current research topics in nursing

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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Current Trends in Critical Care Nursing Research

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Cindy L. Munro , Aluko A. Hope; Current Trends in Critical Care Nursing Research. Am J Crit Care 1 May 2023; 32 (3): 150–152. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2023943

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Critical care has faced unprecedented challenges in the recent past, including the COVID-19 pandemic and deterioration of the health care work environment. Research is crucial in discovering innovative solutions to these challenges, but the pandemic made critical care nursing research more difficult. Increased demands of caring for patients with high acuity and high mortality resulted in less time and energy for nurses at the bedside to participate in research. Nurse researchers had reduced access to critically ill patients, and medical studies of COVID-19 treatments often were prioritized over studies focused on nursing care or the work environment.

Despite these complicated constraints, researchers have persisted. And, as the research journal for the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), the American Journal of Critical Care ( AJCC ) has continued to publish research of relevance to critical care nursing and interdisciplinary teamwork. Our primary goal is to provide our readers with reports of high-quality, timely clinical research that can inform and improve the care of critically ill patients and their families. In this editorial, we reflect on recent themes in research published in AJCC and provide examples from 2023 papers. We also alert readers to research events that will be offered at this month’s National Teaching Institute (NTI 2023) meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 22-24, 2023.

Between January 2022 (Volume 31, Issue 1) and the current May 2023 journal issue (Volume 32, Issue 3), AJCC published 71 reports of original research. These recent papers addressed a wide range of research topics, including bedside patient care, palliative and end-of-life care, intensive care unit (ICU) survivorship, measurement and prediction of patient problems, family concerns, communication, moral distress, and healthy work environment. The needs of patients across the lifespan were represented.

From a topical review of these recently published research papers, 3 overarching focal areas of high interest to bedside care emerged as themes. The first theme, improving patient care, was the predominate focus of many papers. The second theme, family well-being, remained an important concern. The third theme, understanding and improving the critical care work environment, was also well represented among recent papers. Appropriately, each of these themes is well aligned with the AACN vision, which states “AACN is dedicated to creating a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and families where acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution.” 1  

Research to improve patient care at the bedside is foundational to nursing research. This focus has always been a primary emphasis for AJCC , and recent papers reflect the journal’s commitment to publishing rigorous clinical research that is applicable to bedside care. As an example, a paper in the March 2023 issue of AJCC reports the results of a randomized controlled trial of a live music intervention in the ICU. 2   The trial demonstrated that a 30-minute live music intervention provided by a board-certified music therapist significantly reduced agitation, pain, and heart rate in a group of adults receiving mechanical ventilation, compared with a usual care group who did not receive the live music intervention. Notably, this nurse-led research was conducted in a Beacon unit of a Magnet-designated community hospital, and the collaboration between nursing and music therapy highlighted the power of interdisciplinary care in improving patient outcomes. Because providing evidence of the effectiveness of nonpharmacologic interventions in reducing agitation and pain is crucial to informing practice, this article was selected as a continuing education offering.

“Recent papers reflect the journal’s commitment to publishing rigorous clinical research that is applicable to bedside care.”

The work of the critical care team encompasses meeting the needs of patients’ families, and effective teams understand that the well-being of the family is intricately linked to the patient’s outcomes. The experiences and concerns of families, and measures to alleviate their ICU-related stress and suffering, are important areas of research that are well represented in AJCC . In a qualitative study reported in the January 2023 issue of AJCC , Blok and colleagues described the multiple factors that contribute to distress of family caregivers; the concerns were wide ranging and included factors related to the ICU environment as well as stressors external to the ICU. 3   In order to disseminate these findings more broadly, this article was featured as a continuing education offering, and an interview with the nurse researcher who led the study was featured as a video on the AJCC website. 4  

AACN has been a leader in building and disseminating evidence about healthy work environments, including advocating for nurse well-being as a prerequisite for safe, high-quality patient care. AACN has published data about nurses’ well-being and about the positive effects of healthy work environments. 5 , 6   AACN was the convener for the Partners for Safe Staffing, a multiorganizational effort to address health care team staffing solutions that led to the initiation of both a Nurse Staffing Think Tank and a Nurse Staffing Task Force. 7   The importance of nurse well-being was explicitly noted in The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 ; recommendation 3 of that report states,

By 2021, nursing education programs, employers, nursing leaders, licensing boards, and nursing organizations should initiate the implementation of structures, systems, and evidence based interventions to promote nurses’ health and well-being, especially as they take on new roles to advance health equity. 8(p13)  

Building the evidence to support the health and well-being of critical care nurses and ICU team members is an important priority for AJCC and is reflected in the research we publish in this focal area. This issue of AJCC includes exciting results from long-term longitudinal follow-up of participants in the Mindful Ethical Practice and Resilience Academy (MEPRA). 9 , 10   MEPRA is an experiential educational program designed to improve nurses’ skills in mindfulness, resilience, and competence to confront ethical challenges. In an earlier AJCC publication, the researchers reported that MEPRA was effective in the period immediately following the intervention. 9   New results demonstrate that the positive benefits of MEPRA continued to persist at the longest follow-up measurement— 6 months after the intervention. 10   This research is important; it provides evidence and direction for health care systems to improve nurse well-being in alignment with AACN healthy work environment standards and the recommendation from The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 . It is also featured as a continuing education offering.

The needs of COVID-19 patients have appropriately garnered much attention during the pandemic. Between January 2022 and May 2023, 16 AJCC papers (23%) specifically focused on COVID-19. Interestingly, although focused on COVID-19, these papers aligned well with the 3 general themes previously described. COVID-19 patient problems and care were examined in 5 papers, 5 concerned the needs of family members of COVID-19 patients, and 6 studied work environment issues (4 describing nurses’ and staff experiences related to the pandemic, and 2 describing risks of transmission of COVID-19 infection to health care workers). These papers most likely have relevance beyond COVID-19. Conversely, research studies that were not specific to COVID-19 patients might have broad applicability to their care as well. Elements of care that are unique to COVID-19, and how care of these patients is similar to or different from care of other critically ill patients, are topics that require further delineation.

“Overarching themes of AJCC articles published since January 2022 are improving patient care, family well-being, and healthy work environment.”

There is more to come at NTI 2023. The research that will be presented there promises to be engaging, motivating, and useful for practice. On Monday afternoon, May 22, 2023, Dr Cynthia Rushton will highlight her long and successful research trajectory as she presents the 2023 AACN Distinguished Research Lecture, “Transforming Moral Suffering by Cultivating Moral Resilience and Ethical Practice.” NTI attendees can find her lecture on the conference schedule as activity #C75M412. As is customary for AACN Distinguished Research Lectures, the abstract for the presentation is published in this issue of AJCC and available before her lecture. 11   The complete Distinguished Research Lecture paper will be published in the July issue of AJCC .

