthcare disparities, and the COVID-19 pandemic. By conducting innovative nursing research, nurses can contribute to the development of new interventions, technologies, policies, and advocacy efforts that promote health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities.

The Benefits of Conducting Nursing Research

Conducting nursing research has numerous benefits for nurses, patients, and the healthcare system as a whole. Nursing research can improve patient outcomes by identifying effective interventions and best practices by advancing nursing knowledge and practice. Additionally, nursing research contributes to evidence-based healthcare by providing a scientific basis for clinical decision-making and policy development. Furthermore, nursing research can enhance the professional development of nurses by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and lifelong learning.

How to Choose the Right Research Topic for Nursing Students

Choosing the right nursing research topic is essential for conducting meaningful and impactful research. Nurses can identify gaps in current nursing knowledge by reviewing the literature and identifying areas where further research is needed. Additionally, nurses can consider current healthcare challenges and trends, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or healthcare disparities, when selecting a research topic. Finally, nurses should align their research topics with their personal expertise and experience to ensure that they are conducting feasible and relevant research.

What is a Nursing Research Paper?

A nursing research paper is a written document that presents the findings of a study or investigation conducted by nurses or other healthcare professionals. The purpose of writing a nursing research paper is to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of nursing and to inform clinical practice. Nursing research papers can cover a wide range of topics, including patient care, healthcare systems, nursing education, and healthcare policy. They may use quantitative or qualitative research methods or a combination of both. The  structure of a nursing research paper  typically includes an introduction that outlines the research question or problem, a literature review that summarizes previous research on the topic, a methodology section that describes the study design and data collection methods, a results section that presents the findings of the study, and a discussion section that interprets the results and discusses their implications for nursing practice. Nursing research papers are important because they provide evidence-based information that can be used to improve patient care and healthcare outcomes. They also help to advance the field of nursing by identifying areas for further research and exploration. In a nutshell, nursing research papers are an essential component of evidence-based practice in nursing. They provide valuable insights into healthcare practices and contribute to the field’s ongoing development.

Here is a list of nursing research topics for healthcare students: 

20 Innovative Nursing Research Topics for Clinical Practice

• The Impact of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes
• The Effectiveness of Telehealth in managing chronic conditions
• The Use of Simulation in nursing education
• The Role of Nursing in end-of-life care
• The Impact of nurse staffing on patient safety
• The Effectiveness of mindfulness-based Interventions in reducing stress and Burnout among Nurses
• The Use of technology in promoting mental health and wellness among nurses
• The Impact of electronic health records on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The Use of artificial intelligence in nursing practice
• The Effectiveness of mobile health interventions in managing chronic conditions
• The Role of Nursing in Developing and implementing healthcare technology
• The Impact of Technology on nursing workforce development
• The Impact of nurse-led quality improvement initiatives on patient outcomes
• The Effectiveness of medication reconciliation in reducing adverse events
• The Role of Nursing in Preventing healthcare-associated Infections
• The Impact of Patient-centered Care on patient satisfaction and Outcomes
• The Use of Technology in improving patient safety
• The Impact of cultural competency training on nursing practice
• The Use of Interprofessional Education in nursing programs
• The Role of nursing education in addressing healthcare disparities

20 Innovative Nursing Research Topic Ideas for Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

• The Effectiveness of hand hygiene interventions in reducing hospital-acquired Infections
• The Role of interprofessional collaboration in promoting patient safety
• The Impact of nurse staffing ratios on patient safety
• The Effectiveness of fall prevention interventions among older adults
• The Use of Checklists to improve surgical safety
• The Role of communication strategies in preventing medical errors
• The Impact of rapid response teams on patient outcomes
• The Effectiveness of discharge planning interventions on readmission rates
• The Role of family engagement in promoting patient safety
• The Use of root cause analysis to identify system failures that contribute to adverse events
• The Impact of clinical decision support systems on medication safety
• The Effectiveness of sepsis management protocols on patient outcomes
• The Role of standardized protocols in reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections
• The Use of electronic prescribing systems to reduce medication errors
• The Impact of teamwork training on communication and collaboration among healthcare providers

20 Innovative Nursing Research Topic Ideas for Education and Training

• The Effectiveness of online nursing education programs
• The Impact of Mentorship on nursing career development
• The Effectiveness of simulation-based training for clinical skills development
• The Use of Gamification in nursing education
• The Impact of Peer-to-peer Learning on student engagement and learning outcomes
• The Role of reflective practice in promoting professional development among Nurses
• The Effectiveness of team-based learning in nursing education
• The Use of virtual reality in nursing education
• The Impact of flipped classroom models on student learning outcomes
• The Role of experiential learning in promoting clinical reasoning skills among Nurses
• The Effectiveness of standardized patient simulations in nursing education
• The Use of case-based learning in nursing education
• The Impact of intercultural communication training on nurse-patient interactions
• The Role of leadership development programs in promoting nurse leadership skills
• The Effectiveness of peer coaching programs for new graduate nurses
• The Use of e-portfolios for professional development among nurses
• The Impact of Continuing Education on nurse competency and job satisfaction

20 Innovative Nursing Research Topics for Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

20 innovative nursing research paper topics for healthcare policy and advocacy.

• The Impact of healthcare policy on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The Role of Nursing in healthcare reform
• The Impact of nurse-led advocacy on Healthcare Policy
• The Use of nursing research shaping healthcare policy
• The Impact of healthcare policy on nursing workforce development
• The Effectiveness of community health worker programs in reducing health disparities
• The role social determinants of health play in health outcomes
• The Impact of Medicaid expansion access care vulnerable populations
• The Effectiveness of school-based health clinics improving access care children adolescents
• The Role of public health campaigns promoting healthy behaviors among Populations at Risk of chronic disease
• The Impact of state-level policies regulating nurse staffing Ratios patient outcomes
• The Use of telehealth expands access to care in rural communities
• The Role primary care providers play in addressing the mental health needs of underserved populations
• The Impact Affordable Care Act Access preventive Services to underserved populations
• The Effectiveness of community-based participatory research addressing health disparities among marginalized populations
• The role public-private partnerships play in improving population health outcomes
• The Impact of state-level policies regulating scope practice advanced practice registered nurses access Care rural communities.
• The Use of mobile clinics expands access to care for homeless populations
• The role community paramedicine programs play in improving access to care in rural communities
• The Impact of global health policies promoting equitable access to care for vulnerable populations

20 Innovative Mental Health Nursing Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of nurse-led interventions mental health outcomes
• Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions reducing stress burnout among Nurses
• Role nursing addressing mental health disparities
• Impact workplace culture nurse mental health wellness
• Use technology to promote mental health wellness among nurses
• Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral Therapy reducing anxiety depression among patients
• Role family support promoting mental health recovery among patients
• Impact peer support groups’ mental health recovery
• Use art therapy to promote mental health wellness among patients
• Effectiveness of exercise interventions reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among patients
• Role spirituality promoting mental health wellness among patients
• Impact social support networks mental health recovery
• Use animal-assisted therapy to promote mental health wellness among patients
• Effectiveness of group therapy reducing symptoms of PTSD among veterans
• Role trauma-informed care promoting mental health recovery
• Impact of workplace stressors on nurse mental health wellness
• Use self-care strategies promoting nurse mental health wellness
• Effectiveness psychoeducation reducing stigma surrounding mental illness
• Role community-based mental health services addressing unmet needs of vulnerable populations
• Impact policy changes improving access to mental health services

20 Innovative Nursing Research Topics for Technology and Innovation

• Impact Electronic health records nursing practice patient outcomes
• Use artificial intelligence nursing practice
• Effectiveness of mobile health interventions managing chronic conditions
• Role nursing developing implementing healthcare technology
• Impact technology nursing workforce development
• Effectiveness of telemedicine improving access to care rural communities
• Use wearable technology monitoring vital signs in patients’ home settings
• Impact social media promoting healthy behaviors among populations at risk of chronic disease
• Role virtual reality pain management interventions
• Impact big data analytics improving population health outcomes
• Use robotics to assist with activities daily living older adults
• Effectiveness gamification promoting healthy behaviors
• Role telemonitoring improving medication adherence
• Impact blockchain technology improving supply chain management medical products
• Use machine learning to predict adverse events
• Effectiveness of chatbots providing emotional support patients
• Role telepsychiatry expanding access psychiatric services
• Impact 3D printing producing customized medical devices
• Use augmented reality enhancing surgical training
• Effectiveness of personalized medicine improving treatment outcomes

Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation Of Nursing Researchers

Innovative Nursing research is essential for advancing healthcare by generating new knowledge, evidence-based practices, technologies, policies, and advocacy efforts that promote health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities worldwide. As such, it is crucial to encourage and support the next generation Of Nursing Researchers to drive innovation In Nursing Practice And Healthcare. 

By providing opportunities for mentorship, funding, networking, And Professional Development Programs That Foster Critical Thinking And Problem-Solving Skills Among Nurses. We can inspire future generations Of Nurses To Conduct Meaningful And Impactful Research That Addresses Current Healthcare Challenges And Improves Patient Outcomes For Years To Come!

• Qualitative vs Quantitative Research Methods

Commonly Asked Questions About Nursing Research Topics

What is a nursing research topic.

A nursing paper research topic refers to a specific area of study within the nursing field that requires investigation and analysis. It focuses on exploring and addressing various aspects of nursing, such as patient care, healthcare practices, or nursing education.

How can I choose the best nursing research topic?

When selecting a nursing research topic, you can start by identifying your areas of interest within the nursing field. Consider current healthcare issues, gaps in knowledge or practice, and the topic’s relevance to your nursing career goals. Consulting with your professors or experienced nurses can also provide valuable insights.

What are some exciting nursing research topics?

Some interesting nursing research topics include examining the Impact of technology on patient care, exploring cultural competency in nursing practice, investigating the Effectiveness of alternative therapies in pain management, or studying the long-term effects of shift work on nurses’ well-being.

How can I develop a strong nursing research question for my nursing research paper?

A robust research question in nursing should be clear, specific, and relevant to your research topic. It should also be answerable through empirical research. Consider using the PICO(T) framework, which stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time, to help structure your research question.

Where can I find research topics in nursing?

You can find research topics in nursing by exploring academic journals, attending nursing conferences, or accessing online databases specializing in nursing research. Additionally, discussing potential research ideas with your professors, colleagues, or nursing mentors can help you discover new and relevant topics.

What are some popular nursing research topics in the healthcare field?

Popular nursing research topics in the healthcare field include studying evidence-based practices in patient care, examining the Role of nurses in primary healthcare settings, investigating the Impact of nurse-patient ratios on quality of care, or exploring the Effectiveness of nursing interventions in preventing healthcare-associated infections.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative nursing research?

Qualitative nursing research involves exploring phenomena, perceptions, or experiences through methods such as interviews, observations, or focus groups. On the other hand, quantitative nursing research focuses on numerical data and uses statistical analysis to draw research conclusions . Both approaches offer unique insights and can complement each other in research studies.

Can you give examples of quantitative nursing research topics?

Examples of quantitative research topics in nursing can include “The Impact of Nurse-to-Patient Ratio on Fall Rates in Hospital Settings,” “The Effectiveness of a Diabetes Self-Management Program in Controlling Blood Sugar Levels,” or “Evaluating the Relationship Between Nurse Communication Skills and Patient Satisfaction.”

What is the importance of nursing research topics?

Nursing research topics are important as they contribute to the body of knowledge in the nursing profession. They help identify effective healthcare practices, improve patient outcomes, influence nursing education, provide evidence for policy-making, and enhance the overall quality of nursing care.

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Using and Doing Research

Use this guide to find information resources about using and doing research including books, reports and journal articles.

Key Resources

• Reporting guidance for health research: this contains a comprehensive searchable database of reporting guidelines and also links to other resources relevant to research reporting. View page
• The RCN is committed to nurses, midwives, HCAs and APs using knowledge and innovation to transform patient care. This section includes information and resources for those looking to use or develop research to enhance their practice, including links to research funding and training opportunities. View page
• The HRA was established in December 2011 to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health research, and to streamline the regulation of research. It also covers current health guidance on research ethics and informed consent. View page
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• Borrow from RCN Library services

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Book subject searches

• Critical appraisal
• Evidence-based practice
• Research methods

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• Evidence based practice
• Focus groups
• Interviewing (research methods)
• Practice development
• Qualitative research (research methods)
• Survey methods
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• Journal of Research in Nursing
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Best Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Nursing Research Topics and Ideas

We have already explored as much as there is regarding evidence-based nursing in our comprehensive EBP paper-writing guide . A time comes in your nursing school journey, either at basic (ADN, LPN, or BSN) or advanced levels (MSN, DNP, or PhD), when you are required to select a suitable evidence-based practice nursing research topic, research, and write an evidence-based nursing paper, report, or white paper. The process for selecting the topic is more or less the same as when selecting a nursing dissertation topic or topic for a nursing capstone .

You have to go through the instructions, consider an area of nursing specialization that interests you, do some thorough research, reading, and analysis, come up with a few topics, and eliminate and remain with the most suitable topic for your EBP nursing paper. You can locate good EBP project ideas from course materials (readings, handouts, PPTs, and class notes), online blogs and websites (like NurseMyGrade), nursing textbooks, nursing journals and articles, and other online resources.

General, Current, and Latest Evidence-Based Nursing Topics

• Effects of evidence-based practice on the quality and safety of patients
• Attitudes and readiness for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice among newly hired nurses
• Engaging advanced practice nurses in evidence-based practice through an e-monitoring program
• Effectiveness of EBP practice guidelines in preventing adverse events in clinical settings
• The attitudes of nurses toward adhering to clinical guidelines regarding the management of various conditions
• Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among surgical patients
• Effectiveness of warming interventions for women undergoing Cesarean Section
• Strategies for managing second-stage labor
• Effects of gum chewing and early mobilization on intestinal mobility after cesarean birth
• Therapeutic use of music in maternity wards post-cesarean section
• Strategies for preparing women for unplanned Cesarean birth
• Effectiveness of hydrotherapy during labor
• Strategies to implement skin-to-skin contact in the OR following Cesarean birth
• Benefits of the EBP Organizational culture and readiness scale
• Transferability, reach, and impact of the EBP Questionnaire
• Barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of EBP in clinical settings
• Challenges to implementing EBP in healthcare systems
• The beliefs and competencies of medical-surgery nurses on EBP
• Effects of EBP courses on MSN and DNP students' attitudes and beliefs on EBP
• The impacts of gamification on EBP training among nursing students
• Strategies to promote evidence-based nursing practice among nursing students
• The link between knowledge of EBP and nurse job satisfaction
• Impacts of nursing ethics on evidence-based practice
• Strategies to address the implementation gap between practice, research, and knowledge in nursing
• Using social media to promote the dissemination of evidence-based practice
• Strategies for implementing and translating evidence-based practice
• Benefits of frequently training nursing staff on evidence-based practice
• Role of evidence-based practice in modeling professional nursing practice
• Strategies for enhancing utility and understanding of evidence-based practice during undergraduate nursing education
• Knowledge, attitude, beliefs, and use of evidence-based practice among registered pediatric nurses
• Improving the readiness of evidence-based practice in critical care units
• Strategies for improving evidence-based practice among registered nurses (RNs)
• Best strategies for assessing compliance to EBP guidelines for VAP prevention among ICU nurses
• Impacts of EBP guidelines on clinical decision-making
• Challenges in communicating research evidence and translating it to practice
• Effectiveness of SBAR Tool Implementation to advanced communication and collaboration in clinical settings
• Knowledge of EBP and the confidence of newly recruited nurses
• Role of evidence-based practice guidelines in maintaining competence among mental health nurses
• Impacts of teaching advanced evidence-based practice research in doctoral nursing programs

Evidence-Based Topics for Anesthesia

• Primary concerns in the process of extubation in the anesthesia settings
• Perceptions and attitudes of anesthesia professionals on digital anesthesia information management system
• Benefits of nurse anesthetist perioperative dialog
• Causes of high attrition rates and turnover among nurse anesthetists
• Perceptions and attitudes of nurses on automatic dispensing cabinets
• Strategies for translating evidence-based research into anesthesia practice
• Addressing challenges associated with anesthesia in clinical settings
• Causes and solutions to anesthesia-associated mortality and morbidity
• An evidence-based approach to airway management via anesthesia administration
• Attitudes, knowledge, skills, and use of anesthesia teams toward EBP practice in clinical settings
• Why anesthetists are hesitant to implement ERAS guidelines

Related read: How to complete Shadow Health Assessments .

