Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses

Generate

questions

Research

purpose

Research question

and/or hypotheses

Literature

review

Identify

nonresearchable

questions

Research topic

Clinical

practice

Problem of

interest

Research

problem

FIGURE 3-1 Narrowing the Research Question

there is a gap in knowledge that requires a solution that

can be described, explained, or predicted to improve

nursing practice (Norwood, 2000). Research problems are

identified through a variety of sources: personal clinical

experience, professional literature, current nursing theo-

ries, previous research, and national initiatives. Nursing,

like all healthcare professions, is constantly seeking ways

to improve clinical outcomes and promote health across

the life span.

KEY TERM

research problem:

Area of concern

when there is a gap

in knowledge that

requires a solution

FYI

Using research to fill a gap in knowledge

that requires a solution can improve clinical

outcomes and promote health across the

life span. Research problems are identified

through a variety of sources: personal clinical

experience, professional literature, current

nursing theories, previous research, and

national initiatives.

70 CHAPTER 3 Identifying Research Questions