It is also customary that the May issue of AJCC includes an online article containing all of the research abstracts to be presented at that year’s NTI; the research abstracts can be accessed on the AJCC website ( ajcconline.org ) via the May issue’s table of contents. We encourage NTI attendees to review the research abstracts in advance of the meeting as they plan their NTI schedules. At NTI 2023, 4 award-winning research abstracts will be featured in 2 oral presentation sessions (Tuesday, May 23, activity #C60M406 and Wednesday, May 24, activity #C60M407). An additional 20 research abstracts will be presented as posters in the Research Poster session on Monday, May 22 (activity #POS115). As might be expected, the research abstracts to be presented at NTI 2023 also fit nicely into the overarching themes of improving patient care, family well-being, and healthy work environment.

Every year, NTI offers a celebration of nursing practice and research. If you are able to join the exceptional community of nurses who attend NTI 2023, we hope that you will choose to experience the Distinguished Research Lecture and other research presentations. Nonetheless, you can always find research that underpins the practice of acute and critical care nurses and the interdisciplinary team in the pages of AJCC .

The statements and opinions contained in this editorial are solely those of the coeditors in chief.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

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To purchase electronic or print reprints, contact American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 27071 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. Phone, (800) 899-1712 or (949) 362-2050 (ext 532); fax, (949) 362-2049; email, [email protected] .

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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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The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity (2021)

Chapter: 11 the future of nursing: recommendations and research priorities, 11 the future of nursing: recommendations and research priorities.

The next 10 years will test the nation’s nearly 4 million nurses in new and complex ways. Nurses live and work at the intersection of health, education, and communities. In the decade since the prior The Future of Nursing report was published ( IOM, 2011 ), the world has come to understand the critical importance of health to all aspects of life, particularly the relationship among social determinants of health (SDOH), health equity, and health outcomes. Consistent with this broader understanding, the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) (2020) advanced an important set of recommendations that the committee endorses. The NACNEP report Integration of Social Determinants of Health in Nursing Education, Practice, and Research conveys the importance of investing in SDOH and research to strengthen the nursing workforce and help nurses provide more effective care, as well as design, implement, and assess new care models.

In a year that was designated to honor and uplift nursing (the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020 1 ), nurses have been placed in unimaginable circumstances by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decade ahead will demand a stronger, more diversified workforce that is prepared to provide care; promote health and well-being among nurses, individuals, and communities; and address the systemic inequities that have fueled wide and persistent health disparities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed in the starkest terms that illness and access to quality health care are unequally distributed across groups and commu-

___________________

1 See https://www.who.int/campaigns/annual-theme/year-of-the-nurse-and-the-midwife-2020 (accessed April 12, 2021).

nities, and has spotlighted the reality that much of what affects health happens outside of medical care. The pandemic and continued calls for racial justice have illuminated the extent to which structural racism—from decades of neglect and disinvestment in neighborhoods, schools, communities, and health care to discrimination and bias—has placed communities of color at much higher risk for poor health and well-being.

The committee’s recommendations call for change at both the individual and system levels, constituting a call for action to the nation’s largest health care workforce, including nurses in all settings and at all levels, to listen, engage, deeply examine practices, collect evidence, and act to move the country toward greater health equity for all. The committee’s recommendations also are targeted to the actions required of policy makers, educators, health care system leaders, and payers to enable these crucial changes, supported by the research agenda with which this chapter concludes. With implementation of this report’s recommendations, the committee envisions 10 outcomes that position the nursing profession to contribute meaningfully to achieving health equity (see Box 11-1 ).

In this chapter, the committee provides its recommendations for charting a 10-year path forward to enable and support today’s and the next generation of nurses to create fair and just opportunities for health and well-being for

everyone. These recommendations are aimed at all nurses, including those working in hospitals, schools, and health departments; policy makers; educators; health care system leaders; and payers. The chapter concludes with a research agenda to fill current and critical gaps that would support this future-oriented path.

CREATING A SHARED AGENDA

In order for nurses to engage fully in efforts to achieve health equity, it will be necessary for nursing organizations to work together to identify priorities for education, practice, and policy, and to develop mechanisms for leveraging existing nursing expertise and resources. Creating a shared agenda will focus efforts and ensure that all nurses—no matter where they are educated or where they practice—are prepared, supported, and empowered to address SDOH and eliminate inequities in health and health care.

Recommendation 1: In 2021, all national nursing organizations should initiate work to develop a shared agenda for addressing social determinants of health and achieving health equity. This agenda should include explicit priorities across nursing practice, education, leadership, and health policy

engagement. The Tri-Council for Nursing 2 and the Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations, 3 with their associated member organizations, should work collaboratively and leverage their respective expertise in leading this agenda-setting process. Relevant expertise should be identified and shared across national nursing organizations, including the Federal Nursing Service Council 4 and the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations. With support from the government, payers, health and health care organizations, and foundations, the implementation of this agenda should include associated timelines and metrics for measuring impact.

Specific actions should include the following:

• Assess diversity, equity, and inclusion, and eliminate policies, regulations, and systems that perpetuate structural racism, cultural racism, and discrimination with respect to identity (e.g., sexual orientation, gender), place (e.g., rural, inner city), and circumstances (e.g., disabilities, depression).
• Develop mechanisms for leveraging the expertise of public health nursing (e.g., in population health, SDOH, community-level assessment) as a resource for the broader nursing community, health plans, and health systems, as well as public policy makers.
• Develop mechanisms for leveraging the expertise of relevant nursing organizations in care coordination and care management. Care coordination and care management principles, approaches, and evidence should be used to create new cross-sector models for meeting social needs and addressing SDOH.
• Develop mechanisms for prioritizing and sharing continuing education and skill-training resources focused on nurses’ health, well-being, resilience, and self-care to ensure a healthy nursing workforce.

2 The Tri-Council for Nursing includes the following organizations as members: the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing.

3 The Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations includes the following organizations as members: the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, the American Nurses Association, the American Public Health Association—Public Health Nursing Section, the Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, the Association of Public Health Nurses, and the Rural Nurse Organization.

4 The Federal Nursing Service Council is a united federal nursing leadership team representing the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, National Guard and Reserves, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Graduate School of Nursing.

• These resources should be used by nurses and others in leadership positions.
• Develop and use communication strategies, including social media, to amplify for the public, policy makers, and the media nursing research and expertise on health equity–related issues.
• Increase the number and diversity of nurses, especially those with expertise in health equity, population health, and SDOH, on boards and in other leadership positions within and outside of health care (e.g., community boards, housing authorities, school boards, technology-related positions).
• Establish a joint annual award or series of awards recognizing the measurable and scalable contributions of nurses and their partners to achieving health equity through policy, education, research, and practice. Priority should be given to interprofessional and multisector collaboration.

SUPPORTING NURSES TO ADVANCE HEALTH EQUITY

Promoting health and well-being for all should be a national priority, and a collective and sustained commitment is needed to achieve this priority. To chart this path, nurses should be fully supported with robust education, resources, and autonomy. Key stakeholders should commit to investing fully in strengthening and diversifying the nursing workforce so that it is sufficiently prepared to promote health and appropriately reflects the people and communities it serves. Nursing schools, health care institutions, and public health and community health organizations can do significantly more to empower nurses to raise their voices and use their considerable expertise to improve people’s lives, health, and well-being.