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Evidence-Based Topics

• Improving the quality of cardiovascular care through evidence-based practice
• Addressing social determinants of health as a means of addressing cardiovascular diseases
• Effects of listening to music during cardiac rehabilitation on clinical outcomes
• Effectiveness of physical activity on cardiovascular health
• Role of physical therapists in the management of venous thromboembolism
• Effectiveness of aerobic exercise training in improving aerobic capacity after heart transplant
• Impacts of guarding on the outcomes of the 6-minute walk test
• Role of Mitsungumin 53 in cardiovascular diseases (CVD)
• Effects of autophagy on the cardiovascular system
• The ethics of using embryonic stem cells in cardiovascular research
• Use of telehealth in early detection of anxiety and depression in post-coronary patients
• Effectiveness of indoor allergen reduction in the management of asthma
• Non-invasive technologies for diagnosing coronary artery disease in women
• Impacts of smoking on the lungs of a fetus
• Strategies to address obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease
• The link between consuming fatty animal meat and cardiovascular health
• Benefits of prone positioning for patients with ARDS
• Response of COPD to prophylactic antibiotics
• Evidence-based nursing strategies for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury
• Impacts of home monitoring on COPD patients

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Evidence-Based Topics

• The link between probiotics use and diarrhea
• The effectiveness of vitamin C in the prevention of complex regional pain syndrome following wrist fractures
• The link between using essential oils and hypertension
• Effectiveness of cranberry products for the treatment of UTIs
• Effectiveness of botulism toxin in the treatment of restless legs syndrome
• Using therapeutic honey in tropical wound management
• Impacts of scalp cooling on alopecia among cancer patients
• Effects of spiritual beliefs on type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
• Effects of aromatherapy in the management of depression and anxiety
• Non-pharmacologic interventions for treatment-resistant depression among adolescents

Nursing Ethics Evidence-Based Topics

• Effects of abandonment on nursing staff shortage
• Effects of negligence on patient outcomes
• AI ethics awareness, attitudes, and beliefs, and the behavioral intentions of nursing students
• Attitudes and perspectives of nursing faculty on noncompliance with ethics in nursing academic environments
• Application of Nightingale's professionalism among student nurses
• Influence of nursing ethics on clinical decision-making
• Perceptions and awareness of student nurses on social justice in the healthcare system
• Benefits of increased ethical competency of nurses in clinical settings
• Ethical problems of clinical nursing practice
• Factors influencing professionalism in nursing among Registered Nurses
• Information literacy and ethical decision-making among nurses
• The link between clinical dishonesty and perceived clinical stress among nursing students
• Strategies to help nurses handle compassion fatigue
• Ethical perspectives of evidence-based practice
• Influence of laws and Legislation on evidence-based practice
• Moral distress among Registered Nurses
• Barriers and facilitators of addressing nursing research ethics
• Role of nursing ethics in the implementation of evidence-based practice

Family Practice Evidence-Based Topics

• The significance of genetic counseling in diabetes prevention
• Challenges for contraception for women with diabetes
• Management of autism in children
• Diagnosis, treatment, and management of psoriasis
• Using a gluten-free diet to improve outcomes in patients with psoriasis
• The link between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases
• Impacts of nutritional counseling on the BMI of patients
• Using Metformin over Sulfonylurea for initial treatment of gestational diabetes
• Best ways to diagnose menopause in perimenopausal women
• Dinoprostone vs. vaginal misoprostol in labor induction: which is better?
• Effectiveness of using narcotics to treat patients with chronic daily headaches
• Vitamins and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
• The link between regular family dinners and obesity in adolescent patients
• Is the Mediterranean diet better for bone health?
• Benefits of self-managed diabetes programs
• Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis?
• The link between antibiotic use and acute sinusitis
• Effectiveness of Flu vaccine on prevention of community-acquired pneumonia
• The link between male obesity and infertility
• Lower back pains and NSAIDS
• Seasonal Nasal Irrigation and Seasonal Allergic Reactions: Best management strategies
• Effectiveness of abortive treatment for acute migraine
• Effectiveness of combination treatment for hepatitis C
• Benefits of tailored education for melanoma management
• Genetic testing and obesity
• Treatment and management of atopic dermatitis

Nursing Forensics Evidence-Based Topics

• Strategies to document injuries from domestic violence abuse by forensic nurses
• Perceptions of forensic nurses on victim counseling before post-domestic violence cases
• Stress management and coping strategies in prison settings
• Mental health as a risk factor for sexual assault
• Barriers and challenges to implementing remote sexual assault nurse examiner programs
• Limit setting and de-escalation in forensic mental health units
• The risk factors for domestic minor sex trafficking in the USA
• Benefits of sexual assault nurse examiners practicing trauma-informed care
• Ethical issues involved during forensic nursing investigations
• Strategies for preparing victims of sexual assault to be witnesses in courts of law
• Role of forensic nurses in combating human and sexual trafficking
• The link between sexual assault and suicide
• Strategies to handle compassion fatigue among forensic nurses
• Strategies for emergency contraception administration among the SANE and non-SANE medical providers
• Strategies forensic nurses use to resolve difficulties in supporting offenders with mental health disorders
• Role of forensic nurses in addressing challenges for children in foster care
• Forensic nursing interventions for patients with personality disorders
• Application of telehealth among sexual assault forensic examiners
• Strategies for handling children facing maltreatment from parents
• Interprofessional collaboration to optimize trauma-informed care
• Role of pediatric forensics in clinical settings
• Role of forensic nurses in abortion investigations
• Steps and evidence-based methods for screening children for neglect or abuse
• Strategies for solving burnout among forensic nurses
• Role of forensic nurses in death investigations
• Attitudes of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) toward sexual assault victims
• Methods for promoting resilience, competence, and quality of life of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
• Role of correctional nurses in advocating for pregnant women's rights in prison
• An evidence-based approach to suicide risk assessment following sexual assault

Gastroenterology Evidence-Based Topics

• The use of probiotics to treat and manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Using behavioral therapy adjunct to drug therapy in the management of urinary incontinence
• Pharmacological strategies for the management of Crohn's disease
• Complementary alternative medicine approaches to the management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Intermittent fasting among obese women and the management of pylori
• Homemade solutions for constipation among pregnant women

Geriatrics or Long-Term Care Evidence-Based Topics

• The effectiveness of the North Dakota Association of director of Nursing Administration (NADONA) /Long-Term Care standards of Practice in managing long-term care facilities
• Strategies to encourage elderly people to age in place
• Methods to improve drug adherence among elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease
• Methods for managing polypharmacy among elderly adults
• Design strategies to address falls for patients aging in place
• Use of technology to address the challenges of elderly adults who choose to age in place
• Benefits of music therapy for patients with Multiple Sclerosis
• Strategies for addressing pressure ulcers among the elderly
• Benefits of teaching self-care practices to elderly patients with long-term in-dwelling catheter
• Using stories to entertain and give hope to elderly patients in long-term care facilities
• Multifactorial approach towards management of falls in long-term care facilities

Hospital-Acquired Infections Evidence-Based Topics

• Effectiveness of hand hygiene in reducing hospital-acquired infections
• Strategies to prevent blood contamination and infection during transfusion
• The value of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Bundle Compliance in preventing CLABSI
• Impacts of implementing central nervous catheter bundle in reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)
• The knowledge and attitudes of nurses on evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infections
• Benefits of governments supporting nursing homes in infection management
• How effective are leadership rounds in reducing healthcare-associated infections?
• Knowledge, beliefs, and attitude of newly graduated nurses on infection prevention and control
• Evidence-based strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia
• Perceptions of NICU nurses regarding measures to prevent HAIs
• The role of chlorhexidine gluconate bathing in preventing HAIs
• Importance of communication networks in the management of infections in ICUs
• Strategies to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)
• The perspectives and experiences of patients on HAIs
• Nurse-led quality improvement interventions to reduce hospital-acquired infections in the NICU
• Using a multimodal approach to institute hand hygiene
• The correlation between hospital length of stay and acquiring infections
• Evidence-based strategies to prevent nosocomial infections in clinical settings
• Value of e-learning for preventing healthcare-associated infections
• Impacts of nurse burnout and shortage on HAIs
• Core components of an infection prevention and control program for a nursing home
• Leadership skills of the APRNs and prevention of HAIs
• The motivations of healthcare workers to reduce HAIs
• Hand hygiene knowledge and beliefs among newly recruited nurses
• Impacts of hospital design on HAIs
• Overcrowding in the ER and hospital-acquired infections
• Effects of training on nurses' knowledge and skills in indwelling urinary catheters in preventing CAUTIs
• Low rates of Influenza vaccination among nurses and HAIs
• Role of environmental cleaning in the control of HAIs
• Green cleaning and HAIs
• Compliance with Chlorhexidine wipes to prevent Hospital-acquired infections
• The knowledge of nurses of the WHO Five Moments of Hand hygiene and HAIs in the Operating rooms

Nursing Education Evidence-Based Topics

• Effectiveness of situated e-learning on medical and nursing education
• Benefits of cultural competence training among nurses on the patient satisfaction
• Experiences and attitudes of student nurses on formal preceptor programs
• The effectiveness of using virtual and augmented reality in nursing education
• Strategies to attract, train, and retain student nurses until retirement
• The application of gamification in nursing training
• Should nurses be taught basic coding concepts?
• Inclusion of LGBTQ student nurses in clinical settings
• The use of social media to facilitate learning among nursing students
• Benefits of introducing students to reflective nursing practice
• Benefits of e-learning for nursing education
• Online nursing programs as a means to prepare nurses for leadership roles
• The nurse training pipeline is an essential aspect of addressing nurse shortages
• Discrimination among nurse student acceptance of some programs/nursing schools
• Factors affecting the progress of nursing students in the USA
• Should the nursing career be ubiquitous globally?
• Student nurses should join professional organizations that advocate for their rights
• Steps to improve collaboration and teamwork among nurse students

Pain Management Evidence-Based Topics

• Effectiveness of ERAS in postoperative pain management
• Non-pharmacological methods and perceived barriers in pain management by nurses
• Psychological and behavioral pain management strategies in pediatric oncology departments
• Mindfulness mediation as a strategy for chronic pain management
• Impacts of relaxation techniques for pain management during labor
• The efficacy of cannabis-based medicines for pain management
• Use of music therapy during labor
• Impacts of massage therapy on cancer pain management
• The effectiveness of craniosacral therapy for chronic pain management
• Effectiveness of manual therapy vs. exercise therapy in the management of adult neck-pain
• Non-pharmacological pain management approaches for cancer patients
• Music-induced analgesia in chronic pain management
• The effectiveness of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation for cancer pain
• The efficacy of acupuncture in the management of postoperative pain
• The application of cannabinoids in pain management
• Acupressure for pain management during labor

Pediatrics Evidence-Based Topics

• Practical strategies for preventing failure to rescue obstetric patients
• Effectiveness of neonatal pain management via oral sucrose
• Benefits of nutritional assessment and intervention in a pediatric oncology unit
• Strategies to manage inguinal hernias in children
• Impacts of clinical settings appearance on the anxiety of kids in cancer care facilities
• Evidence-based strategies for the management of the acute phase of Kawasaki disease
• Strategies to address diabetes ketoacidosis among pediatric patients
• The use of virtual reality in managing anxiety among pediatric patients
• The use of probiotics in the prevention of diarrhea among children
• The efficiency of using gastronomy tubes among pediatric patients
• Best strategies to treat and manage infant colic
• Management of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among neonates and children
• Strategies parents can use to cope during acute pediatric hospitalizations
• Strategies to address childhood constipation
• Strategies to prevent SIDS during breastfeeding
• The safety of corticosteroids in young children with acute respiratory conditions
• Management of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism in pediatric patients
• Efficacy of insertion and maintenance bundles in preventing central-line associated bloodstream infections in critically ill pediatric patients
• Prevalent and management strategies for burnout among pediatric nurses
• The efficacy of magnesium supplementation in addressing postoperative arrhythmias after cardiopulmonary bypass among pediatric patients

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Introduction to qualitative nursing research

This type of research can reveal important information that quantitative research can’t.

• Qualitative research is valuable because it approaches a phenomenon, such as a clinical problem, about which little is known by trying to understand its many facets.
• Most qualitative research is emergent, holistic, detailed, and uses many strategies to collect data.
• Qualitative research generates evidence and helps nurses determine patient preferences.

Research 101: Descriptive statistics

Differentiating research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement

How to appraise quantitative research articles

All nurses are expected to understand and apply evidence to their professional practice. Some of the evidence should be in the form of research, which fills gaps in knowledge, developing and expanding on current understanding. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods inform nursing practice, but quantitative research tends to be more emphasized. In addition, many nurses don’t feel comfortable conducting or evaluating qualitative research. But once you understand qualitative research, you can more easily apply it to your nursing practice.

What is qualitative research?

Defining qualitative research can be challenging. In fact, some authors suggest that providing a simple definition is contrary to the method’s philosophy. Qualitative research approaches a phenomenon, such as a clinical problem, from a place of unknowing and attempts to understand its many facets. This makes qualitative research particularly useful when little is known about a phenomenon because the research helps identify key concepts and constructs. Qualitative research sets the foundation for future quantitative or qualitative research. Qualitative research also can stand alone without quantitative research.

Although qualitative research is diverse, certain characteristics—holism, subjectivity, intersubjectivity, and situated contexts—guide its methodology. This type of research stresses the importance of studying each individual as a holistic system (holism) influenced by surroundings (situated contexts); each person develops his or her own subjective world (subjectivity) that’s influenced by interactions with others (intersubjectivity) and surroundings (situated contexts). Think of it this way: Each person experiences and interprets the world differently based on many factors, including his or her history and interactions. The truth is a composite of realities.

Qualitative research designs

Because qualitative research explores diverse topics and examines phenomena where little is known, designs and methodologies vary. Despite this variation, most qualitative research designs are emergent and holistic. In addition, they require merging data collection strategies and an intensely involved researcher. (See Research design characteristics .)

Although qualitative research designs are emergent, advanced planning and careful consideration should include identifying a phenomenon of interest, selecting a research design, indicating broad data collection strategies and opportunities to enhance study quality, and considering and/or setting aside (bracketing) personal biases, views, and assumptions.

Many qualitative research designs are used in nursing. Most originated in other disciplines, while some claim no link to a particular disciplinary tradition. Designs that aren’t linked to a discipline, such as descriptive designs, may borrow techniques from other methodologies; some authors don’t consider them to be rigorous (high-quality and trustworthy). (See Common qualitative research designs .)

Sampling approaches

Sampling approaches depend on the qualitative research design selected. However, in general, qualitative samples are small, nonrandom, emergently selected, and intensely studied. Qualitative research sampling is concerned with accurately representing and discovering meaning in experience, rather than generalizability. For this reason, researchers tend to look for participants or informants who are considered “information rich” because they maximize understanding by representing varying demographics and/or ranges of experiences. As a study progresses, researchers look for participants who confirm, challenge, modify, or enrich understanding of the phenomenon of interest. Many authors argue that the concepts and constructs discovered in qualitative research transcend a particular study, however, and find applicability to others. For example, consider a qualitative study about the lived experience of minority nursing faculty and the incivility they endure. The concepts learned in this study may transcend nursing or minority faculty members and also apply to other populations, such as foreign-born students, nurses, or faculty.

