Journal of pediatric oncology nursing : official journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · May 2013
Enhancing pediatric oncology nursing care through research, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.
Research, quality improvement (QI), and evidence-based practice (EBP) are knowledge-based methods used to enhance nursing practice. Nurses need to conduct studies to fill empirical gaps of knowledge (research), continually monitor health care practices and processes (QI), and systematically compile and review evidence (EBP). Research, QI, and EBP are valuable instruments within the health care setting as they can benefit the patient, families, health care team members, and the nursing profession, but it is important to understand when and how to use each method. ⋯ Clinical issues and concerns can transform practices based on evidence through the proper use of these methods. Nurses are highly motivated to create the best possible environment of healing for their patients. Therefore, it is essential that nurses use research, QI, and EBP so pediatric oncology knowledge can continue to evolve.
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · May 2013
From qualitative work to intervention development in pediatric oncology palliative care research.
Qualitative methods can be particularly useful approaches to use with individuals who are experiencing a rare disease and thus who comprise a small sample (such as children with cancer) and are at points in care that few experience (such as end of life). This data-based methods article describes how findings from a qualitative study were used to guide and shape a pediatric oncology palliative care intervention. Qualitative data can lay a strong foundation for subsequent pilot intervention work by facilitating the development of an underlying study conceptualization, providing recruitment feasibility estimates, helping establish clinically meaningful inclusion criteria, establishing staff acceptability of a research intervention, and providing support for face validity of newly developed interventions. These benefits of preliminary qualitative research are described in the context of this study on legacy-making, which involves reports of children (7-12 years of age) living with advanced cancer and of their parent caregivers.