Recommendation 2: By 2023, state and federal government agencies, health care and public health organizations, payers, and foundations should initiate substantive actions to enable the nursing workforce to address social determinants of health and health equity more comprehensively, regardless of practice setting.

This can be accomplished through the following actions:

• Rapidly increase both the number of nurses with expertise in health equity and the number of nurses in specialties with significant shortages, including public and community health, behavioral health, primary care, long-term care, geriatrics, school health, and maternal health. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance
• Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state governments should support this effort through workforce planning and funding.
• Provide major investments for nursing education and traineeships in public health, including through state-level workforce programs; foundations; and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS’s) HRSA (including nursing workforce programs and Maternal and Child Health Bureau programs), CDC (including the National Center for Environmental Health), and the Office of Minority Health.
• State governments, foundations, employers, and HRSA should direct funds to nurses and nursing schools to sustain and increase the gender, geographic, and racial diversity of the licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) workforce.
• HRSA and the Indian Health Service (IHS) should make substantial investments in nurse loan and scholarship programs to address nurse shortages, including in public health, in health professional shortage areas for HRSA, and in IHS designated sites; and invest in technical assistance that focuses on nurse retention.
• In all relevant Title 8 programs, HRSA should prioritize longitudinal community-based learning opportunities that address social needs, population health, SDOH, and health equity. These experiences should be established through academic–community-based partnerships.
• Foundations, state government workforce programs, and the federal government should support the academic progression of socioeconomically disadvantaged students by encouraging partnerships among baccalaureate and higher-degree nursing programs and community colleges; tribal colleges; historically Black colleges and universities; Hispanic-serving colleges and universities; and nursing programs that serve a high percentage of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students.
• Report on and propose actions to fill critical gaps in the current nursing workforce and prepare the future workforce to address health equity.
• Use findings, including those from workforce centers, on the ° diversity, capacity, supply, and distribution of nurses; associated competencies; and organizational support for the nursing workforce in addressing social needs, SDOH, and health equity. Recommend actions to ensure nurses’ continued engagement in these areas.
• Further develop recommendations for nursing education and prac- ° tice with respect to addressing social needs, SDOH, and health equity, and assess the implications of these changes for nurse credentialing and regulatory actions.
• Identify and address gaps in evidence-based nursing and interpro- ° fessional and multisectoral approaches for addressing social needs, SDOH, and health equity.
• Provide information to the secretary of HHS regarding activities of ° federal agencies that relate to the nursing workforce and its impact on health equity.
• Public health and health care systems should quantify nursing expenditures related to health equity and SDOH. This includes providing support for nurses in activities that explicitly target social needs, SDOH, and health equity through health care organization policies, governance and related advisory structures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Representatives of social sectors, consumer organizations, and government entities should include nursing expertise when health-related multisector policy reform is being advanced.
• State and federal governments should provide sustainable funding to prepare sufficient numbers of baccalaureate, APRN, and PhD-level nurses to address SDOH, advance health equity, and increase access to primary care.
• Employers should support nurses at all levels in all settings with the financial, technical, educational, and staffing resources to help them play a leading role in achieving health equity.

PROMOTING NURSES’ HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

During the course of their work, nurses encounter physical, mental, emotional, and ethical challenges, and burnout is an increasingly prevalent problem. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues. In order for nurses to help others be healthy and well, they must be healthy and well themselves; a lack of nurse well-being has consequences for nurses, patients, employers, and communities. As nurses are asked to take a more prominent role in advancing health equity, it will become even more imperative that all stakeholders—including educators, employers, leaders, and nurses themselves—take steps to ensure nurse well-being.

Recommendation 3: By 2021, nursing education programs, employers, nursing leaders, licensing boards, and nursing organizations should initiate the implementation of structures, systems, and evidence-based interventions to promote nurses’ health and well-being, especially as they take on new roles to advance health equity.

This can be accomplished by taking the following steps:

• Integrate content on nurses’ health and well-being into their programs to raise nursing students’ awareness of the importance of these concerns and provide them with associated skill training and support that can be used as they transition to practice.
• Create mechanisms, including organizational policy and regulations, to protect students most at risk for behavioral health challenges, including those students who may be experiencing economic hardships or feel that they are unsafe; isolated; or targets of bias, discrimination, and injustice.
• Provide sufficient human and material resources (including personal protective equipment) to enable nurses to provide high-quality person-, family-, and community-centered care effectively and safely. This effort should include redesigning processes and increasing staff capacity to improve workflow, promote transdisciplinary collaboration, reduce modifiable burden, and distribute responsibilities to reflect nurses’ expertise and scope of practice.
• Establish a culture of physical and psychological safety and ethical practice in the workplace, including dismantling structural racism; addressing bullying and incivility; using evidence-informed approaches; investing in organizational infrastructure, such as resilience engineering; 5 and creating accountability for nurses’ health and well-being outcomes.
• Create mechanisms, including organizational policy and regulations, to protect nurses from retaliation when advocating on behalf of themselves and their patients and when reporting unsafe working conditions, biases, discrimination, and injustice.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion across the nursing workforce, and identify and eliminate policies and systems that perpetuate structural racism, cultural racism, and discrimination in the nursing profession, recognizing that nurses are accountable for

5 Resilience engineering is focused on “understanding the nature of adaptations, learning from success and increasing adaptive capacity” ( Anderson et al., 2016 , p. 1).

• building an antiracist culture, and employers are responsible for establishing an antiracist, inclusive work environment.
• Prioritize and invest in evidence-based mental, physical, behavioral, social, and moral health interventions, including reward programs meaningful to nurses in diverse roles and specialties, to promote nurses’ health, well-being, and resilience within work teams and organizations.
• Establish and standardize institutional processes that strengthen nurses’ contributions to improving the design and delivery of care and decision making, including the setting of institutional policies and benchmarks in health care organizations and in educational, public health, and other settings.
• Evaluate and strengthen policies, programs, and structures within employing organizations and licensing boards to reduce stigma associated with mental and behavioral health treatment for nurses.
• Collect systematic data at the employer, state (including state workforce centers and state nursing associations), and national levels to better understand the health and well-being of the nursing workforce. This enhanced understanding should be used to inform the development of evidence-based interventions for mitigating burnout; fatigue; turnover; and the development of physical, behavioral, and mental health problems.

CAPITALIZING ON NURSES’ POTENTIAL

Nurses often have untapped potential to help people live their healthiest lives because their education and experience are grounded in caring for the whole person and whole family in a community context. However, this potential is too often underutilized. Nurses, particularly RNs, need environments that facilitate their ability to fully leverage their skills and expertise across all practice settings—in hospitals, primary care settings, rural and underserved areas, homes, community organizations, long-term care facilities, and schools. To engage fully in advancing health equity, all nurses need the autonomy to practice to the full extent of their education and training, even as they work collaboratively with other health professionals. They are, however, frequently hindered in this regard by restrictive laws and institutional policies. Policy makers and health care systems need to lift permanently all barriers that stand in the way of nurses in their efforts to address the root causes of poor health, expand access to care, and create more equitable communities.