Qualitative nursing research can take many forms. The design you choose will depend on the question you’re trying to answer.

A sample size is estimated before a qualitative study begins, but the final sample size depends on the study scope, data quality, sensitivity of the research topic or phenomenon of interest, and researchers’ skills. For example, a study with a narrow scope, skilled researchers, and a nonsensitive topic likely will require a smaller sample. Data saturation frequently is a key consideration in final sample size. When no new insights or information are obtained, data saturation is attained and sampling stops, although researchers may analyze one or two more cases to be certain. (See Sampling types .)

Some controversy exists around the concept of saturation in qualitative nursing research. Thorne argues that saturation is a concept appropriate for grounded theory studies and not other study types. She suggests that “information power” is perhaps more appropriate terminology for qualitative nursing research sampling and sample size.

Data collection and analysis

Researchers are guided by their study design when choosing data collection and analysis methods. Common types of data collection include interviews (unstructured, semistructured, focus groups); observations of people, environments, or contexts; documents; records; artifacts; photographs; or journals. When collecting data, researchers must be mindful of gaining participant trust while also guarding against too much emotional involvement, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis, conducting appropriate data management, and engaging in reflexivity.

Data usually are recorded in detailed notes, memos, and audio or visual recordings, which frequently are transcribed verbatim and analyzed manually or using software programs, such as ATLAS.ti, HyperRESEARCH, MAXQDA, or NVivo. Analyzing qualitative data is complex work. Researchers act as reductionists, distilling enormous amounts of data into concise yet rich and valuable knowledge. They code or identify themes, translating abstract ideas into meaningful information. The good news is that qualitative research typically is easy to understand because it’s reported in stories told in everyday language.

Evaluating a qualitative study

Evaluating qualitative research studies can be challenging. Many terms—rigor, validity, integrity, and trustworthiness—can describe study quality, but in the end you want to know whether the study’s findings accurately and comprehensively represent the phenomenon of interest. Many researchers identify a quality framework when discussing quality-enhancement strategies. Example frameworks include:

• Trustworthiness criteria framework, which enhances credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability, and authenticity
• Validity in qualitative research framework, which enhances credibility, authenticity, criticality, integrity, explicitness, vividness, creativity, thoroughness, congruence, and sensitivity.

With all frameworks, many strategies can be used to help meet identified criteria and enhance quality. (See Research quality enhancement ). And considering the study as a whole is important to evaluating its quality and rigor. For example, when looking for evidence of rigor, look for a clear and concise report title that describes the research topic and design and an abstract that summarizes key points (background, purpose, methods, results, conclusions).

Application to nursing practice

Qualitative research not only generates evidence but also can help nurses determine patient preferences. Without qualitative research, we can’t truly understand others, including their interpretations, meanings, needs, and wants. Qualitative research isn’t generalizable in the traditional sense, but it helps nurses open their minds to others’ experiences. For example, nurses can protect patient autonomy by understanding them and not reducing them to universal protocols or plans. As Munhall states, “Each person we encounter help[s] us discover what is best for [him or her]. The other person, not us, is truly the expert knower of [him- or herself].” Qualitative nursing research helps us understand the complexity and many facets of a problem and gives us insights as we encourage others’ voices and searches for meaning.

When paired with clinical judgment and other evidence, qualitative research helps us implement evidence-based practice successfully. For example, a phenomenological inquiry into the lived experience of disaster workers might help expose strengths and weaknesses of individuals, populations, and systems, providing areas of focused intervention. Or a phenomenological study of the lived experience of critical-care patients might expose factors (such dark rooms or no visible clocks) that contribute to delirium.

Successful implementation

Qualitative nursing research guides understanding in practice and sets the foundation for future quantitative and qualitative research. Knowing how to conduct and evaluate qualitative research can help nurses implement evidence-based practice successfully.

When evaluating a qualitative study, you should consider it as a whole. The following questions to consider when examining study quality and evidence of rigor are adapted from the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Jennifer Chicca is a PhD candidate at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and a part-time faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Amankwaa L. Creating protocols for trustworthiness in qualitative research. J Cult Divers. 2016;23(3):121-7.

Cuthbert CA, Moules N. The application of qualitative research findings to oncology nursing practice. Oncol Nurs Forum . 2014;41(6):683-5.

Guba E, Lincoln Y. Competing paradigms in qualitative research . In: Denzin NK, Lincoln YS, eds. Handbook of Qualitative Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.;1994: 105-17.

Lincoln YS, Guba EG. Naturalistic Inquiry . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.; 1985.

Munhall PL. Nursing Research: A Qualitative Perspective . 5th ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2012.

Nicholls D. Qualitative research. Part 1: Philosophies. Int J Ther Rehabil . 2017;24(1):26-33.

Nicholls D. Qualitative research. Part 2: Methodology. Int J Ther Rehabil . 2017;24(2):71-7.

Nicholls D. Qualitative research. Part 3: Methods. Int J Ther Rehabil . 2017;24(3):114-21.

O’Brien BC, Harris IB, Beckman TJ, Reed DA, Cook DA. Standards for reporting qualitative research: A synthesis of recommendations. Acad Med . 2014;89(9):1245-51.

Polit DF, Beck CT. Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2017.

Thorne S. Saturation in qualitative nursing studies: Untangling the misleading message around saturation in qualitative nursing studies. Nurse Auth Ed. 2020;30(1):5. naepub.com/reporting-research/2020-30-1-5

Whittemore R, Chase SK, Mandle CL. Validity in qualitative research. Qual Health Res . 2001;11(4):522-37.

Williams B. Understanding qualitative research. Am Nurse Today . 2015;10(7):40-2.

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Qualitative Methods in Health Care Research

Vishnu renjith.

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland - Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain), Al Sayh Muharraq Governorate, Bahrain

Renjulal Yesodharan

1 Department of Mental Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India

Judith A. Noronha

2 Department of OBG Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India

Elissa Ladd

3 School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, USA

Anice George

4 Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India

Healthcare research is a systematic inquiry intended to generate robust evidence about important issues in the fields of medicine and healthcare. Qualitative research has ample possibilities within the arena of healthcare research. This article aims to inform healthcare professionals regarding qualitative research, its significance, and applicability in the field of healthcare. A wide variety of phenomena that cannot be explained using the quantitative approach can be explored and conveyed using a qualitative method. The major types of qualitative research designs are narrative research, phenomenological research, grounded theory research, ethnographic research, historical research, and case study research. The greatest strength of the qualitative research approach lies in the richness and depth of the healthcare exploration and description it makes. In health research, these methods are considered as the most humanistic and person-centered way of discovering and uncovering thoughts and actions of human beings.

Introduction

Healthcare research is a systematic inquiry intended to generate trustworthy evidence about issues in the field of medicine and healthcare. The three principal approaches to health research are the quantitative, the qualitative, and the mixed methods approach. The quantitative research method uses data, which are measures of values and counts and are often described using statistical methods which in turn aids the researcher to draw inferences. Qualitative research incorporates the recording, interpreting, and analyzing of non-numeric data with an attempt to uncover the deeper meanings of human experiences and behaviors. Mixed methods research, the third methodological approach, involves collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative information with an objective to solve different but related questions, or at times the same questions.[ 1 , 2 ]

In healthcare, qualitative research is widely used to understand patterns of health behaviors, describe lived experiences, develop behavioral theories, explore healthcare needs, and design interventions.[ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Because of its ample applications in healthcare, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of health research studies undertaken using qualitative methodology.[ 4 , 5 ] This article discusses qualitative research methods, their significance, and applicability in the arena of healthcare.

Qualitative Research

Diverse academic and non-academic disciplines utilize qualitative research as a method of inquiry to understand human behavior and experiences.[ 6 , 7 ] According to Munhall, “Qualitative research involves broadly stated questions about human experiences and realities, studied through sustained contact with the individual in their natural environments and producing rich, descriptive data that will help us to understand those individual's experiences.”[ 8 ]

Significance of Qualitative Research

The qualitative method of inquiry examines the 'how' and 'why' of decision making, rather than the 'when,' 'what,' and 'where.'[ 7 ] Unlike quantitative methods, the objective of qualitative inquiry is to explore, narrate, and explain the phenomena and make sense of the complex reality. Health interventions, explanatory health models, and medical-social theories could be developed as an outcome of qualitative research.[ 9 ] Understanding the richness and complexity of human behavior is the crux of qualitative research.

Differences between Quantitative and Qualitative Research

The quantitative and qualitative forms of inquiry vary based on their underlying objectives. They are in no way opposed to each other; instead, these two methods are like two sides of a coin. The critical differences between quantitative and qualitative research are summarized in Table 1 .[ 1 , 10 , 11 ]

Differences between quantitative and qualitative research

Qualitative Research Questions and Purpose Statements

Qualitative questions are exploratory and are open-ended. A well-formulated study question forms the basis for developing a protocol, guides the selection of design, and data collection methods. Qualitative research questions generally involve two parts, a central question and related subquestions. The central question is directed towards the primary phenomenon under study, whereas the subquestions explore the subareas of focus. It is advised not to have more than five to seven subquestions. A commonly used framework for designing a qualitative research question is the 'PCO framework' wherein, P stands for the population under study, C stands for the context of exploration, and O stands for the outcome/s of interest.[ 12 ] The PCO framework guides researchers in crafting a focused study question.

Example: In the question, “What are the experiences of mothers on parenting children with Thalassemia?”, the population is “mothers of children with Thalassemia,” the context is “parenting children with Thalassemia,” and the outcome of interest is “experiences.”

The purpose statement specifies the broad focus of the study, identifies the approach, and provides direction for the overall goal of the study. The major components of a purpose statement include the central phenomenon under investigation, the study design and the population of interest. Qualitative research does not require a-priori hypothesis.[ 13 , 14 , 15 ]

Example: Borimnejad et al . undertook a qualitative research on the lived experiences of women suffering from vitiligo. The purpose of this study was, “to explore lived experiences of women suffering from vitiligo using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach.” [ 16 ]

Review of the Literature

In quantitative research, the researchers do an extensive review of scientific literature prior to the commencement of the study. However, in qualitative research, only a minimal literature search is conducted at the beginning of the study. This is to ensure that the researcher is not influenced by the existing understanding of the phenomenon under the study. The minimal literature review will help the researchers to avoid the conceptual pollution of the phenomenon being studied. Nonetheless, an extensive review of the literature is conducted after data collection and analysis.[ 15 ]

Reflexivity

Reflexivity refers to critical self-appraisal about one's own biases, values, preferences, and preconceptions about the phenomenon under investigation. Maintaining a reflexive diary/journal is a widely recognized way to foster reflexivity. According to Creswell, “Reflexivity increases the credibility of the study by enhancing more neutral interpretations.”[ 7 ]

Types of Qualitative Research Designs

The qualitative research approach encompasses a wide array of research designs. The words such as types, traditions, designs, strategies of inquiry, varieties, and methods are used interchangeably. The major types of qualitative research designs are narrative research, phenomenological research, grounded theory research, ethnographic research, historical research, and case study research.[ 1 , 7 , 10 ]

Narrative research

Narrative research focuses on exploring the life of an individual and is ideally suited to tell the stories of individual experiences.[ 17 ] The purpose of narrative research is to utilize 'story telling' as a method in communicating an individual's experience to a larger audience.[ 18 ] The roots of narrative inquiry extend to humanities including anthropology, literature, psychology, education, history, and sociology. Narrative research encompasses the study of individual experiences and learning the significance of those experiences. The data collection procedures include mainly interviews, field notes, letters, photographs, diaries, and documents collected from one or more individuals. Data analysis involves the analysis of the stories or experiences through “re-storying of stories” and developing themes usually in chronological order of events. Rolls and Payne argued that narrative research is a valuable approach in health care research, to gain deeper insight into patient's experiences.[ 19 ]

Example: Karlsson et al . undertook a narrative inquiry to “explore how people with Alzheimer's disease present their life story.” Data were collected from nine participants. They were asked to describe about their life experiences from childhood to adulthood, then to current life and their views about the future life. [ 20 ]

Phenomenological research

Phenomenology is a philosophical tradition developed by German philosopher Edmond Husserl. His student Martin Heidegger did further developments in this methodology. It defines the 'essence' of individual's experiences regarding a certain phenomenon.[ 1 ] The methodology has its origin from philosophy, psychology, and education. The purpose of qualitative research is to understand the people's everyday life experiences and reduce it into the central meaning or the 'essence of the experience'.[ 21 , 22 ] The unit of analysis of phenomenology is the individuals who have had similar experiences of the phenomenon. Interviews with individuals are mainly considered for the data collection, though, documents and observations are also useful. Data analysis includes identification of significant meaning elements, textural description (what was experienced), structural description (how was it experienced), and description of 'essence' of experience.[ 1 , 7 , 21 ] The phenomenological approach is further divided into descriptive and interpretive phenomenology. Descriptive phenomenology focuses on the understanding of the essence of experiences and is best suited in situations that need to describe the lived phenomenon. Hermeneutic phenomenology or Interpretive phenomenology moves beyond the description to uncover the meanings that are not explicitly evident. The researcher tries to interpret the phenomenon, based on their judgment rather than just describing it.[ 7 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]

Example: A phenomenological study conducted by Cornelio et al . aimed at describing the lived experiences of mothers in parenting children with leukemia. Data from ten mothers were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using Husserl's method of phenomenology. Themes such as “pivotal moment in life”, “the experience of being with a seriously ill child”, “having to keep distance with the relatives”, “overcoming the financial and social commitments”, “responding to challenges”, “experience of faith as being key to survival”, “health concerns of the present and future”, and “optimism” were derived. The researchers reported the essence of the study as “chronic illness such as leukemia in children results in a negative impact on the child and on the mother.” [ 25 ]

Grounded Theory Research

Grounded theory has its base in sociology and propagated by two sociologists, Barney Glaser, and Anselm Strauss.[ 26 ] The primary purpose of grounded theory is to discover or generate theory in the context of the social process being studied. The major difference between grounded theory and other approaches lies in its emphasis on theory generation and development. The name grounded theory comes from its ability to induce a theory grounded in the reality of study participants.[ 7 , 27 ] Data collection in grounded theory research involves recording interviews from many individuals until data saturation. Constant comparative analysis, theoretical sampling, theoretical coding, and theoretical saturation are unique features of grounded theory research.[ 26 , 27 , 28 ] Data analysis includes analyzing data through 'open coding,' 'axial coding,' and 'selective coding.'[ 1 , 7 ] Open coding is the first level of abstraction, and it refers to the creation of a broad initial range of categories, axial coding is the procedure of understanding connections between the open codes, whereas selective coding relates to the process of connecting the axial codes to formulate a theory.[ 1 , 7 ] Results of the grounded theory analysis are supplemented with a visual representation of major constructs usually in the form of flow charts or framework diagrams. Quotations from the participants are used in a supportive capacity to substantiate the findings. Strauss and Corbin highlights that “the value of the grounded theory lies not only in its ability to generate a theory but also to ground that theory in the data.”[ 27 ]

Example: Williams et al . conducted a grounded theory research to explore the nature of relationship between the sense of self and the eating disorders. Data were collected form 11 women with a lifetime history of Anorexia Nervosa and were analyzed using the grounded theory methodology. Analysis led to the development of a theoretical framework on the nature of the relationship between the self and Anorexia Nervosa. [ 29 ]

