Being in a research study

The phases of clinical trials research and how to apply to participate in a trial are explained. The opportunity to try new medications before they are available to the general public is an advantage, but unexpected side effects can be a drawback. Although many trials pay for lab work and related costs, not all do. Patients are cautioned to make sure they have adequate information before they give their informed consent, and to review the trial with their insurance company before participating.     

Difficulties in a multipractice study

A multipractice study with the aid of questionnaires concerning "The possible influence of patients' occupations on sterility" had to be given up, when three quarters of the general practitioners who originally enrolled failed to complete the investigation. To help other investigators involved in multipractice studies, an analysis was done of the causes of general practitioner drop out. This points to lack of motivation, a lack of knowledge of epidemiology, forgetfulness and too great a workload on the part of the general practitioner. In addition findings showed an over long period of study, a rather extensive and complicated questionnaire, the fact that sterility is a rare problem, and other more obscure circumstances.     

Deciding on a mixed-methods design in a doctoral study

Research in social science, including nursing, can be broadly split into two main types, qualitative and quantitative. Each has strengths and weaknesses. In some studies both methods are employed. In all cases the method chosen should answer the question set, rather than simply reflect the preferences of the researcher. This article outlines how the authors, one of whom was studying for a doctorate in nursing (Al-Hamdan 2008), the other who was the supervisor, determined the most appropriate research method to use for the doctorate.     

Interdisciplinary collaboration: a study in progress

A multidisciplinary, multi-institutional collaborative effort was initiated to address the perspectives of health care literacy in an urban/rural area of west Texas. This article presents the mechanisms utilized in the development and implementation of this collaborative process. Individuals within multiple institutions realized the importance of working together to address health care issues. As a result of this consortium development, an initial endeavor addressing health care literacy and functional health status was initiated. The development of the consortium and the project is presented in this article to provide a model for consortium development applicable to other professions.     

Burnout in residency: a statewide study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of burnout in residents in obstetrics and gynecology through the use of a validated tool. METHODS: The Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services questionnaire is a previously validated tool that measures burnout. Obstetrics and gynecology residents from Texas were invited to participate in this study in 2002. The Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services questionnaire and a demographic survey were distributed to each resident. Responses were anonymous and returned by mail. Contingency coefficient and chi2 tests were used for analysis; values of P < 0.05 were significant. RESULTS: Residents (n = 368) from 17 programs in Texas were surveyed. Responses were received from 14 programs (82.4%), with 136 surveys (37%) returned. Overall, 38.2% reported high emotional exhaustion, 47.1% reported high depersonalization, and 19.1% reported reduced personal accomplishment. The number of residents experiencing true burnout (high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment) was 17.6% (n = 24). CONCLUSIONS: High levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization occur in some residents. Burnout in residents included in this study was approximately 18%.     

Active participation in a research study: a teaching strategy

As nurse educators, it is necessary to make the connection between nursing theory and nursing practice. By implementing a new teaching strategy in a nursing research course, faculty researchers were able to accomplish 3 goals: (1) get students excited about the research process and view its relevance to nursing practice; (2) understand how all nursing and medical interventions begin with research; and (3) enlist student help on a faculty-sponsored research project. The authors discuss the project and its outcomes.     

Challenges of recruiting a vulnerable population in a grounded theory study

Abstract Recruitment is a crucial and fundamental part of research and one that poses various degrees of difficulty. This is particularly so when the area of research is one that is either highly sensitive, or that involves participants who are deemed to be particularly vulnerable. This article explores the inherent tensions in matters of participant recruitment among meeting the demands of institutional ethics committees, satisfying the concerns of clinicians in the field and the need to maintain methodological rigor. A postgraduate research student's experience of these tensions underpins the discussion. The article concludes with an outline of the student's strategies and resolution of these issues.