Recommendation 4: All organizations, including state and federal entities and employing organizations, should enable nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training by removing barriers that prevent them from more fully addressing social needs and social determinants of

health and improving health care access, quality, and value. These barriers include regulatory and public and private payment limitations; restrictive policies and practices; and other legal, professional, and commercial 6 impediments.

To this end, the following specific actions should be prioritized:

• By 2022, all changes to institutional policies and state and federal laws adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that expand scope of practice, telehealth eligibility, insurance coverage, and payment parity for services provided by APRNs and RNs should be made permanent.
• Federal authority (e.g., Veterans Health Administration regulations, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS]) should be used where available to supersede restrictive state laws, including those addressing scope of practice, telehealth, and insurance coverage and payment, that decrease access to care and burden nursing practice, and to encourage nationwide adoption of the Nurse Licensure Compact. 7
• The Health Care Regulator Collaborative should work to advance interstate compacts and the adoption of model legislation to improve access, standardize care quality, and build interprofessional collaboration and interstate cooperation.

PAYING FOR NURSING CARE

Nurses are bridge builders, engaging and connecting with individuals, communities, public health and health care, and social services organizations to improve health for all. Without strong financial and institutional support, however, their reach and impact are limited. How care is paid for can determine one’s access to and the quality of care. Thus, it is important to improve and strengthen the design of public and private payment models so nurses are supported, encouraged, and incentivized to bridge health and social needs for people, families, and communities. Nurses also can play a key role in helping to design those models. Also important is for local, state, and federal governments to place more value

6 The term “commercial” refers to contractual agreements and customary practices that make antiquated or unjustifiable assumptions about nursing.

7 Under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), “nurses can practice in other NLC states without having to obtain additional licenses. The current NLC allows for RNs and LPNs/licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to have one multistate license in any one of the 35 member states” (see https://www.ncsbn.org/nlcmemberstates.pdf ). According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), “An APRN must hold an individual state license in each state of APRN practice” (see https://www.ncsbn.org/2018_eNLC_FAQs.pdf ). There is a movement, organized by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, to have an APRN Compact (see https://aprncompact.com/about.htm ) (all accessed April 12, 2021).

on the vital role of school and public health nurses in advancing health equity by adequately funding and deploying these nurses where they are needed to promote health in communities.

Recommendation 5: Federal, tribal, state, local, and private payers and public health agencies should establish sustainable and flexible payment mechanisms to support nurses in both health care and public health, including school nurses, in addressing social needs, social determinants of health, and health equity.

Specific payment reforms should include the following:

• ensuring that the Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) code set includes appropriate codes to describe and reimburse for such nurse-led services as case management, care coordination, and team-based care to address behavioral health, addiction, SDOH, and health equity, and that the relative value units attached to the CPT codes result in adequate and direct reimbursement for this work;
• reimbursing for school nursing; and
• enabling nurses to bill for telehealth services.
• using clinical performance measures stratified by such risk factors as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status;
• supporting nursing interventions through clinical performance measures that incentivize reductions in health disparities between more and less advantaged populations, improvements in measures for at-risk populations, and attainment of absolute target levels of high-quality performance for at-risk populations; and
• incorporating disparities-sensitive measures that support and incentivize nursing interventions that advance health equity (e.g., process measures such as care management and team-based care for chronic conditions; outcomes such as prevention of hospitalizations for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions).
• providing flexible funding (capitated payments, global budgets, shared savings, per member per month payments, accountable health communities models) for nursing and infrastructure that address SDOH; and
• incorporating value-based payment metrics that enable nurses to address SDOH and advance health equity.
• Create a National Nurse Identifier to facilitate recognition and measurement of the value of services provided by RNs.
• implementing state policies that allow school nurses to bill Medicaid and supporting schools, particularly rural schools, in meeting documentation requirements;
• reimbursing school nursing services that include collaboration with clinical and community health care providers;
• promoting new ways of financing public health to address SDOH in the community (e.g., having federal, state, and local leaders, along with public health departments and organizations, partner with payers, health systems, and accountable health communities, and blend or braid multiple funding sources);
• creating funding mechanisms and joint accountability metrics for the efforts of the health, public health, and social sectors to address SDOH and advance health equity that align incentives and behavior across the various stakeholders, including school health;
• leveraging nonprofit hospital community benefit requirements to create partnerships with and among school and public health nursing, primary care organizations, and other social sectors; and
• using pay scales for public health nurses that are competitive with those for nursing positions in other health care organizations and sectors, and that provide equal pay when the services provided (e.g., immunizations) are the same.

USING TECHNOLOGY TO INTEGRATE DATA ON SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH INTO NURSING PRACTICE

The advent and adoption of new technologies have dramatically changed nursing practice over the past several decades, and will continue to do so into the future. Given the rapid acceleration of technical advances, nurses practicing in the coming decade will need to be adept at and comfortable with using emerging technology and have the skills to support others in doing the same. Nurses are well positioned to design, adopt, and adapt new technologies in practice and leverage data on SDOH to identify and address the needs of populations, individualize care, and reduce health disparities. With care expanding beyond the walls of traditional health care settings, including hospitals and clinics, the deployment of such advanced technologies as artificial intelligence and telehealth can assist nurses in connecting to health care networks, reaching individuals in their homes and other settings, and promoting health and well-being within communities. As key stakeholders in the design, adoption, and evaluation of new care tools, nurses also need to understand how to use new technologies to reduce rather than exacerbate inequities.

Recommendation 6: All public and private health care systems should incorporate nursing expertise in designing, generating, analyzing, and applying

data to support initiatives focused on social determinants of health and health equity using diverse digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and other innovative technologies.

• With leadership from CMS and The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, accelerate interoperability projects that integrate data on SDOH from public health, social services organizations, and other community partners into electronic health records, and build a nationwide infrastructure to capture and share community-held knowledge, facilitate referrals for care (including by decreasing the “digital divide”), and facilitate coordination and connectivity among health care settings and the public and nonprofit sectors.
• Ensure that existing public/private health equity data collaboratives (e.g., the Gravity Project 8 ) encompass nursing-specific care processes that improve visualization of data on SDOH and associated decision making by nurses.
• Employ nurses with requisite expertise in informatics to improve individual and population health through large-scale integration of data on SDOH into nursing practice, as well as expertise in the use of telehealth and advanced digital technologies.
• To personalize care based on person- and family-centered preferences and individual needs, give nurses in clinical settings responsibility and associated resources to innovate and use technology, including in the use of data on SDOH as context for planning and evaluating care; in the design of personal and mobile health tools; in coordination of community and public health portals across care settings; in methods for effective communication using technology; in evaluation of datasets and artificial intelligence algorithms (e.g., for racial bias); and in partnerships with corporate settings outside of health care delivery (e.g., large technology organizations, private insurers) that are addressing health equity in the nonclinical setting.
• expanding the national strategy for a broadband/5G infrastructure to enable comprehensive community access to these services; and
• increasing the availability of the necessary hardware, including smartphones, computers, and webcams, for high-risk populations.