Ethnographic research

Ethnography has its base in anthropology, where the anthropologists used it for understanding the culture-specific knowledge and behaviors. In health sciences research, ethnography focuses on narrating and interpreting the health behaviors of a culture-sharing group. 'Culture-sharing group' in an ethnography represents any 'group of people who share common meanings, customs or experiences.' In health research, it could be a group of physicians working in rural care, a group of medical students, or it could be a group of patients who receive home-based rehabilitation. To understand the cultural patterns, researchers primarily observe the individuals or group of individuals for a prolonged period of time.[ 1 , 7 , 30 ] The scope of ethnography can be broad or narrow depending on the aim. The study of more general cultural groups is termed as macro-ethnography, whereas micro-ethnography focuses on more narrowly defined cultures. Ethnography is usually conducted in a single setting. Ethnographers collect data using a variety of methods such as observation, interviews, audio-video records, and document reviews. A written report includes a detailed description of the culture sharing group with emic and etic perspectives. When the researcher reports the views of the participants it is called emic perspectives and when the researcher reports his or her views about the culture, the term is called etic.[ 7 ]

Example: The aim of the ethnographic study by LeBaron et al . was to explore the barriers to opioid availability and cancer pain management in India. The researchers collected data from fifty-nine participants using in-depth semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document review. The researchers identified significant barriers by open coding and thematic analysis of the formal interview. [ 31 ]

Historical research

Historical research is the “systematic collection, critical evaluation, and interpretation of historical evidence”.[ 1 ] The purpose of historical research is to gain insights from the past and involves interpreting past events in the light of the present. The data for historical research are usually collected from primary and secondary sources. The primary source mainly includes diaries, first hand information, and writings. The secondary sources are textbooks, newspapers, second or third-hand accounts of historical events and medical/legal documents. The data gathered from these various sources are synthesized and reported as biographical narratives or developmental perspectives in chronological order. The ideas are interpreted in terms of the historical context and significance. The written report describes 'what happened', 'how it happened', 'why it happened', and its significance and implications to current clinical practice.[ 1 , 10 ]

Example: Lubold (2019) analyzed the breastfeeding trends in three countries (Sweden, Ireland, and the United States) using a historical qualitative method. Through analysis of historical data, the researcher found that strong family policies, adherence to international recommendations and adoption of baby-friendly hospital initiative could greatly enhance the breastfeeding rates. [ 32 ]

Case study research

Case study research focuses on the description and in-depth analysis of the case(s) or issues illustrated by the case(s). The design has its origin from psychology, law, and medicine. Case studies are best suited for the understanding of case(s), thus reducing the unit of analysis into studying an event, a program, an activity or an illness. Observations, one to one interviews, artifacts, and documents are used for collecting the data, and the analysis is done through the description of the case. From this, themes and cross-case themes are derived. A written case study report includes a detailed description of one or more cases.[ 7 , 10 ]

Example: Perceptions of poststroke sexuality in a woman of childbearing age was explored using a qualitative case study approach by Beal and Millenbrunch. Semi structured interview was conducted with a 36- year mother of two children with a history of Acute ischemic stroke. The data were analyzed using an inductive approach. The authors concluded that “stroke during childbearing years may affect a woman's perception of herself as a sexual being and her ability to carry out gender roles”. [ 33 ]

Sampling in Qualitative Research

Qualitative researchers widely use non-probability sampling techniques such as purposive sampling, convenience sampling, quota sampling, snowball sampling, homogeneous sampling, maximum variation sampling, extreme (deviant) case sampling, typical case sampling, and intensity sampling. The selection of a sampling technique depends on the nature and needs of the study.[ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ] The four widely used sampling techniques are convenience sampling, purposive sampling, snowball sampling, and intensity sampling.

Convenience sampling

It is otherwise called accidental sampling, where the researchers collect data from the subjects who are selected based on accessibility, geographical proximity, ease, speed, and or low cost.[ 34 ] Convenience sampling offers a significant benefit of convenience but often accompanies the issues of sample representation.

Purposive sampling

Purposive or purposeful sampling is a widely used sampling technique.[ 35 ] It involves identifying a population based on already established sampling criteria and then selecting subjects who fulfill that criteria to increase the credibility. However, choosing information-rich cases is the key to determine the power and logic of purposive sampling in a qualitative study.[ 1 ]

Snowball sampling

The method is also known as 'chain referral sampling' or 'network sampling.' The sampling starts by having a few initial participants, and the researcher relies on these early participants to identify additional study participants. It is best adopted when the researcher wishes to study the stigmatized group, or in cases, where findings of participants are likely to be difficult by ordinary means. Respondent ridden sampling is an improvised version of snowball sampling used to find out the participant from a hard-to-find or hard-to-study population.[ 37 , 38 ]

Intensity sampling

The process of identifying information-rich cases that manifest the phenomenon of interest is referred to as intensity sampling. It requires prior information, and considerable judgment about the phenomenon of interest and the researcher should do some preliminary investigations to determine the nature of the variation. Intensity sampling will be done once the researcher identifies the variation across the cases (extreme, average and intense) and picks the intense cases from them.[ 40 ]

Deciding the Sample Size

A-priori sample size calculation is not undertaken in the case of qualitative research. Researchers collect the data from as many participants as possible until they reach the point of data saturation. Data saturation or the point of redundancy is the stage where the researcher no longer sees or hears any new information. Data saturation gives the idea that the researcher has captured all possible information about the phenomenon of interest. Since no further information is being uncovered as redundancy is achieved, at this point the data collection can be stopped. The objective here is to get an overall picture of the chronicle of the phenomenon under the study rather than generalization.[ 1 , 7 , 41 ]

Data Collection in Qualitative Research

The various strategies used for data collection in qualitative research includes in-depth interviews (individual or group), focus group discussions (FGDs), participant observation, narrative life history, document analysis, audio materials, videos or video footage, text analysis, and simple observation. Among all these, the three popular methods are the FGDs, one to one in-depth interviews and the participant observation.

FGDs are useful in eliciting data from a group of individuals. They are normally built around a specific topic and are considered as the best approach to gather data on an entire range of responses to a topic.[ 42 Group size in an FGD ranges from 6 to 12. Depending upon the nature of participants, FGDs could be homogeneous or heterogeneous.[ 1 , 14 ] One to one in-depth interviews are best suited to obtain individuals' life histories, lived experiences, perceptions, and views, particularly while exporting topics of sensitive nature. In-depth interviews can be structured, unstructured, or semi-structured. However, semi-structured interviews are widely used in qualitative research. Participant observations are suitable for gathering data regarding naturally occurring behaviors.[ 1 ]

Data Analysis in Qualitative Research

Various strategies are employed by researchers to analyze data in qualitative research. Data analytic strategies differ according to the type of inquiry. A general content analysis approach is described herewith. Data analysis begins by transcription of the interview data. The researcher carefully reads data and gets a sense of the whole. Once the researcher is familiarized with the data, the researcher strives to identify small meaning units called the 'codes.' The codes are then grouped based on their shared concepts to form the primary categories. Based on the relationship between the primary categories, they are then clustered into secondary categories. The next step involves the identification of themes and interpretation to make meaning out of data. In the results section of the manuscript, the researcher describes the key findings/themes that emerged. The themes can be supported by participants' quotes. The analytical framework used should be explained in sufficient detail, and the analytic framework must be well referenced. The study findings are usually represented in a schematic form for better conceptualization.[ 1 , 7 ] Even though the overall analytical process remains the same across different qualitative designs, each design such as phenomenology, ethnography, and grounded theory has design specific analytical procedures, the details of which are out of the scope of this article.

Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS)

Until recently, qualitative analysis was done either manually or with the help of a spreadsheet application. Currently, there are various software programs available which aid researchers to manage qualitative data. CAQDAS is basically data management tools and cannot analyze the qualitative data as it lacks the ability to think, reflect, and conceptualize. Nonetheless, CAQDAS helps researchers to manage, shape, and make sense of unstructured information. Open Code, MAXQDA, NVivo, Atlas.ti, and Hyper Research are some of the widely used qualitative data analysis software.[ 14 , 43 ]

Reporting Guidelines

Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) is the widely used reporting guideline for qualitative research. This 32-item checklist assists researchers in reporting all the major aspects related to the study. The three major domains of COREQ are the 'research team and reflexivity', 'study design', and 'analysis and findings'.[ 44 , 45 ]

Critical Appraisal of Qualitative Research

Various scales are available to critical appraisal of qualitative research. The widely used one is the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) Qualitative Checklist developed by CASP network, UK. This 10-item checklist evaluates the quality of the study under areas such as aims, methodology, research design, ethical considerations, data collection, data analysis, and findings.[ 46 ]

Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research

A qualitative study must be undertaken by grounding it in the principles of bioethics such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. Protecting the participants is of utmost importance, and the greatest care has to be taken while collecting data from a vulnerable research population. The researcher must respect individuals, families, and communities and must make sure that the participants are not identifiable by their quotations that the researchers include when publishing the data. Consent for audio/video recordings must be obtained. Approval to be in FGDs must be obtained from the participants. Researchers must ensure the confidentiality and anonymity of the transcripts/audio-video records/photographs/other data collected as a part of the study. The researchers must confirm their role as advocates and proceed in the best interest of all participants.[ 42 , 47 , 48 ]

Rigor in Qualitative Research

The demonstration of rigor or quality in the conduct of the study is essential for every research method. However, the criteria used to evaluate the rigor of quantitative studies are not be appropriate for qualitative methods. Lincoln and Guba (1985) first outlined the criteria for evaluating the qualitative research often referred to as “standards of trustworthiness of qualitative research”.[ 49 ] The four components of the criteria are credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.

Credibility refers to confidence in the 'truth value' of the data and its interpretation. It is used to establish that the findings are true, credible and believable. Credibility is similar to the internal validity in quantitative research.[ 1 , 50 , 51 ] The second criterion to establish the trustworthiness of the qualitative research is transferability, Transferability refers to the degree to which the qualitative results are applicability to other settings, population or contexts. This is analogous to the external validity in quantitative research.[ 1 , 50 , 51 ] Lincoln and Guba recommend authors provide enough details so that the users will be able to evaluate the applicability of data in other contexts.[ 49 ] The criterion of dependability refers to the assumption of repeatability or replicability of the study findings and is similar to that of reliability in quantitative research. The dependability question is 'Whether the study findings be repeated of the study is replicated with the same (similar) cohort of participants, data coders, and context?'[ 1 , 50 , 51 ] Confirmability, the fourth criteria is analogous to the objectivity of the study and refers the degree to which the study findings could be confirmed or corroborated by others. To ensure confirmability the data should directly reflect the participants' experiences and not the bias, motivations, or imaginations of the inquirer.[ 1 , 50 , 51 ] Qualitative researchers should ensure that the study is conducted with enough rigor and should report the measures undertaken to enhance the trustworthiness of the study.

Conclusions

Qualitative research studies are being widely acknowledged and recognized in health care practice. This overview illustrates various qualitative methods and shows how these methods can be used to generate evidence that informs clinical practice. Qualitative research helps to understand the patterns of health behaviors, describe illness experiences, design health interventions, and develop healthcare theories. The ultimate strength of the qualitative research approach lies in the richness of the data and the descriptions and depth of exploration it makes. Hence, qualitative methods are considered as the most humanistic and person-centered way of discovering and uncovering thoughts and actions of human beings.

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QUALitative research "is best suited for research aimed at rich description or in-depth understanding of a phenomenon, rather than determining causality; it is particularly useful in understanding the relevance of contextual features in the expression of the phenomenon. Qualitative approaches are most often chosen when little is known about a topic or when new perspectives are needed; other functions of qualitative approaches include generating hypotheses, refining theory, providing illustrative examples, creating taxonomies, and generating items for instrument development.

Relying primarily on inductive rather than deductive processes, qualitative studies generally share several “ground-up” features that differentiate them from “top-down” quantitative research. These features are driven by two central tenets: an orientation to cases rather than variables, as well as a preference for emergent rather than fixed designs."

More Information from Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

Four types of qualitative research design often applied to nursing research are:

• Phenomenology - the study of human life experiences and how they appear in human consciousness
• Grounded Theory - seeks to explain variations in social interactional and social structural problems and processes
• Ethnography - As a research process, ethnography is a comparative method for investigating patterns of human behavior and cognition through observations and interactions in natural settings
• Narrative Inquiry - the analysis of meaning in context through interpretation of persons' life experiences

For more details , look up these research designs in:

Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

Dictionary of Nursing Theory and Research

QUANtitative research "consists of the collection, tabulation, summarization, and analysis of numerical data for the purpose of answering research questions or hypotheses. The term quantitative research is of recent origin and is distinguished from qualitative research in design, process, and the use of quantification techniques to measure and analyze the data. The vast majority of all nursing studies can be classified as quantitative.

Quantitative research uses statistical methodology at every stage in the research process. At the inception of a research project, when the research questions are formulated, thought must be given to how the research variables are to be quantified, defined, measured, and analyzed. Study subjects are often selected for a research project through the statistical method of random sampling, which promotes an unbiased representation of the target population among the sample from whom generalizations will be made. Statistical methods are used to summarize study data, to determine sampling error, and in studies in which hypotheses are tested, to analyze whether results obtained exceed those that could be attributed to sampling error (chance) alone."

Quantitative Research Design can be Non-Experimental (Descriptive or Correlational) or Experimental (including Quasi-Experimental).

" Observational designs are nonexperimental, quantitative designs. In contrast to experimental designs in which the investigator manipulates the independent variable and observes its effect, the investigator conducting observational research observes both the independent and dependent variables. In observational studies, variation in the independent variable may be due to genetic endowment, self-selection, or occupational or environmental exposures."

" Correlational research examines the relationships between variables, but unlike experimental or quasi-experimental studies, correlational studies lack active manipulation of the independent variable(s). Therefore, postulation of relationships among study variables in causal terms is risky. Discussion of associations in correlational studies, however, sometimes gives an indication of how likely it is that a cause-and-effect relationship might exist."

More Information from Dictionary of Nursing Theory and Research

" Quasi-experimental research is similar to experimental research in that there is manipulation of an independent variable. It differs from experimental research because there is no control group, no random selection, no random assignment, and/or no active manipulation. Quasi-experimental research is a useful way to test causality in settings when it is impossible or unethical to randomly assign subjects to treatment and control groups or to withhold treatment from some subjects."

Experimental research "involves manipulation of the principal independent variable, i.e., the actual administration of treatments or interventions that comprise the categories of the independent variable. An investigation is made of the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

A true experiment is characterized by random assignment of individual subjects to the treatment conditions and a high degree of control over unwanted influence of extraneous variables and other factors that could bias the results of the study."

"True experiments have the potential to provide strong evidence about the hypothesized causal relationship between independent and dependent variables. Experiments are characterized by manipulation, control, and randomization. The quality of experiments depends on the validity of their design."

" Mixed methods research is a term associated with research that uses a combination of methods that are usually identified with qualitative research and methods that are usually identified with quantitative research. It should not be confused with the terms mixed models or mixed effects that are used in other contexts such as the analysis of variance.

It is important to understand that the use of a mixed methods approach does not make research better or more valid than the use of either a qualitative or a quantitative approach."

"In nursing research, triangulation refers to the use of multiple sources to validate findings by the nursing researcher. It involves the combination of both quantitative and qualitative research methods within a single study."

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Someone once said, “Nursing is a blessed profession because those people are the first and the last to watch the beginning and end of life. Nurses open the eyes of a newborn and moderately close the eyes of a dying man.” This quote summarizes the caregivers' importance in society. However, education for nurses is challenging because they must learn how to provide healthcare and support for patients and research different medical issues. This requires finding good research topics in nursing. In case you are looking for the best nursing research topics, we have you covered. This article explains nursing research topics, their characteristics, and how to select them. Also, we have compiled a list of more than 350 nursing topics for research papers that are divided into various categories to get you started. Choose the title you like most, and contact our professionals to buy nursing papers cheap should you need any help.