8 See https://sirenetwork.ucsf.edu/TheGravityProject (accessed April 12, 2021).

STRENGTHENING NURSING EDUCATION

Regardless of the setting in which they work or their level of education, nurses of the future will be expected to have a sophisticated understanding of social needs, SDOH, and health equity and to be capable of applying this knowledge in their practice. The World Health Organization has emphasized the importance of monitoring equitable service coverage across wealth and education gradients as part of achieving universal health coverage. Similarly, leading public health researchers have advocated for using markers of health equity to monitor health and health care as a first step in confronting inequities. Recognizing and meeting social needs could both lower health care spending and improve health outcomes.

Nursing schools need to prepare nurses to understand and identify the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health by embedding content on SDOH throughout their curricula. Schools need to ensure that nurses have substantive, enduring, relevant community-based experiences and that they value diverse perspectives and cultures in order to help all people and families thrive. Nurses should have this content updated and reinforced throughout their careers through continuing education.

Recommendation 7: Nursing education programs, including continuing education, and accreditors and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing should ensure that nurses are prepared to address social determinants of health and achieve health equity.

To implement this recommendation, deans, administrative faculty leaders, faculty, course directors, and staff of nursing education programs should take the following steps:

• Integrate social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity as core concepts and competencies throughout coursework and clinical and experiential learning. These core concepts and competencies should be commensurate and seamless with academic level and included in continuing education.
• By the 2022–2023 school year, initiate an assessment of individual student access to technology, and ensure that all students can engage in virtual learning, including such opportunities as multisector simulation. Access to nursing education for geographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged students should be ensured through the development and expansion of the use of remote and virtual instructional capabilities. For rural areas, emphasis should be on baccalaureate preparation given the lower proportion of nurses educated at this level.
• To promote equity, inclusivity, and diversity grounded in social justice, identify and eliminate policies, procedures, curricular content, and clin
• ical experiences that perpetuate structural racism, cultural racism, and discrimination among faculty, staff, and students.
• Increase academic progression for geographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged students through academic partnerships that include community and tribal colleges located in rural and urban underserved areas.
• Recruit diverse faculty with expertise in SDOH, population health (including environmental health), and health equity and associated policy expertise, and, through evidence-based and other training, develop the skills of current faculty with the objective of ensuring that students have access across the curriculum to expertise in these areas. Faculty should also have the technical competencies for online teaching.
• Ensure that students have learning opportunities with care coordination experiences that include working with health care teams to address individual and family social needs, as well as learning opportunities with multisector stakeholders that include a focus on health in all policies and SDOH. Learning experiences should include working with underserved populations in such settings as federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, and IHS designated sites.
• Incorporate in all nurse doctoral education content related to SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, health equity, and social justice. All graduates of doctoral programs should have competencies in the use of data on SDOH as context for planning, implementing, and evaluating care and for improving population health through the large-scale application of these data.
• Ensure that PhD nursing graduates are competent to design and implement research that addresses issues of social justice and equity in education and/or health and health care and informs relevant policies. Increase the capacity of these graduates to apply research and scale interventions to address and improve social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, health equity, the well-being of nurses, and disaster preparedness and to inform relevant policies.
• Prepare all nursing students to advocate for health equity through civic engagement, including engagement in health and health-related public policy and communication through traditional and nontraditional methods, including social media and multisector coalitions.

Accreditors should take the following actions:

• Incorporate standards and competencies for curriculum that reflect the application of knowledge and skills to improve social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity.
• Incorporate standards for increasing student and faculty diversity.
• Require nursing education programs to initiate curricular assessments in 2022–2023 and phase in curricular changes that integrate social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity throughout the curriculum and are assessed in subsequent midterm and accreditation reporting. These curricular changes and their impact should be subject to continuous accreditation review processes.
• Include standards for nurses’ well-being and ethical practice in accreditation guidelines, and include such content on nurse licensing and certification exams.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing and specialty certification organizations should take the following action:

• Incorporate test questions on meeting social needs through care coordination and on meeting population health needs, including addressing SDOH, through multisector coordination.

Continuing education providers should take the following action:

• Evaluate each offering for the inclusion of social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity and strategies for associated public- and private-sector policy engagement.

PREPARING NURSES TO RESPOND TO DISASTERS AND PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the vital role of nurses on the front lines of crises—whether in the hospital intensive care unit, a community testing site, or an emergency shelter—in keeping communities safe and healthy and helping people and families cope. They are reliable, trusted, experienced, and proven responders during both public health emergencies and natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires. But fundamental reforms and a stronger disaster preparedness infrastructure are needed to improve nursing education, practice, and policy so nurses are fully protected during such events and can better protect and care for recovering populations.

Recommendation 8: To enable nurses to address inequities within communities, federal agencies and other key stakeholders within and outside the nursing profession should strengthen and protect the nursing workforce during the response to such public health emergencies as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, including those related to climate change.

To this end, the following steps should be taken:

• CDC should fund a National Center for Disaster Nursing and Public Health Emergency Response, along with additional strategically placed regional centers, to serve as the “hub” for providing leadership in education, training, and career development that will ensure a national nursing workforce prepared to respond to such events.
• CDC, in collaboration with the proposed National Center for Disaster Nursing and Public Health Emergency Response, should rapidly articulate a national action plan for addressing gaps in nursing education, support, and protection that have contributed to the lack of nurse preparedness and disparities during such events.
• The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, CDC, HRSA, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, CMS, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), and other funders should develop and support the emergency preparedness and response knowledge base of the nursing workforce through regulations, programs, research, and sustainable funding targeted specifically to disaster and public health emergency nursing.
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National League for Nursing, and the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing should lead transformational change in nursing education to address workforce development in disaster nursing and public health preparedness. NCSBN should expand content in licensing examinations to cover actual responsibilities of nurses in disaster and public health emergency response.
• Employers should incorporate the expertise of nurses to proactively develop and implement an emergency response plan for natural disasters and public health emergencies in coordination with local, state, national, and federal partners. They should also provide additional services throughout a disaster or public health emergency, such as support for families and behavioral health, to support and protect nurses’ health and well-being.

BUILDING THE EVIDENCE BASE

Strengthening and diversifying the nursing workforce of the future, fostering nurse well-being, and developing strong and impactful nurse leaders so that nurses can fully address the wide and persistent health disparities in the United States will require a robust and rigorous evidence base. Below, the committee prioritizes the research needs and identifies gaps in the knowledge base that, if filled, would substantially move the nursing profession forward in the future.

Recommendation 9: The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Community Living, and private associations and foundations should convene representatives from nursing, public health, and health care to develop and support a research agenda and evidence base describing the impact of nursing interventions, including multisector collaboration, on social determinants of health, environmental health, health equity, and nurses’ health and well-being.

These efforts should be focused on the following actions:

• Develop mechanisms for proposing, evaluating, and scaling evidence-based practice models that leverage collaboration among public health, social sectors, and health systems to advance health equity, including codesigning innovations with individuals and community representatives and responding to community health needs assessments. This effort should emphasize rapidly translating evidence-based interventions into real-world clinical practice and community-based settings to improve health equity and population health outcomes, and applying implementation science strategies in the process of scaling these interventions and strategies.
• Identify effective multisector team approaches to improving health equity and addressing social needs and SDOH, including clearly defining roles and assessing the value of nurses in these models. Specifically, performance and outcome measures should be delineated, and evaluation strategies for community-based models and multisector team functioning should be developed and implemented.
• Review and adapt evidence-based approaches to increasing the number and diversity of students and faculty from disadvantaged and traditionally underrepresented groups to promote a diverse, inclusive learning environment and prepare a culturally competent workforce.
• Determine evidence-based education strategies for preparing nurses at all levels, including through continuing education, to eliminate structural racism and implicit bias and strengthen the delivery of culturally competent care.
• Augment the use of advanced information technology infrastructure, including virtual services and artificial intelligence, to identify and integrate health and social data, including data on SDOH, so as to improve
• nurses’ capacity to support individuals, families, and communities, including through care coordination.

Across all of these efforts, nurses should partner with key community stakeholders in research design; identification of the characteristics of new health models; and the development of related institutional and public policies at the health system, public health, and community levels. To expand the cohort of nurse researchers engaged in this research agenda, NINR should offer continuous summer intensive seminars to build expertise in population health, SDOH, and health equity. Table 11-1 summarizes gaps in the current research base that have been identified throughout this report.

TABLE 11-1 Research Topics for the Future of Nursing, 2020–2030

FINAL THOUGHTS

The nursing profession is vital to the nation’s creation of a culture of health, reduction of health disparities, and improvement in the health and well-being of the population. The committee’s nine recommendations provide a comprehensive path forward for policy makers, practicing nurses, educators, health care system leaders, researchers, and payers to enable and support the nurses of today and the future in creating fair and just opportunities for health and well-being for everyone. The social, political, and health care trends discussed in this report, while replete with myriad challenges, also offer nurses new opportunities for practice and collaboration. Nurses will need to continue to adapt and respond to new and developing health problems at both the individual and community levels, and to deepen their understanding of how social, economic, and environmental issues

and systemic barriers affect the health and well-being of the people and communities they serve. The rapidly deployed changes in community-based and clinical care, nursing education, nursing leadership, and nursing–community partnerships resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have amplified those challenges. The deployment of all levels of nurses across the care continuum, including in collaborative practice models, will be necessary to address the challenges of building a more equitable and accessible health care system.

The United States is at an inflection point with respect to addressing disparities in health and well-being that have adversely impacted too many people for too long. The nation’s health care system is also at an inflection point in terms of meeting consumers’ health needs in ways and in places commensurate with their preferences. It is imperative that the nursing profession focus on the training and competency development needed to prepare nurses, including advanced practice nurses, to work competently in home and community-based as well as acute care settings and to lead efforts to build a culture of health and health equity. There is no time to waste. Over the next 10 years, nurses will assume even greater responsibility for helping to build an accessible, equitable, high-quality public health and health care system that works for everyone. The recommendations in this report are aimed at ensuring that nurses are inspired, supported, valued, and empowered in pursuing that goal so that by 2030, all individuals and communities will have the opportunities they need to live healthy lives.

Anderson, J. E., A. J. Ross, J. Back, M. Duncan, P. Snell, K. Walsh, and P. Jaye. 2016. Implementing resilience engineering for healthcare quality improvement using the CARE model: A feasibility study protocol. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 2(61). doi: 10.1186/s40814-016-0103-x.

NACNEP (National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice). 2020. Integration of social determinants of health in nursing education, practice, and research . 16th Report to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Congress. Washington, DC: Health Resources and Services Administration.

The decade ahead will test the nation's nearly 4 million nurses in new and complex ways. Nurses live and work at the intersection of health, education, and communities. Nurses work in a wide array of settings and practice at a range of professional levels. They are often the first and most frequent line of contact with people of all backgrounds and experiences seeking care and they represent the largest of the health care professions.

A nation cannot fully thrive until everyone - no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they make - can live their healthiest possible life, and helping people live their healthiest life is and has always been the essential role of nurses. Nurses have a critical role to play in achieving the goal of health equity, but they need robust education, supportive work environments, and autonomy. Accordingly, at the request of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, on behalf of the National Academy of Medicine, an ad hoc committee under the auspices of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine conducted a study aimed at envisioning and charting a path forward for the nursing profession to help reduce inequities in people's ability to achieve their full health potential. The ultimate goal is the achievement of health equity in the United States built on strengthened nursing capacity and expertise. By leveraging these attributes, nursing will help to create and contribute comprehensively to equitable public health and health care systems that are designed to work for everyone.

The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity explores how nurses can work to reduce health disparities and promote equity, while keeping costs at bay, utilizing technology, and maintaining patient and family-focused care into 2030. This work builds on the foundation set out by The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (2011) report.

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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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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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Sharing health evidence you can trust

Evidence for Nursing: new evidence and resources – January 2022

The latest evidence and resources for nurses and clinical support staff. You can either scroll through this page or click on any of the links below to jump to the relevant section.

Please note, unlike the rest of our blogs, our Evidence for Nursing: new evidence and resources blogs will not be updated.

Bronchiolitis

• Care of the newborn, including preterm infants

Cervical screening – encouraging uptake

Communication for adults with an artificial airway, de-implementation of low value health care , delirium prevention, dietary salt for people with chronic kidney disease, heparin injections: slow versus fast delivery, intrauterine insemination, life-threatening conditions and emergency care, patient questionnaires, perioperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids) for women having breast surgery, preventing surgical site infection, reducing medication errors, rehabilitation after hip fracture, respiratory syncytial virus (rsv) infection in children, smoking cessation, vaccination uptake, vegan diet for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, venous leg ulcers.

• Opportuntities and events

This year, Cochrane is continuing to produce new and updated reviews in response to the pandemic . We have blogged about many of them and this blog  COVID-19 evidence: a Cochrane round-up  brings together a large collection of evidence and resources, starting from when this evidence was first being produced in spring 2020. Like the reviews themselves, all our blogs are updated to reflect new evidence.

There is a Cochrane news item about  Ivermectin: Cochrane’s most talked about review so far, ever. Why?

The impact of measures intended to prevent or reduce the spread of Covid-19 in long-term care facilities have been explored in  Non‐pharmacological measures implemented in the setting of long‐term care facilities to prevent SARS‐CoV‐2 infections and their consequences: a rapid review . There is evidence that a number of strategies may reduce the number of infections and related outcomes Outcomes are measures of health (for example quality of life, pain, blood sugar levels) that can be used to assess the effectiveness and safety of a treatment or other intervention (for example a drug, surgery, or exercise). In research, the outcomes considered most important are ‘primary outcomes’ and those considered less important are ‘secondary outcomes’. , but more robust evidence is needed. You can read more in the news item  Can non-pharmacological measures prevent or reduce Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in long term care facilities?  and there are a number of related Cochrane Clinical Answers (see reference list).

Cochrane Special Collections

Cochrane Special Collections assemble Cochrane Reviews on important topics for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. They are developed with experts from our global Cochrane network. They are based on World Health Organization interim guidance, and continuously updated.  You can find Coronavirus (COVID-19) Special Collections here .