What Are Nursing Research Topics?

Nursing research topics refer to subjects or issues that interest nursing students, which they can investigate and write academic proposals about. Any nursing topic is based on theoretical components, including lab applications, human physiology, and healthcare management. However, it focuses on tackling issues from a caregiver’s perspective, such as elderly and child care, midwifery, primary healthcare, mental health, pain management, women's health, etc. The process of selecting nursing topics for research paper can be stressful and challenging for many students because practical assignments are extremely demanding, which leaves little time for writing tasks. As a result, finding the right title for your academic paper is crucial. That's why it is necessary to consider time management skills as your research may take more time than one hour for example.

Characteristics of Good Nursing Research Topics

There are times when students need help with selecting good nursing research paper topics. They may encounter challenges in choosing themes because of mental blocks or lack of time. We have provided tips to guide your selection. Before picking the title, you should be mindful that good research topics for nursing students have the following characteristics:

• Meaningful.
• Interesting.
• Explorative.

These characteristics help in selecting the title of your paper. However, feel free to seek help from your professor to narrow down the options. Their insights might make you more successful in writing your paper. 

How to Choose a Nursing Research Paper Topic?

Before writing your academic paper, it is essential to have a good nursing research topic . Ensure that the selected title has the characteristics mentioned in the above section. In most cases, your teachers will provide suggestions of good research paper topic for nursing that you can choose from. However, if that is not the case, you will have to come up with your own title. You can derive ideas from websites, books, journals, or personal experiences. To set you off, follow the next steps in selecting your title: 

• First, identify the field that is most appealing to you.
• Second, gather a lot of nursing evidence based practice topics from the category you are passionate about.
• Then, deliberate on all the title ideas and eliminate all those irrelevant or with less research scope.
• Fourth, select the most comfortable title from this narrowed-down list and begin writing about it.
• Lastly, ensure that your topic follows the guidelines provided by your teacher or school.

Best Nursing Research Questions

Using research questions in nursing is one of the best ways to arrive at a suitable topic for your study. A nursing research question can act as a guiding tool. Our professional research paper writers have provided you with some of the best examples of nursing research questions below to aid you in coming up with a great title: 

• How does the hospital wards' design influence patients' aggressive tendencies?
• Do patients diagnosed with dementia experience any pain?
• What is the negative impact of cord cutting on placenta separation?
• How has COVID-19 affected caregiving practices?
• What positive effects do computerized records have on patient outcomes?
• What changes can improve the sustainability of surgical rooms?
• How can you assist domestic violence victims?
• How to prevent chemotherapy and radiation effects among cancer patients?
• Is yoga an effective method for helping patients with back problems?
• How can music therapy help lactating mothers?
• Do healthcare providers have to be internet savvy?
• Are spinal cord nerve damage and persistent constipation related?
• What are the advantages of applying cognitive hypnotherapy in managing pain?
• How do you manage PTSD among army veterans?
• Is the immune system impacted by aging?

Top Nursing Research Topics List

If you find it challenging to come up with suitable topics about nursing, do not panic because you are not alone. In some way, many proficient writers and students have encountered the challenge of coming up with topics for nursing research paper. But we are here to help you jump-start the process by providing a list of research topics for nursing students. Some of them include the following: 

• Causes and prevention of childhood obesity.
• Effective ways used to treat ADHD.
• Ethical considerations for pediatric caregivers.
• Causes of pediatric antibiotic resistance.
• Effective ways to ensure diversity in caregiving.
• Adverse effects of children’s hormonal treatment.
• The psychological health impact caused by COVID-19.
• How air pollution is adversely affecting children.
• How is the immune system affected by age?
• What causes seizures in children?

Popular Nursing Research Topics

Another way to develop your essay is to choose from a list of popular nursing topics. There are many common caregiving ideas for your paper that you can choose from. Below we have compiled some of the most popular nursing research topics for students to help in writing your paper:

• Advantages of selecting a nursing career.
• Dangers associated with chemotherapy exposure.
• Night shifts impacts on caregivers' mental health.
• Preventing malnutrition in children.
• Negative impacts of caregiving as a career.
• Benefits of home health nursing.
• How caregivers contribute to the medical industry.
• Reasons why occupational therapy has increased in popularity.
• Key roles that can be played by caregivers in rehabilitation.
• Effective measures employed to reduce infant injuries during delivery.
• Assessing the evolution of newborn care over the past ten years.
• Best ways used to improve working conditions for caregivers.
• Analyzing the measures employed in reducing obesity.
• Causes of child mortality .
• Challenges involved in trying to find the major causes of cancer.

Current Nursing Research Topics

If you want to write about recent affairs, you can select current topics in nursing. Trendy topics are essential in tackling issues that have affected the healthcare industry in recent years. Below is a list of contemporary nursing research paper topic ideas:

• Analyzing rising cases of cancer among children.
• Measures that bridge existing gender gaps in nursing.
• Importance of vaccines during pregnancy.
• Causes and impacts of increased use of online caregiving programs.
• Does online medical education affect the quality of caregiving?
• What positive effects did nurses have during the pandemic?
• How computer tomography scans have impacted treatment methods.
• Negative effects of poor pain management techniques.
• Challenges faced by advanced innovations in clinical cardiology.
• Are caregivers supposed to practice specialization in their education?
• Best measures employed in protecting nurses during the pandemic.
• Parental roles in ensuring healthy lifestyles for their children.
• Challenges associated with Telemedicine.
• Criteria used to improve the popularity of healthcare professions.
• Benefits of community caregiving.

Interesting Nursing Research Topics

Selecting interesting nursing topics is also a great way to ensure the success of your paper. Below is a catalog of interesting nursing research paper topics that will help you: 

• Shortcomings associated with medical contracts.
• Fundamental causes of anxiety in patients.
• Strategies for reducing stress.
• The importance of diversity in medical health.
• What are the moral aspects brought by euthanasia?
• Key causes of hypersensitive diseases.
• Methods used in managing low blood pressure.
• Reasons for universal medical care.
• Practical steps for treating severe headaches.
• Major causes of bipolar disorder .
• Key roles that can be performed by healthcare providers during an El Nino weather phenomenon.
• How can caregivers assist patients dealing with anxiety?
• Have technological advancements enhanced healthcare quality?
• Techniques for handling elderly individuals who won't eat.
• The main causes of death in children.

Good Topics in Nursing

You can get a research topic for nursing students from various lists of ideas online. However, if you are looking for good research paper topics for nursing, you are in the right place. Below we have presented a list of titles that can help you begin your paper:

• Key disadvantages associated with Medicare.
• How can more men be encouraged to take up caregiving courses?
• Methods used for treating osteoporosis in women.
• The success of the chlamydia treatment regimen.
• The best method for improving patient care standards.
• Reasons why caregivers should be tested for drug use.
• Efficient methods utilized in treating acne among teenagers.
• Advantages of specialization for healthcare providers.
• Importance of caregivers being internet savvy.
• How nursing roles have changed in modern times.
• Factors contributing to the rise in male infertility.
• Why should caregivers be subjected to psychological therapy?
• Best care for women who have miscarried.
• Should caregivers be allowed to provide futile medical care?
• Importance of low carbohydrate diet.

Any nursing student is constantly busy with assignments and clinic hours. Research paper writing help from academic experts is very needed from time to time. Get in touch with StudyCrumb if you require any writing assistance.

Easy Nursing Research Topics

Sometimes complicated themes are challenging for students. If you feel like that is your case, consider choosing easy nurse topics. Below is a catalog of a variety of easy nursing topics for research: 

• Critical roles played by caregivers in medical care.
• Analyzing the roles of nutrition in managing obesity.
• How does cyberbullying affect children’s mental health?
• What benefits do children get from being vaccinated?
• Every patient's medical history should remain confidential.
• Ways in which caregivers can improve their service quality.
• Reasons why the demand for home medical services is rising.
• Should all medical records be automated?
• How has the quality of medical service improved over the years?
• Effective ways for preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
• Effective ways to lose weight for women.
• Reasons for decreased child mortality during labor in recent times.
• Common ways to manage hypertension.
• Signs that a patient has experienced physical abuse .
• Efficient methods used in managing stress levels among adults.

Hot Nursing Topics

There is no better way to amaze your professor with your essay than to select hot topics in nursing research. Choosing one of these nursing hot topics provided below will likely guarantee you high grades:

• Challenges facing medicine in 2023.
• How does unhealthy eating affect athletes?
• Effective methods used in protecting healthcare providers during the pandemic.
• The COVID-19 epidemic saw nurses play crucial roles.
• Technological advancements have greatly enhanced medical care.
• People should be taught how to practice preventive care.
• Challenges encountered when trying to quit smoking.
• Advantages of having caregivers on the school premises.
• Significant benefits associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Effective methods employed in managing headaches.
• Strategies that can enhance caregivers’ productivity.
• Is massage therapy effective in relieving pain?
• Challenges faced in managing chronic diseases.
• The most effective strategies for treating eating disorders.
• Efficient ways utilized in improving online caregiving education.

Nursing Research Topics for Students in Healthcare

If you are a healthcare student, you can count yourself lucky because you will not encounter the challenges of selecting a title for your essay. The section below has provided different research paper topics for nursing students to choose from. They are classified into different groups to provide various research ideas for nursing students. Go through them and pick the category that interests you.

Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

Pediatric caregivers are the ones who take care of children, neonates, and adolescents. There are many pediatric nursing topics for writing a research paper found online. Below are pediatric nursing paper topics to jump-start your mind: 

• Reasons why misdiagnoses cases in the pediatric wards are rising.
• Major emotional issues among children below ten years.
• What ways can be used to manage seizures in kids?
• Reasons why children develop resistance to antibiotics.
• What is the connection between autism and vaccination?
• Should there be specialized training for caregivers who manage pediatric wards?
• Reasons for the rising cases of obese children.
• How should caregivers deal with pain and injuries in toddlers?
• Steps involved in controlling allergic reactions in pediatric wards.
• Major health issues that threaten the development of children.
• Ethical considerations for nurses working in pediatric wards.
• Factors contributing to the rise in childhood eating disorders.
• Psychological impacts on parents with kids diagnosed with cancer.
• Best management practice for children with heart diseases .
• Early life exposure to air pollution and health impacts.

Adult Nursing Research Topic Ideas

You can also write your paper based on adult nursing ideas. These will mainly focus on providing healthcare intervention to adults. We have many nursing research ideas below for you to get you going:

• Health implications brought by abortion.
• Home remedies for people with high blood pressure.
• How should caregivers handle patients in prison?
• The proficiency of cognitive therapy in managing pain.
• Effective ways to manage alcohol addiction.
• Dangers associated with living a sedentary life.
• Physical exercises that prevent risks brought by heart complications.
• Efficient methods used to manage work-related stress.
• How to handle migraines at home.
• Reasons why obesity cases are rising among men above 35 years.
• Common causes of sleep disorders among adults.
• Best ways to reduce dependence on pain medicine.
• How can yoga be used as a pain management activity.
• Techniques for treating acute coronary syndrome in persons older than 35.
• How is the body affected by consuming too much carbohydrates?

Midwifery Nursing Topics

Midwifery care providers are specialists in childbirth and women's reproductive health. Students specializing in this should look at nursing research paper topics. For that, we have provided a list of the best midwifery nursing research topics below to assist you in your essay: 

• Management methods for autistic women giving birth.
• Evolution of midwifery in the last decade.
• Feeding problems associated with newborns and infants.
• Techniques for enhancing mother-child ties during postpartum care.
• History and development of midwifery.
• Best practices utilized in managing pain during labor.
• How to deal with postnatal depression among women?
• Advantages of maintaining high standards of skin hygiene for newborns.
• Managing women with disabilities during childbirth.
• Effective ways used in treating pregnancy-induced hypertension.
• Best ways to assist during prenatal and postnatal stages for fathers.
• Technological advancements in midwifery and their impacts.
• Reasons why mothers should ensure vaccinations for newborns children.
• Why has the childbirth mortality rate reduced over the last decade?
• Explanations for the increased number of women choosing to deliver at home instead of the hospital.

Elderly Care Nursing Research Paper Topics

Elderly care nursing topics are also prevalent among scholars. You can choose any elderly care nursing research paper topic from the catalog provided below:

• Techniques for avoiding delirium in older people.
• Methods for improving pain treatment in elderly individuals.
• Should the elderly be subjected to vaccinations?
• Managing cases of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Physical exercises that are not strenuous.
• Age-related changes to the immune system .
• How to shield senior patients from injuries and slips and falls.
• Caregivers should get specialized education to deal with geriatric patients.
• Preventing risk associated with cardiovascular ailments.
• Biological mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease and to prevent it in geriatric patients.
• Nursing approaches to providing ophthalmic care to elderly individuals.
• Interventions strategies to prevent adverse drug effects in senior patients.
• Regular exercises that help maintain joint movements.
• Should older patients be subjected to chemotherapy?
• How is sepsis managed in critically ill older patients?

Women's Health Nursing Research Topics

Women’s health topics in nursing are some of the most trending and relevant titles you can use for your essay. The following are some of the best women’s health nursing research paper topics that you pick from:

• Evaluation of why women experience sleep disorders.
• Ways used in treating menopause.
• Diseases that affect female sexual health.
• Managing infertility cases in women.
• Addressing cultural variations in women's health.
• Techniques for preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
• Symptoms associated with breast cancer.
• Factors that contribute to high numbers of infertilities.
• Best ways employed in treating acne.
• Factors that increase fertility.
• Approaches employed in dealing with postnatal depression.
• Preventive measures for vaginal atrophy.
• Efficient methods of detecting breast cancer.
• Best pregnancy prevention practices.
• How can nurses help prevent sepsis that comes after labor?

Need more ideas? Browse  psychology research topics  and choose something special.

Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

Mental disease is a serious health problem that has recently gained global attention. Therefore, studies focusing on mental health nursing topics are among the most searched. These are some  prevalent mental health nursing projects topics for you:  

• Evaluating caregivers’ mental health.
• Reason why there is an increase in stress cases after the pandemic.
• Are there effective methods to treat schizophrenia?
• Evaluating the significant causes of depression.
• How has social media contributed to the rise in mental incidents?
• The symptoms associated with chronic anxiety.
• Is it advisable to use medication in treating mental health issues?
• Advantages of using antipsychotics in treating mental problems.
• Best methods used in managing dementia effects.
• Causes of mental health issues among medical practitioners.
• How to prevent aggression acts among teenagers caused by playing violent video games.
• Causes of PTSD among war veterans.
• Treatment strategies for patients with cognitive impairment.
• Major causes of bipolar disorder.
• Practical steps that are taken in treating panic attacks.

>> View more: Mental Health Research Topics

Pain Management Nursing Research Topics

The most crucial nursing research problem is pain management. Some students will likely provide interventions for patients dealing with pain. If this is your area of concern, you should look at various pain management nurse topics to get your inspiration. The following is a narrowed-down list of pain management topics for you: 

• Major roles played by caregivers in treating pain.
• Assessing the efficacy of non-pharmacological pain management techniques.
• Successful modern pain management medications.
• Efficient methods used in remedying chronic pain.
• Managing pain in hemophilia.
• Steps involved in treating headaches.
• Best pain managing exercises for women in labor.
• How can caregivers relieve pain in cancer patients?
• Methods used in treating spinal cord nerve injuries.
• Advantages of therapeutic injections.
• Can Benson’s relaxation therapy be used to relieve pain?
• Applying cognitive hypnotherapy in relieving body discomforts.
• How may rheumatoid arthritis be treated with opioids?
• The ideal use of myofascial pain rehabilitation.
• Treating children's stomach pain.

Health Care Management Nursing Research Topics

There are many healthcare research problems in nursing that you can base your essay on. Some of the best healthcare nursing project topics that you can choose from include: 

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare?
• Should the healthcare industry seek to have more diversity?
• Does gender play a role in caregiving?
• What steps should be taken to encourage more people to take caregiving courses?
• How has technological advancement affected the quality of healthcare services?
• Should remote care be explored as a way of enhancing the service?
• How can caregivers rise to become physicians?
• Approaches taken to improve staff relations in the hospital?
• Leadership styles that are effective in caregiving.
• Best training methods for healthcare providers to keep them up to date.
• Importance of caregivers adhering to the uniform codes and rules.
• How can healthcare providers take leadership positions in the hospital?
• The procedures for establishing a private medical practice.
• Methods used in improving record keeping.
• Ethical considerations that caregivers should know when dealing with patients.

>> Read more: Healthcare Research Topics

Primary Healthcare Nursing Research Topics

For those students seeking primary healthcare nursing concept topics, there are various topics you can find on the internet. However, to make your work easier, below we have provided a catalog of primary healthcare nursing related research topics that you can pick from:

• Economic implications associated with enhanced primary healthcare.
• Best ways to treat chronic medical problems.
• Primary care for diabetic patients.
• Advantages of antenatal treatment.
• Methods employed in assessing medical care quality.
• Should pharmacists perform roles meant for physicians?
• Key considerations made in primary healthcare.
• Efficient methods of treating stroke.
• Advantages of the private sector's involvement in creating mental health services.
• Challenges faced in financing quality primary healthcare.
• How data collected during primary healthcare can be used in research.
• Technologically advanced methods used in cardiology.
• Common techniques used in evaluating patients’ health.
• Key responsibilities played by social workers in providing direct healthcare.
• Is preventive medicine effective among elderly patients?

>> Read more: Public Health Topics to Research

Nursing Research Paper Topics on Obstetrics

Obstetrics is a field of caregiving that focuses on providing care during pregnancy, childbirth, and after birth. There are many nursing research problems that you can write on obstetrics. You can choose the following nursing related research topics for your essay: 

• Dangers associated with hypertensive disorders.
• Causes and prevention of hypertension during childbirth.
• Best management practices for labor and delivery.
• Steps employed in resuscitating newborns.
• Dangers related to consuming foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids for pregnant women.
• Disadvantages of water birth.
• Best antenatal care plans.
• Challenges involved in saving mother and child during delivery.
• Methods of dealing with pre-term labor.
• Advantages of incorporating music therapy during lactation.
• Key dangers associated with early pregnancies.
• Best methods to manage post-delivery stress.
• Nutrition that helps mothers recover better after delivery.
• Unhealthy habits during pregnancy that might be dangerous.
• Best foods that increase fertility among women.

Health Promotion Nursing Research Topics

Health promotion aims at encouraging communities and individuals to choose healthy behavior, which reduces the risks of diseases. Selecting a healthy lifestyle is a research problem in nursing that needs addressing. As a scholar, there are many health-promoting issues you can analyze as your clinical nursing problems for research. The following topics are an excellent way to start:

• Nutrition misinformation that is spread on the internet.
• Best practices of educating parents to ensure their children grow up healthy.
• Causes of increased dependency on Telemedicine.
• Ways of promoting healthy living among older patients.
• Dangers related to leading an inactive lifestyle among the youths.
• Methods used in preventing medical misinformation on the internet.
• Dangers associated with fake news on health.
• Impacts of short staffing on patients’ outcomes.
• Modern and safe methods employed in cancer screening.
• How can social media be employed to promote healthy lifestyles?
• Steps that are taken to discourage inactivity behaviors among the youths.
• Dangers related to cigarette smoking.
• Methods used in reversing the adverse effects of diabetes.
• Raising awareness on the causes and risks of heart diseases.
• Is secondhand smoking dangerous to people’s health?

Biology research topics may be helpful as well. Look through additional ideas and come up with something unique.

Nursing Careers Research Paper Topics

You can also investigate medical careers by examining nursing education topics as a scholar. Caregiving is a career that still has plenty of room for growth. This can be achieved by evaluating various nursing problems for research. These are titles that you can look at to get you off: 

• How will caregiving be affected in the future with more technological advancements?
• Challenges that affect the process of diversifying the healthcare industry.
• What leadership skills should caregivers have to be effective in their roles?
• How do nurses who work during the night deal with stress?
• Steps that are taken in dealing with anxiety.
• Critical functions played by clinical health providers.
• Primary ethical considerations for caregivers.
• Practices that ensure safe prescription of medication.
• Role played by nurses in critical care services.
• Career paths for caregivers.
• Methods used in preventing infections in the line of duty.
• Dangers associated with the nursing profession.
• Coping mechanism for caregivers during the pandemic.
• Benefits and drawbacks of a mobile intensive care unit.
• Tactics employed to deal with an elder who refuses to eat.

Topics for Nursing Research: Qualitative & Quantitative

When choosing your nursing research topics, you should consider the research design you want. The research questions you come up with will direct the type of design that will conclusively answer them. As a result, your research topic choices can be either qualitative or quantitative. To make it easier for you, below we have further explained the two types of nursing research examples.

Qualitative Research Topics in Nursing

Qualitative nursing research topics deal with caregivers’ personal experiences with their patients that are derived through observation and interviews. It uses induction to gain evidence that will support a particular theory without generalizing obtained results. The following are examples of qualitative research questions in nursing:

• Challenges in dealing with caregiving stereotypes.
• Problems associated with systematic racism in healthcare systems.
• The evolution of the nursing profession since the 20th century.
• Main accreditation issues in medical school for caregivers.
• How technology has improved the process of caregiving.
• Importance of healthcare staff in primary care.
• How does music affect the psychological conditions of patients?
• Importance of robotics in the healthcare industry .
• Method of preventing harmful effects of obesity.
• How to treat victims of sexual harassment.
• Major physical activities that elderly patients can participate in.
• Efficient methods utilized in managing depression.
• Chief causes of dyslexia in children.
• Managing patients who have PTSD.
• Making older patients' cancer therapy more effective.

Nursing Quantitative Research Topics

On the other hand, quantitative nursing research topics deal with obtaining empirical evidence through generalization and deduction. Below are examples of quantitative research topics in nursing: 

• Benefits of healthy diets.
• Efficacy of Telemedicine.
• Causes and symptoms of heart complications.
• How are cardiovascular problems treated?
• Dangers associated with information overload in medicine.
• Development of Telehealth.
• Ethical considerations of assisted suicide.
• How effective is primary health care for the patients?
• What roles do caregivers play during an operation?
• Leading causes of mental illnesses in adolescents.
• Unconventional methods that may be used in treating diabetes.
• Disadvantages of using probiotics in treating diarrhea.
• Efficient strategies that can be used to assist patients who try to commit suicide.
• How statistics are used to analyze the benefits of changing your diet.
• Effective methods for assessing pain in critical patients.

Bonus Ideas on Nursing Research Paper Topics

You should now be able to select a topic for your essay because we have given you a variety of research topics related to nursing to choose from. The above titles are obtained from different areas of nursing. However, modern times call for different approaches to caregiving. Browse  chemistry topics for research  to come up with some new and interesting ideas for your paper. If you want to focus on more recent evidence-based practice nursing research topics, we have different varieties for you to choose from below.

Nursing Topics for Discussion

Many research questions for nursing aim at triggering deeper conversations on issues from different health stakeholders. If you want to generate a discussion around a particular subject, you should come up with a suitable nursing research topic. The following are examples of such titles:

• Is child health insurance a human right?
• How can the gender gap that exists in healthcare be reduced?
• Compare and contrast complementary and alternative therapies.
• Are video games responsible for increased teen aggression?
• Should elderly patients be allowed to use alcohol?
• Should a caregiver force food on elderly patients who refuse to eat?
• Should all hospitals adopt the usage of Telemedicine?
• Is online education a competent program for nurses?
• Should caregivers be allowed to prescribe medicine to patients?
• Are nurses given the same respect as that offered to doctors?

Nursing Topics for Presentation

Consider nursing presentation topics if you are required to write an essay to present to a class or other medical practitioners. The following are examples of presentation research topics related to nursing: 

• Key disadvantages associated with Telemedicine .
• What is the connection between mental stability and obesity?
• The best non-medical techniques for recuperating from physical trauma.
• Factors contributing to the rise in teenage alcohol misuse.
• The main signs of bipolar disorder in children under the age of 14.
• Health issues related to menopause and how to prevent them.
• Best ways to treat bone injuries at home.
• Effective ways used in managing obesity in women above 35 years.
• Reasons why Telecare is essential to caregivers.
• Is pet therapy an effective method that should be used in managing autism?

Literature Review Nursing Topics

Analyzing previously written nursing research projects provides the best source of information for you to seek answers to different medical issues. If this is what you are aiming at, we have a variety of different nursing literature review topics below:

• How effective is the caregiving education program?
• Challenges facing caregivers in using modern treatment.
• Effects of family therapy on the mental well-being of adolescents.
• How can caregivers improve pregnancy care outcomes?
• Laughter therapy and its positive impacts on patients.
• Social repercussions of HIV.
• Problems associated with teenage alcohol addictions.
• How do caregivers manage drunk patients?
• Recognizing the signs of patients who have been abused.
• Ways in which gardening therapy is used to reduce anxiety among the elderly.

Check out literature topics for research papers , you may find something interesting for you.

Nursing Thesis Topics

You need a suitable thesis to find an appropriate title for your nursing research project. The thesis you choose will guide your research question, which you seek to answer with your findings. Below are examples of nursing thesis topic ideas for your paper: 

• Consequences of avoiding regular checkups.
• Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pupils' mental health.
• Ways of preventing racism in the healthcare industry.
• Importance of treating cancer using bacterial injection.
• Ethical considerations for organ transplants.
• Best methods that should be used in administering vaccines.
• Steps in managing alcohol addiction among adults.
• Confidential ways used in helping patients of domestic violence seek justice.
• Disadvantages associated with using excessive antibiotics in children.
• Effects of alcohol consumption on pregnant women.

Nursing Research Question Examples

Many nursing research questions examples can help you develop suitable evidence-based practice titles for your essay. These will guide your ideas, making it easy to create a suitable topic. The following are examples of research questions in nursing to get you going: 

• How can caregivers assist patients who are abused domestically?
• What effective methods are used in resuscitating newborns?
• What are the main symptoms of dyslexia ?
• What advice should caregivers give to parents who have children with eating disorders?
• How to treat patients who are in prison.
• What is the connection between teenage drug abuse and popular pop culture?
• Methods used to treat seizures in young adolescents.
• Should caregivers adhere to medical uniform code principles?
• What therapies are effective in treating speech disorders?
• What are the advantages of Telemedicine?

Bottom Line on Nursing Research Topics

We understand the stress that comes with writing a nursing research paper. One of those challenges is difficulty in choosing suitable topics for nursing research. However, we have provided you with more than 350 nursing student research topics to inspire you to write your essay. These topics are derived from the different areas of nursing. Others are evidence based practice nursing research topics. Select one that will add more knowledge to the healthcare industry and write about it. 

Our nursing writing services are remedies on their own. Our writers do their best to deliver high-quality result on time. Receive original  papers that can be completed within one click, and we’ll be happy to see you.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

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From the Bedside to Research: Navigating Change in Nursing

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, the AcademyHealth Interdisciplinary Research Group on Nursing Issues shines a spotlight on the indispensable contributions of nurses to the health care sector. Amid evolving challenges, these frontline professionals continue to lead with resilience and innovation, driving significant changes across the industry.

National Nurses Week is a time to celebrate and reflect on the evolving role of nurses and their significant impact on the health care system. As frontline caregivers, nurses face a myriad of challenges, yet they continue to lead and innovate, shaping the future of health care with their resilience and pioneering spirit.

Addressing Nurse Compensation

The establishment of the  Commission for Nurse Reimbursement in 2023 marks a significant shift in the financial recognition of nurses within the health care system. Historically, nursing services have been bundled into the general costs of health care, much like hospital supplies, leading to undervaluation and lack of visibility in the billing process. This commission, led by co-chairs Rebecca Love, RN, BS, MSN, FIEL, and Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, was formed in response to a critical staffing shortage and aims to transform nursing care into a billable service. By advocating for changes in how Medicare and other entities reimburse for nursing services, the commission seeks to elevate the financial stature of nursing, enhancing job satisfaction, and retention, and ultimately stabilizing health care services. This initiative not only acknowledges the indispensable role of nurses but also strives to create a sustainable work environment that attracts and retains skilled professionals

Combating Workplace Violence

Workplace safety is another critical issue in the nursing sector, particularly the rising incidents of violence that nurses face. On average,  two nurses per hour are assaulted in acute care settings, underscoring the urgent need for better protection. Strategies to combat this include training staff in de-escalation techniques, implementing stricter security protocols, and establishing support systems for those affected by violence. Ensuring the safety of nurses is crucial for allowing them to provide the best possible care to their patients.

Policy Engagement: Amplifying Nurses' Voices

Nurses play a vital role in health care policymaking, given their direct patient care experience and patient-centered perspectives. Their active participation in legislative discussions helps ensure that health policies are practical and effectively implemented. Nurses advocate for policies that reflect the realities of patient care, steering the health care system toward more effective and humane outcomes.

Nurse Researchers: Pioneers of Innovation

Nurse researchers are at the forefront of refining nursing practices and introducing innovations that improve patient outcomes. Their work in 2024 is particularly vital as they research staffing models, patient care techniques, and the integration of new technologies such as digital health records and predictive analytics tools. These innovations are transforming everyday nursing practices, making health care more effective and responsive.

Embracing Technological Innovations

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Telehealth has been a game-changer in health care delivery,  spearheaded by nurses . AI enhances diagnostic accuracy and treatment protocols by analyzing vast amounts of patient data. Telehealth, on the other hand, expands access to medical services, especially in remote or underserved areas, ensuring timely and efficient care. These technologies provide nurses with tools that augment their clinical skills and allow for better care across various settings.

As we observe National Nurses Week, it is essential to acknowledge the adaptability and innovative spirit of nurses globally. Despite numerous challenges, they continue to lead in the health care sector. With initiatives like the Commission for Nurse Reimbursement and the adoption of new technologies like AI, nurses are setting new standards in health care delivery. This week, and every week, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering the nursing profession as it continues to navigate these transformative times. From bedside care to research labs, nurses play an indispensable role in enhancing our health care system.

• Open access
• Published: 14 May 2024

Developing a survey to measure nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, influences, and willingness to be involved in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): a mixed method modified e-Delphi study

• Jocelyn Schroeder 1 ,
• Barbara Pesut 1 , 2 ,
• Lise Olsen 2 ,
• Nelly D. Oelke 2 &
• Helen Sharp 2  

BMC Nursing volume  23 , Article number:  326 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) was legalized in Canada in 2016. Canada’s legislation is the first to permit Nurse Practitioners (NP) to serve as independent MAiD assessors and providers. Registered Nurses’ (RN) also have important roles in MAiD that include MAiD care coordination; client and family teaching and support, MAiD procedural quality; healthcare provider and public education; and bereavement care for family. Nurses have a right under the law to conscientious objection to participating in MAiD. Therefore, it is essential to prepare nurses in their entry-level education for the practice implications and moral complexities inherent in this practice. Knowing what nursing students think about MAiD is a critical first step. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a survey to measure nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, influences, and willingness to be involved in MAiD in the Canadian context.

The design was a mixed-method, modified e-Delphi method that entailed item generation from the literature, item refinement through a 2 round survey of an expert faculty panel, and item validation through a cognitive focus group interview with nursing students. The settings were a University located in an urban area and a College located in a rural area in Western Canada.

During phase 1, a 56-item survey was developed from existing literature that included demographic items and items designed to measure experience with death and dying (including MAiD), education and preparation, attitudes and beliefs, influences on those beliefs, and anticipated future involvement. During phase 2, an expert faculty panel reviewed, modified, and prioritized the items yielding 51 items. During phase 3, a sample of nursing students further evaluated and modified the language in the survey to aid readability and comprehension. The final survey consists of 45 items including 4 case studies.

Systematic evaluation of knowledge-to-date coupled with stakeholder perspectives supports robust survey design. This study yielded a survey to assess nursing students’ attitudes toward MAiD in a Canadian context.

The survey is appropriate for use in education and research to measure knowledge and attitudes about MAiD among nurse trainees and can be a helpful step in preparing nursing students for entry-level practice.

Peer Review reports

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is permitted under an amendment to Canada’s Criminal Code which was passed in 2016 [ 1 ]. MAiD is defined in the legislation as both self-administered and clinician-administered medication for the purpose of causing death. In the 2016 Bill C-14 legislation one of the eligibility criteria was that an applicant for MAiD must have a reasonably foreseeable natural death although this term was not defined. It was left to the clinical judgement of MAiD assessors and providers to determine the time frame that constitutes reasonably foreseeable [ 2 ]. However, in 2021 under Bill C-7, the eligibility criteria for MAiD were changed to allow individuals with irreversible medical conditions, declining health, and suffering, but whose natural death was not reasonably foreseeable, to receive MAiD [ 3 ]. This population of MAiD applicants are referred to as Track 2 MAiD (those whose natural death is foreseeable are referred to as Track 1). Track 2 applicants are subject to additional safeguards under the 2021 C-7 legislation.

Three additional proposed changes to the legislation have been extensively studied by Canadian Expert Panels (Council of Canadian Academics [CCA]) [ 4 , 5 , 6 ] First, under the legislation that defines Track 2, individuals with mental disease as their sole underlying medical condition may apply for MAiD, but implementation of this practice is embargoed until March 2027 [ 4 ]. Second, there is consideration of allowing MAiD to be implemented through advanced consent. This would make it possible for persons living with dementia to receive MAID after they have lost the capacity to consent to the procedure [ 5 ]. Third, there is consideration of extending MAiD to mature minors. A mature minor is defined as “a person under the age of majority…and who has the capacity to understand and appreciate the nature and consequences of a decision” ([ 6 ] p. 5). In summary, since the legalization of MAiD in 2016 the eligibility criteria and safeguards have evolved significantly with consequent implications for nurses and nursing care. Further, the number of Canadians who access MAiD shows steady increases since 2016 [ 7 ] and it is expected that these increases will continue in the foreseeable future.

Nurses have been integral to MAiD care in the Canadian context. While other countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands also permit euthanasia, Canada is the first country to allow Nurse Practitioners (Registered Nurses with additional preparation typically achieved at the graduate level) to act independently as assessors and providers of MAiD [ 1 ]. Although the role of Registered Nurses (RNs) in MAiD is not defined in federal legislation, it has been addressed at the provincial/territorial-level with variability in scope of practice by region [ 8 , 9 ]. For example, there are differences with respect to the obligation of the nurse to provide information to patients about MAiD, and to the degree that nurses are expected to ensure that patient eligibility criteria and safeguards are met prior to their participation [ 10 ]. Studies conducted in the Canadian context indicate that RNs perform essential roles in MAiD care coordination; client and family teaching and support; MAiD procedural quality; healthcare provider and public education; and bereavement care for family [ 9 , 11 ]. Nurse practitioners and RNs are integral to a robust MAiD care system in Canada and hence need to be well-prepared for their role [ 12 ].

Previous studies have found that end of life care, and MAiD specifically, raise complex moral and ethical issues for nurses [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. The knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of nurses are important across practice settings because nurses have consistent, ongoing, and direct contact with patients who experience chronic or life-limiting health conditions. Canadian studies exploring nurses’ moral and ethical decision-making in relation to MAiD reveal that although some nurses are clear in their support for, or opposition to, MAiD, others are unclear on what they believe to be good and right [ 14 ]. Empirical findings suggest that nurses go through a period of moral sense-making that is often informed by their family, peers, and initial experiences with MAID [ 17 , 18 ]. Canadian legislation and policy specifies that nurses are not required to participate in MAiD and may recuse themselves as conscientious objectors with appropriate steps to ensure ongoing and safe care of patients [ 1 , 19 ]. However, with so many nurses having to reflect on and make sense of their moral position, it is essential that they are given adequate time and preparation to make an informed and thoughtful decision before they participate in a MAID death [ 20 , 21 ].

It is well established that nursing students receive inconsistent exposure to end of life care issues [ 22 ] and little or no training related to MAiD [ 23 ]. Without such education and reflection time in pre-entry nursing preparation, nurses are at significant risk for moral harm. An important first step in providing this preparation is to be able to assess the knowledge, values, and beliefs of nursing students regarding MAID and end of life care. As demand for MAiD increases along with the complexities of MAiD, it is critical to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and likelihood of engagement with MAiD among nursing students as a baseline upon which to build curriculum and as a means to track these variables over time.

Aim, design, and setting

The aim of this study was to develop a survey to measure nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, influences, and willingness to be involved in MAiD in the Canadian context. We sought to explore both their willingness to be involved in the registered nursing role and in the nurse practitioner role should they chose to prepare themselves to that level of education. The design was a mixed-method, modified e-Delphi method that entailed item generation, item refinement through an expert faculty panel [ 24 , 25 , 26 ], and initial item validation through a cognitive focus group interview with nursing students [ 27 ]. The settings were a University located in an urban area and a College located in a rural area in Western Canada.

Participants

A panel of 10 faculty from the two nursing education programs were recruited for Phase 2 of the e-Delphi. To be included, faculty were required to have a minimum of three years of experience in nurse education, be employed as nursing faculty, and self-identify as having experience with MAiD. A convenience sample of 5 fourth-year nursing students were recruited to participate in Phase 3. Students had to be in good standing in the nursing program and be willing to share their experiences of the survey in an online group interview format.

The modified e-Delphi was conducted in 3 phases: Phase 1 entailed item generation through literature and existing survey review. Phase 2 entailed item refinement through a faculty expert panel review with focus on content validity, prioritization, and revision of item wording [ 25 ]. Phase 3 entailed an assessment of face validity through focus group-based cognitive interview with nursing students.

Phase I. Item generation through literature review

The goal of phase 1 was to develop a bank of survey items that would represent the variables of interest and which could be provided to expert faculty in Phase 2. Initial survey items were generated through a literature review of similar surveys designed to assess knowledge and attitudes toward MAiD/euthanasia in healthcare providers; Canadian empirical studies on nurses’ roles and/or experiences with MAiD; and legislative and expert panel documents that outlined proposed changes to the legislative eligibility criteria and safeguards. The literature review was conducted in three online databases: CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Medline. Key words for the search included nurses , nursing students , medical students , NPs, MAiD , euthanasia , assisted death , and end-of-life care . Only articles written in English were reviewed. The legalization and legislation of MAiD is new in many countries; therefore, studies that were greater than twenty years old were excluded, no further exclusion criteria set for country.

Items from surveys designed to measure similar variables in other health care providers and geographic contexts were placed in a table and similar items were collated and revised into a single item. Then key variables were identified from the empirical literature on nurses and MAiD in Canada and checked against the items derived from the surveys to ensure that each of the key variables were represented. For example, conscientious objection has figured prominently in the Canadian literature, but there were few items that assessed knowledge of conscientious objection in other surveys and so items were added [ 15 , 21 , 28 , 29 ]. Finally, four case studies were added to the survey to address the anticipated changes to the Canadian legislation. The case studies were based upon the inclusion of mature minors, advanced consent, and mental disorder as the sole underlying medical condition. The intention was to assess nurses’ beliefs and comfort with these potential legislative changes.

Phase 2. Item refinement through expert panel review

The goal of phase 2 was to refine and prioritize the proposed survey items identified in phase 1 using a modified e-Delphi approach to achieve consensus among an expert panel [ 26 ]. Items from phase 1 were presented to an expert faculty panel using a Qualtrics (Provo, UT) online survey. Panel members were asked to review each item to determine if it should be: included, excluded or adapted for the survey. When adapted was selected faculty experts were asked to provide rationale and suggestions for adaptation through the use of an open text box. Items that reached a level of 75% consensus for either inclusion or adaptation were retained [ 25 , 26 ]. New items were categorized and added, and a revised survey was presented to the panel of experts in round 2. Panel members were again asked to review items, including new items, to determine if it should be: included, excluded, or adapted for the survey. Round 2 of the modified e-Delphi approach also included an item prioritization activity, where participants were then asked to rate the importance of each item, based on a 5-point Likert scale (low to high importance), which De Vaus [ 30 ] states is helpful for increasing the reliability of responses. Items that reached a 75% consensus on inclusion were then considered in relation to the importance it was given by the expert panel. Quantitative data were managed using SPSS (IBM Corp).

Phase 3. Face validity through cognitive interviews with nursing students

The goal of phase 3 was to obtain initial face validity of the proposed survey using a sample of nursing student informants. More specifically, student participants were asked to discuss how items were interpreted, to identify confusing wording or other problematic construction of items, and to provide feedback about the survey as a whole including readability and organization [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. The focus group was held online and audio recorded. A semi-structured interview guide was developed for this study that focused on clarity, meaning, order and wording of questions; emotions evoked by the questions; and overall survey cohesion and length was used to obtain data (see Supplementary Material 2  for the interview guide). A prompt to “think aloud” was used to limit interviewer-imposed bias and encourage participants to describe their thoughts and response to a given item as they reviewed survey items [ 27 ]. Where needed, verbal probes such as “could you expand on that” were used to encourage participants to expand on their responses [ 27 ]. Student participants’ feedback was collated verbatim and presented to the research team where potential survey modifications were negotiated and finalized among team members. Conventional content analysis [ 34 ] of focus group data was conducted to identify key themes that emerged through discussion with students. Themes were derived from the data by grouping common responses and then using those common responses to modify survey items.

Ten nursing faculty participated in the expert panel. Eight of the 10 faculty self-identified as female. No faculty panel members reported conscientious objector status and ninety percent reported general agreement with MAiD with one respondent who indicated their view as “unsure.” Six of the 10 faculty experts had 16 years of experience or more working as a nurse educator.

Five nursing students participated in the cognitive interview focus group. The duration of the focus group was 2.5 h. All participants identified that they were born in Canada, self-identified as female (one preferred not to say) and reported having received some instruction about MAiD as part of their nursing curriculum. See Tables  1 and 2 for the demographic descriptors of the study sample. Study results will be reported in accordance with the study phases. See Fig.  1 for an overview of the results from each phase.

Fig. 1  Overview of survey development findings

Phase 1: survey item generation

Review of the literature identified that no existing survey was available for use with nursing students in the Canadian context. However, an analysis of themes across qualitative and quantitative studies of physicians, medical students, nurses, and nursing students provided sufficient data to develop a preliminary set of items suitable for adaptation to a population of nursing students.

Four major themes and factors that influence knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about MAiD were evident from the literature: (i) endogenous or individual factors such as age, gender, personally held values, religion, religiosity, and/or spirituality [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ], (ii) experience with death and dying in personal and/or professional life [ 35 , 40 , 41 , 43 , 44 , 45 ], (iii) training including curricular instruction about clinical role, scope of practice, or the law [ 23 , 36 , 39 ], and (iv) exogenous or social factors such as the influence of key leaders, colleagues, friends and/or family, professional and licensure organizations, support within professional settings, and/or engagement in MAiD in an interdisciplinary team context [ 9 , 35 , 46 ].

Studies of nursing students also suggest overlap across these categories. For example, value for patient autonomy [ 23 ] and the moral complexity of decision-making [ 37 ] are important factors that contribute to attitudes about MAiD and may stem from a blend of personally held values coupled with curricular content, professional training and norms, and clinical exposure. For example, students report that participation in end of life care allows for personal growth, shifts in perception, and opportunities to build therapeutic relationships with their clients [ 44 , 47 , 48 ].

Preliminary items generated from the literature resulted in 56 questions from 11 published sources (See Table  3 ). These items were constructed across four main categories: (i) socio-demographic questions; (ii) end of life care questions; (iii) knowledge about MAiD; or (iv) comfort and willingness to participate in MAiD. Knowledge questions were refined to reflect current MAiD legislation, policies, and regulatory frameworks. Falconer [ 39 ] and Freeman [ 45 ] studies were foundational sources for item selection. Additionally, four case studies were written to reflect the most recent anticipated changes to MAiD legislation and all used the same open-ended core questions to address respondents’ perspectives about the patient’s right to make the decision, comfort in assisting a physician or NP to administer MAiD in that scenario, and hypothesized comfort about serving as a primary provider if qualified as an NP in future. Response options for the survey were also constructed during this stage and included: open text, categorical, yes/no , and Likert scales.

Phase 2: faculty expert panel review

Of the 56 items presented to the faculty panel, 54 questions reached 75% consensus. However, based upon the qualitative responses 9 items were removed largely because they were felt to be repetitive. Items that generated the most controversy were related to measuring religion and spirituality in the Canadian context, defining end of life care when there is no agreed upon time frames (e.g., last days, months, or years), and predicting willingness to be involved in a future events – thus predicting their future selves. Phase 2, round 1 resulted in an initial set of 47 items which were then presented back to the faculty panel in round 2.

Of the 47 initial questions presented to the panel in round 2, 45 reached a level of consensus of 75% or greater, and 34 of these questions reached a level of 100% consensus [ 27 ] of which all participants chose to include without any adaptations) For each question, level of importance was determined based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = very unimportant, 2 = somewhat unimportant, 3 = neutral, 4 = somewhat important, and 5 = very important). Figure  2 provides an overview of the level of importance assigned to each item.

Ranking level of importance for survey items

After round 2, a careful analysis of participant comments and level of importance was completed by the research team. While the main method of survey item development came from participants’ response to the first round of Delphi consensus ratings, level of importance was used to assist in the decision of whether to keep or modify questions that created controversy, or that rated lower in the include/exclude/adapt portion of the Delphi. Survey items that rated low in level of importance included questions about future roles, sex and gender, and religion/spirituality. After deliberation by the research committee, these questions were retained in the survey based upon the importance of these variables in the scientific literature.

Of the 47 questions remaining from Phase 2, round 2, four were revised. In addition, the two questions that did not meet the 75% cut off level for consensus were reviewed by the research team. The first question reviewed was What is your comfort level with providing a MAiD death in the future if you were a qualified NP ? Based on a review of participant comments, it was decided to retain this question for the cognitive interviews with students in the final phase of testing. The second question asked about impacts on respondents’ views of MAiD and was changed from one item with 4 subcategories into 4 separate items, resulting in a final total of 51 items for phase 3. The revised survey was then brought forward to the cognitive interviews with student participants in Phase 3. (see Supplementary Material 1 for a complete description of item modification during round 2).

Phase 3. Outcomes of cognitive interview focus group

Of the 51 items reviewed by student participants, 29 were identified as clear with little or no discussion. Participant comments for the remaining 22 questions were noted and verified against the audio recording. Following content analysis of the comments, four key themes emerged through the student discussion: unclear or ambiguous wording; difficult to answer questions; need for additional response options; and emotional response evoked by questions. An example of unclear or ambiguous wording was a request for clarity in the use of the word “sufficient” in the context of assessing an item that read “My nursing education has provided sufficient content about the nursing role in MAiD.” “Sufficient” was viewed as subjective and “laden with…complexity that distracted me from the question.” The group recommended rewording the item to read “My nursing education has provided enough content for me to care for a patient considering or requesting MAiD.”

An example of having difficulty answering questions related to limited knowledge related to terms used in the legislation such as such as safeguards , mature minor , eligibility criteria , and conscientious objection. Students were unclear about what these words meant relative to the legislation and indicated that this lack of clarity would hamper appropriate responses to the survey. To ensure that respondents are able to answer relevant questions, student participants recommended that the final survey include explanation of key terms such as mature minor and conscientious objection and an overview of current legislation.

Response options were also a point of discussion. Participants noted a lack of distinction between response options of unsure and unable to say . Additionally, scaling of attitudes was noted as important since perspectives about MAiD are dynamic and not dichotomous “agree or disagree” responses. Although the faculty expert panel recommended the integration of the demographic variables of religious and/or spiritual remain as a single item, the student group stated a preference to have religion and spirituality appear as separate items. The student focus group also took issue with separate items for the variables of sex and gender, specifically that non-binary respondents might feel othered or “outed” particularly when asked to identify their sex. These variables had been created based upon best practices in health research but students did not feel they were appropriate in this context [ 49 ]. Finally, students agreed with the faculty expert panel in terms of the complexity of projecting their future involvement as a Nurse Practitioner. One participant stated: “I certainly had to like, whoa, whoa, whoa. Now let me finish this degree first, please.” Another stated, “I'm still imagining myself, my future career as an RN.”

Finally, student participants acknowledged the array of emotions that some of the items produced for them. For example, one student described positive feelings when interacting with the survey. “Brought me a little bit of feeling of joy. Like it reminded me that this is the last piece of independence that people grab on to.” Another participant, described the freedom that the idea of an advance request gave her. “The advance request gives the most comfort for me, just with early onset Alzheimer’s and knowing what it can do.” But other participants described less positive feelings. For example, the mature minor case study yielded a comment: “This whole scenario just made my heart hurt with the idea of a child requesting that.”

Based on the data gathered from the cognitive interview focus group of nursing students, revisions were made to 11 closed-ended questions (see Table  4 ) and 3 items were excluded. In the four case studies, the open-ended question related to a respondents’ hypothesized actions in a future role as NP were removed. The final survey consists of 45 items including 4 case studies (see Supplementary Material 3 ).

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a survey that can be used to track the growth of knowledge about MAiD among nursing students over time, inform training programs about curricular needs, and evaluate attitudes and willingness to participate in MAiD at time-points during training or across nursing programs over time.

The faculty expert panel and student participants in the cognitive interview focus group identified a need to establish core knowledge of the terminology and legislative rules related to MAiD. For example, within the cognitive interview group of student participants, several acknowledged lack of clear understanding of specific terms such as “conscientious objector” and “safeguards.” Participants acknowledged discomfort with the uncertainty of not knowing and their inclination to look up these terms to assist with answering the questions. This survey can be administered to nursing or pre-nursing students at any phase of their training within a program or across training programs. However, in doing so it is important to acknowledge that their baseline knowledge of MAiD will vary. A response option of “not sure” is important and provides a means for respondents to convey uncertainty. If this survey is used to inform curricular needs, respondents should be given explicit instructions not to conduct online searches to inform their responses, but rather to provide an honest appraisal of their current knowledge and these instructions are included in the survey (see Supplementary Material 3 ).

Some provincial regulatory bodies have established core competencies for entry-level nurses that include MAiD. For example, the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) requires “knowledge about ethical, legal, and regulatory implications of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) when providing nursing care.” (10 p. 6) However, across Canada curricular content and coverage related to end of life care and MAiD is variable [ 23 ]. Given the dynamic nature of the legislation that includes portions of the law that are embargoed until 2024, it is important to ensure that respondents are guided by current and accurate information. As the law changes, nursing curricula, and public attitudes continue to evolve, inclusion of core knowledge and content is essential and relevant for investigators to be able to interpret the portions of the survey focused on attitudes and beliefs about MAiD. Content knowledge portions of the survey may need to be modified over time as legislation and training change and to meet the specific purposes of the investigator.

Given the sensitive nature of the topic, it is strongly recommended that surveys be conducted anonymously and that students be provided with an opportunity to discuss their responses to the survey. A majority of feedback from both the expert panel of faculty and from student participants related to the wording and inclusion of demographic variables, in particular religion, religiosity, gender identity, and sex assigned at birth. These and other demographic variables have the potential to be highly identifying in small samples. In any instance in which the survey could be expected to yield demographic group sizes less than 5, users should eliminate the demographic variables from the survey. For example, the profession of nursing is highly dominated by females with over 90% of nurses who identify as female [ 50 ]. Thus, a survey within a single class of students or even across classes in a single institution is likely to yield a small number of male respondents and/or respondents who report a difference between sex assigned at birth and gender identity. When variables that serve to identify respondents are included, respondents are less likely to complete or submit the survey, to obscure their responses so as not to be identifiable, or to be influenced by social desirability bias in their responses rather than to convey their attitudes accurately [ 51 ]. Further, small samples do not allow for conclusive analyses or interpretation of apparent group differences. Although these variables are often included in surveys, such demographics should be included only when anonymity can be sustained. In small and/or known samples, highly identifying variables should be omitted.

There are several limitations associated with the development of this survey. The expert panel was comprised of faculty who teach nursing students and are knowledgeable about MAiD and curricular content, however none identified as a conscientious objector to MAiD. Ideally, our expert panel would have included one or more conscientious objectors to MAiD to provide a broader perspective. Review by practitioners who participate in MAiD, those who are neutral or undecided, and practitioners who are conscientious objectors would ensure broad applicability of the survey. This study included one student cognitive interview focus group with 5 self-selected participants. All student participants had held discussions about end of life care with at least one patient, 4 of 5 participants had worked with a patient who requested MAiD, and one had been present for a MAiD death. It is not clear that these participants are representative of nursing students demographically or by experience with end of life care. It is possible that the students who elected to participate hold perspectives and reflections on patient care and MAiD that differ from students with little or no exposure to end of life care and/or MAiD. However, previous studies find that most nursing students have been involved with end of life care including meaningful discussions about patients’ preferences and care needs during their education [ 40 , 44 , 47 , 48 , 52 ]. Data collection with additional student focus groups with students early in their training and drawn from other training contexts would contribute to further validation of survey items.

Future studies should incorporate pilot testing with small sample of nursing students followed by a larger cross-program sample to allow evaluation of the psychometric properties of specific items and further refinement of the survey tool. Consistent with literature about the importance of leadership in the context of MAiD [ 12 , 53 , 54 ], a study of faculty knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward MAiD would provide context for understanding student perspectives within and across programs. Additional research is also needed to understand the timing and content coverage of MAiD across Canadian nurse training programs’ curricula.

The implementation of MAiD is complex and requires understanding of the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Within the field of nursing this includes clinical providers, educators, and students who will deliver clinical care. A survey to assess nursing students’ attitudes toward and willingness to participate in MAiD in the Canadian context is timely, due to the legislation enacted in 2016 and subsequent modifications to the law in 2021 with portions of the law to be enacted in 2027. Further development of this survey could be undertaken to allow for use in settings with practicing nurses or to allow longitudinal follow up with students as they enter practice. As the Canadian landscape changes, ongoing assessment of the perspectives and needs of health professionals and students in the health professions is needed to inform policy makers, leaders in practice, curricular needs, and to monitor changes in attitudes and practice patterns over time.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available due to small sample sizes, but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives

Medical assistance in dying

Nurse practitioner

Registered nurse

University of British Columbia Okanagan

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the faculty and students who generously contributed their time to this work.

JS received a student traineeship through the Principal Research Chairs program at the University of British Columbia Okanagan.

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JS made substantial contributions to the conception of the work; data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation; and drafting and substantively revising the work. JS has approved the submitted version and agreed to be personally accountable for the author's own contributions and to ensure that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work, even ones in which the author was not personally involved, are appropriately investigated, resolved, and the resolution documented in the literature. BP made substantial contributions to the conception of the work; data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation; and drafting and substantively revising the work. BP has approved the submitted version and agreed to be personally accountable for the author's own contributions and to ensure that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work, even ones in which the author was not personally involved, are appropriately investigated, resolved, and the resolution documented in the literature. LO made substantial contributions to the conception of the work; data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation; and substantively revising the work. LO has approved the submitted version and agreed to be personally accountable for the author's own contributions and to ensure that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work, even ones in which the author was not personally involved, are appropriately investigated, resolved, and the resolution documented in the literature. NDO made substantial contributions to the conception of the work; data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation; and substantively revising the work. NDO has approved the submitted version and agreed to be personally accountable for the author's own contributions and to ensure that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work, even ones in which the author was not personally involved, are appropriately investigated, resolved, and the resolution documented in the literature. HS made substantial contributions to drafting and substantively revising the work. HS has approved the submitted version and agreed to be personally accountable for the author's own contributions and to ensure that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work, even ones in which the author was not personally involved, are appropriately investigated, resolved, and the resolution documented in the literature.

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JS conducted this study as part of their graduate requirements in the School of Nursing, University of British Columbia Okanagan.

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Correspondence to Barbara Pesut .

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The research was approved by the Selkirk College Research Ethics Board (REB) ID # 2021–011 and the University of British Columbia Behavioral Research Ethics Board ID # H21-01181.

All participants provided written and informed consent through approved consent processes. Research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

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Schroeder, J., Pesut, B., Olsen, L. et al. Developing a survey to measure nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, influences, and willingness to be involved in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): a mixed method modified e-Delphi study. BMC Nurs 23 , 326 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01984-z

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Received : 24 October 2023

Accepted : 28 April 2024

Published : 14 May 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01984-z

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• Medical assistance in dying (MAiD)
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2024 Elaine Marieb Center Pilot Grants

Each year, as part of the Elaine Marieb Center’s mission to promote healthcare innovation, the Center awards Pilot Grants to UMass faculty teams that use collaborative, interdisciplinary nurse-engineer research to discover and fill gaps in effective healthcare products and processes. This year, four yearlong pilot projects were awarded addressing a diverse range of topics that highlight the unique contributions of nursing and engineering teams. This year’s projects are focused on nursing workload, the connection between health and local farming, new methods to measure actual IV pump flow rates, and the development of novel polymers in patient warming devices.

Culture, Climate Change, Farming, and Health Outcomes

Favorite Iradukunda , PhD RN from the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, and C. D. (Christian David) Guzman , PhD from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering work with local farmers and gardeners in Holyoke and Springfield to further their project’s aim of building (as the team states) “insights and comparisons on the impacts that local urban farming can have on culture and health.” Diets rich in fresh produce positively impact physical health, and existing farming and gardening research suggests that the actual processes of farming and gardening can positively effect mental health as well.  But these vital resources may not be accessible for the long term due to the impact of environment.  The team says, “In addition to social interaction and physical activity, access to community gardens can improve food security and diet quality by increasing fruit and vegetable intake. While these programs can have an improved benefit to society and participants, climate change may influence the sustained access to these experiences.”  The team will be using its engineering and nursing expertise to perform an analysis of qualitative farming and gardening data, comparing the Western Massachusetts region (including Springfield and Holyoke) to other areas of Massachusetts and the US, and looking at the effects of climate change and environment on local farms.   

Improving Workload Management in Inpatient Units Using Mathematical Modeling and Qualitative Methods . 

Hari Balasubramanian , PhD; Muge Capan , PhD  both from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Joohyun Chung , PhD RN from the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing are working with nurses at Baystate Medical Center to create a nursing workload measurement tool that will reduce stress on nurses and improve patient care. With the nursing profession facing unprecedented staffing shortages, precisely defining workload is a critical part of making that workload manageable.  The team stated, “Defining and understanding nursing workload is a complex undertaking, as there is no clear published definition specifically tailored to nursing. Further, there is no standardized approach to measure and manage the workload associated with tasks assigned to nursing-led care teams in inpatient units. The goal of the proposed project is to leverage the power of frontline provider experiences and data science to inform sustainable care team configuration in the hospital setting.” The first part of their project will utilize engineering expertise to analyze several months of workload data from a cardiovascular unit at Baystate Medical Center.  The second part will determine what nurses understand to be important measures of workload by working with focus groups of nurses. Findings from both parts will be combined to create a workload measurement tool.

Synergistic Fusion: Advancing Thermal Therapy Systems for Patient Safety through Nursing-Engineering Collaboration

Yanfei Xu , PhD from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, will be working with Cidàlia Vital , PhD RN, the Program Director of Nursing Research and Holistic Nursing at Baystate Medical Center and Lecturer from Elaine Marieb College of Nursing to increase the efficiency of polymers in thermal therapy systems.  The team’s research will be taking place both in UMass laboratory space and in the Baysate Health clinical setting.  The thermal therapy systems surround patients with warm air prior to and following surgery and at other critical times, but the tendency of the plastics to overheat and fracture can decrease their efficacy and cause unintended harm to patients. In addition to gathering data about these devices in the real-world setting, the team plans to apply that data to the creation of novel polymers  that will not be prone to overheating and fracturing.  The team says, “Anticipated outcomes include significant advancements in thermal therapy applications using advanced polymers with efficient heat dissipation and strong shear strength, leading to more personalized and efficient healthcare solutions benefiting individuals and communities.”

Use of Spectrophotometry and Molecular Concentration to Evaluate Secondary Medication Flow Through Baxter Sigma Intravenous Smart Pumps

Jeannine Blake , PhD RN, Juan Jiménez , PhD, and Sina Fazarneh, PhD from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering use spectrophotometry to document the flow rates of IV Smart Pumps (IVSP). Due to various factors, IVSP often inaccurately indicate flow rates; in other words, readouts on IV Smart Pumps are often not consistent with the actual amount of medication being dispersed.  This is problematic, as adverse events related to errors from IVSP use are among the most frequent medical device errors reported to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).  Using spectrophotometry (which measures the amount of light that passes through substances to determine the substance’s viscosity, or density) will provide a greater level of detail than that provided by the data previously available.  “The level of precision afforded by this methodology will go beyond prior study of this variable, providing a much clearer understanding of the impact of setup on secondary medication administration. By populating each of the two infusion bags with a molecule traceable by spectrophotometry, we will be able to assess the final fluid volume for the concentration of each molecule and compare to the expected concentrations to understand the flow profile through the IVSP.”

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Coming out of the ashes we rise: Experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse international nursing students at two Australian universities during the Covid-19 pandemic

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Background and aim: Research on international students conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic has persistently highlighted the vulnerabilities and challenges that they experienced when staying in the host country to continue with their studies. The findings from such research can inevitably create a negative image of international students and their ability to respond to challenges during unprecedented times. Therefore, this paper took a different stance and reported on a qualitative study that explored culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) international nursing students who overcame the challenges brought about by the pandemic to continue with their studies in Australia. Method: A descriptive qualitative research design guided by the processes of constructivist grounded theory was selected to ascertain insights from participants' experiences of studying abroad in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Three themes emerged from the collected data that described the participants' lived experiences, and they were: 1) Viewing international education as the pursuit of a better life, 2) Focusing on personal growth, and 3) Coming out of the ashes we rise. Discussion: The findings highlight the importance of recognising the investments and sacrifices that CaLD international students and their families make in pursuit of international tertiary education. The findings also underscore the importance of acknowledging the qualities that CaLD international students have to achieve self-growth and ultimately self-efficacy as they stay in the host country during a pandemic. Conclusion: Future research should focus on identifying strategies that are useful for CaLD international nursing students to experience personal growth and ultimately self-efficacy and continue with their studies in the host country during times of uncertainty such as a pandemic.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This study did not receive any funding

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I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Ethical approval was obtained from Curtin University Human Research Ethics Office (HRE2022-0238) and The University of Southern Queensland Ethical Review Committee (H22REA114).

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

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