Cochrane Podcasts

Cochrane COVID-19 Podcasts  offer short summaries of Cochrane COVID-19 reviews from the authors themselves. A good way to hear the latest Cochrane evidence in under 5 minutes each.

Cochrane Clinical Answers

Cochrane Clinical Answers (CCAs) provide a readable, digestible, clinically-focused entry point to rigorous research from Cochrane Reviews Cochrane Reviews are systematic reviews. In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. . They are designed to be actionable and to inform point-of-care decision-making. Each CCA contains a clinical question, a short answer, and data Data is the information collected through research. for the outcomes from the Cochrane Review deemed most relevant to practising healthcare professionals.

You can find Cochrane Clinical Answers related to COVID-19 here.

A new Cochrane Review  Parenteral versus enteral fluid therapy for children hospitalised with bronchiolitis  (December 2021) with evidence from two studies, with fewer than 1000 hospitalised infants, highlights the need for an expanded evidence-base to inform practice.

As things stand, the authors find that enteral tube feeding probably reduces local complications compared with IV fluid administration. They also find that there was probably a higher rate The speed or frequency of occurrence of an event, usually expressed with respect to time. For instance, a mortality rate might be the number of deaths per year, per 100,000 people. of success in inserting a feeding tube on first try compared to an intravenous catheter, and probably a lower rate of switching method of fluid delivery.

This is one of the reviews included in our blog  Bronchiolitis: evidence and guidance for practice .

• The Cochrane Review  Music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in people with cancer  was updated in 2021.
• It is included in this Evidently Cochrane blog –  Bringing harmony to the hospital: music therapies revisited .
• Podcast:  Can music interventions benefit people with cancer?

Care of the newborn, including preterm infants 

Avoidance of bottles in establishing breastfeeds in preterm infants.

The authors of the Cochrane Review Avoidance of bottles during the establishment of breastfeeds in preterm infants (October 2021) have concluded:

“Avoiding the use of bottles when preterm infants need supplementary feeds probably increases the extent of any breastfeeding at discharge, and may improve any and full breastfeeding (exclusive) up to six months postdischarge. Most of the evidence demonstrating benefit was for cup feeding. Only one study An investigation of a healthcare problem. There are different types of studies used to answer research questions, for example randomised controlled trials or observational studies. used a tube feeding strategy. We are uncertain whether a tube alone approach to supplementing breastfeeds improves breastfeeding outcomes.”

This review has been added to two existing Evidently Cochrane blogs:

• “ Yummy, yummy in my tummy, getting big with milk from mummy. Getting preterm babies feeding orally – a roundup of current evidence ”
• “ Breastfeeding: a round-up of Cochrane evidence ”

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  For preterm infants, does avoidance of bottles during establishment of breast‐feeding help to increase the extent and duration of breast‐feeding?

Corticosteroids for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

A Cochrane Review  Early (< 7 days) systemic postnatal corticosteroids for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants  (October 2021) has been updated. From high-certainty The certainty (or quality) of evidence is the extent to which we can be confident that what the research tells us about a particular treatment effect is likely to be accurate. Concerns about factors such as bias can reduce the certainty of the evidence. Evidence may be of high certainty; moderate certainty; low certainty or very-low certainty.  Cochrane has adopted the GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) for assessing certainty (or quality) of evidence. Find out more here: https://training.cochrane.org/grade-approach evidence, the review authors have found that systemic postnatal corticosteroids, in the regimens used, have had “significant short‐term and long‐term effects ‐ both beneficial and harmful”.

They conclude that “Early systemic postnatal corticosteroid treatment Something done with the aim of improving health or relieving suffering. For example, medicines, surgery, psychological and physical therapies, diet and exercise changes. (started during the first six days after birth) prevents BPD [bronchopulmonary dysplasia] and the combined outcome of mortality death or BPD. However, it increases risks of gastrointestinal perforation, cerebral palsy, and the combined outcome of mortality or cerebral palsy. Most beneficial and harmful effects are related to early treatment with dexamethasone, rather than to early treatment with hydrocortisone, but early hydrocortisone may prevent mortality, whereas early dexamethasone does not.”

Cochrane Clinical Answer: For preterm infants with evolving or established bronchopulmonary dysplasia, what are the effects of systemic corticosteroids administered within eight days after birth?

The Cochrane Review  Late (≥ 7 days) systemic postnatal corticosteroids for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants  (November 2021) has also been updated. There is high-certainty evidence that “late systemic postnatal corticosteroid treatment (started at seven days or more after birth) reduces the risks of mortality and BPD, and the combined outcome of mortality or BPD, without evidence of increased cerebral palsy. ” But the authors note that there is limited evidence on long-term outcomes, including possible neurodevelopment harms.

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  For preterm infants with evolving or established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), what are the effects of late (≥ 7 days) systemic corticosteroids (CSs)?

CPAP for preterm infants

The authors of a Cochrane Review  Nasal continuous positive airway pressure levels for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants  (November 2021) conclude: “There are insufficient data from randomized Randomization is the process of randomly dividing into groups the people taking part in a trial. One group (the intervention group) will be given the intervention being tested (for example a drug, surgery, or exercise) and compared with a group which does not receive the intervention (the control group).   trials Clinical trials are research studies involving people who use healthcare services. They often compare a new or different treatment with the best treatment currently available. This is to test whether the new or different treatment is safe, effective and any better than what is currently used. No matter how promising a new treatment may appear during tests in a laboratory, it must go through clinical trials before its benefits and risks can really be known. to guide nasal CPAP level selection in preterm infants, whether provided as initial respiratory support or following extubation from invasive mechanical ventilation. We are uncertain as to whether low or moderate‐high nasal CPAP levels improve morbidity illness or harm and mortality in preterm infants.”

There is also a Cochrane Clinical Answer  Can prophylactic nasal continuous positive airway pressure help to prevent morbidity and mortality in very preterm infants?  for the review  Prophylactic or very early initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for preterm infants  (October 2021).

Enteral zinc supplementation for preterm neonates

The Cochrane Review  Enteral zinc supplementation for prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates  (February 2021) found that “Enteral supplementation of zinc in preterm infants compared to no supplementation or placebo An intervention that appears to be the same as that which is being assessed but does not have the active component. For example, a placebo could be a tablet made of sugar, compared with a tablet containing a medicine. may moderately decrease mortality and probably improve short‐term weight gain and linear growth, but may have little or no effect on common morbidities of prematurity. There are no data to assess the effect of zinc supplementation on long‐term neurodevelopment.”

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  What are the benefits and harms of enteral zinc supplementation for preterm neonates?

Opioid withdrawal in newborn infants

The Cochrane Review  Opioid treatment for opioid withdrawal in newborn infants  was updated in July 2021 with new trials added and conclusions changed.

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  For newborn infants with opioid withdrawal, how does morphine compare with methadone, buprenorphine, phenobarbital, and chlorpromazine?

Preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia

The Cochrane Review  Late (≥ 7 days) systemic postnatal corticosteroids for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants  (November 2021) has been updated with more evidence that shows a reduction in mortality at all ages from treatment with late systemic corticosteroids. The evidence for most outcomes is high-certainty. The authors note, however that “the methodological quality of studies determining long‐term outcomes is limited, and no studies were powered The power of a trial is the chance that it will correctly detect a real effect of an intervention being tested (for example a drug, surgery, or exercise). Studies with more participants will have greater power.   to detect increased rates of important adverse long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes.”

Surfactant administration for preterm infants with or at risk A way of expressing the chance of an event taking place, expressed as the number of events divided by the total number of observations or people. It can be stated as ‘the chance of falling were one in four’ (1/4 = 25%). This measure is good no matter the incidence of events i.e. common or infrequent. of respiratory distress syndrome

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  How does surfactant administration via thin catheter (S‐TC) compare with surfactant administration through an endotracheal tube (S‐ETT) for preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress syndrome? 

Tube feeding preterm and low birth weight infants

The Cochrane Review  Monitoring of gastric residual volume during enteral nutrition  (September 2021)   concludes that “The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of GRV on clinical outcomes including mortality, pneumonia, vomiting, and length of hospital stay.”

Cochrane Clinical Answers:

• For preterm or very low birth weight infants, how does slow advancement compare with fast advancement of enteral feed volumes? 
• How do high‐ and standard‐volume fortified enteral feeds compare for improving outcomes in preterm or low birthweight infants? 
• How does continuous nasogastric milk feeding compare with intermittent bolus milk feeding for preterm infants?  
• What are the effects of push versus gravity for intermittent bolus gavage tube feeding of premature and low birth weight infants?

The Cochrane Review Interventions targeted at women to encourage the uptake of cervical screening  (September 2021) has found that the use of invitation letters probably increases the uptake of cervical screening. Lay health worker involvement amongst ethnic minority populations may increase screening coverage. Uncertainty remains about the effects of most strategies to promote uptake.

The Cochrane Review Interventions to enable communication for adult patients requiring an artificial airway with or without mechanical ventilator support  (October 2021) has highlighted a lack of evidence to guide practice on choice of communication aid and when to use them.

Chronic A health condition marked by long duration, by frequent recurrence over a long time, and often by slowly progressing seriousness. For example, rheumatoid arthritis. non‐invasive ventilation 

The Cochrane Review  Chronic non‐invasive ventilation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  was published in August 2021. The authors concluded: “Regardless of the timing of initiation, chronic NIV [non-invasive ventilation] improves daytime hypercapnia. In addition, in stable COPD, survival seems to be improved and there might be a short term HRQL [health-related quality of life] benefit. In people with persistent hypercapnia after a COPD exacerbation, chronic NIV might prolong admission‐free survival without a beneficial effect on HRQL.”

Integrated disease management

Cochrane Clinical Answer: What are the effects of integrated disease management (IDM) interventions for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

In the Evidently Cochrane blog  Choosing health care wisely when resources are scarce  Selena Ryan-Vig describes the first in a new series of Cochrane Special Collections which brings together examples of treatments and health care which – despite being costly and time-consuming – research suggests could be unhelpful to patients, or even harmful.

You can also read more in this Cochrane Editorial  Making wise choices about low‐value health care in the COVID‐19 pandemic

A new podcast series looks at initiatives to wind back the medical excess that is causing harm to people and the planet. You can find out more on this page:  Cochrane Sustainable Healthcare joins forces with the BMJ to explore new ways to make health systems healthier.

Delirium is common in hospitalised patients. The authors of a Cochrane Review on  Non‐pharmacological interventions for preventing delirium in hospitalised non‐ICU patients (November 2021) have concluded:

• “There is moderate‐certainty evidence regarding the benefit of multicomponent non‐pharmacological interventions for the prevention of delirium in hospitalised adults, estimated to reduce incidence The number of new occurrences of something in a population over a particular period of time, e.g. the number of cases of a disease in a country over one year. by 43% compared to usual care.
• We found no evidence of an effect on mortality.
• There is emerging evidence that these interventions may reduce hospital length of stay, with a trend towards reduced delirium duration, although the effect on delirium severity remains uncertain.”
• What are the effects of multi‐domain interventions for prevention of dementia and cognitive decline?
• Can palliative care interventions improve outcomes for people with advanced dementia?

Cochrane Author Somebody responsible for preparing and, in the case of Cochrane Reviews, keeping up-to-date a systematic review. The term ‘reviewer’ is also sometimes used to refer to an external peer reviewer, or referee. Q&A: Ketamine as a treatment for depression.

The authors of a Cochrane Review  Altered dietary salt intake for people with chronic kidney disease  (June 2021) found  high-certainty evidence  that salt reduction reduced blood pressure in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and albuminuria in people with earlier stage CKD in the short‐term. They state that “if such reductions could be maintained long‐term, this effect may translate to clinically significant Clinical significance is the practical importance of an effect (e.g. a reduction in symptoms); whether it has a real genuine, palpable, noticeable effect on daily life. It is not the same as statistical significance. For instance, showing that a drug lowered the heart rate by an average of 1 beat per minute would not be clinically significant, as it is unlikely to be a big enough effect to be important to patients and healthcare providers. reductions in CKD progression and cardiovascular events. Research into the long‐term effects of sodium‐restricted diet for people with CKD is warranted.”

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  What are the effects of altered dietary salt intake for adults with chronic kidney disease?

A recently updated Special Collection: Influenza: evidence from Cochrane Reviews.

Cochrane Review:  Slow versus fast subcutaneous heparin injections for prevention of bruising and site pain intensity   (June 2021)

Cochrane Clinical Answer: For people receiving subcutaneous low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) injections, how does a slow injection compare with a fast injection?

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  For women with subfertility, how does double intrauterine insemination (IUI) compare with single IUI in stimulated cycles?

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  What are the benefits and harms of interventions to increase patient and family involvement in the escalation of care for community health and hospital settings?

Using patient questionnaires for improving clinical management and outcomes  – an interview with Cochrane review author Christopher Gibbons about their recent Cochrane Review to find out whether healthcare workers who receive information from questionnaires completed by their patients give better health care and whether their patients have better health.

The authors of a Cochrane Review on Perioperative systemic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in women undergoing breast surgery  (November 2021) conclude that “Low‐certainty evidence suggests that NSAIDs may reduce postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, and postoperative opioid use. However, there was very little evidence to indicate whether NSAIDs affect the rate of breast hematoma or bleeding from any location within 90 days of breast surgery, the need for blood transfusion and incidence of other side effects compared to placebo or other analgesics.”

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  Does preoperative hair removal reduce postoperative surgical site infection?

A Cochrane Review Reducing medication errors for adults in hospital settings  (November 2021) concludes that “Compared to usual care, medication reconciliation, electronic prescribing systems, barcoding and feedback to professionals may reduce adverse drug events or medication errors, or both. Nonetheless, the best modalities to deliver these interventions, and the effect of other interventions, are less clear.”

Care and rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery are increasingly in the hands of a multidisciplinary team, and this was explored in a Cochrane Review  Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for older people with hip fractures  (updated November 2021). There is now evidence that, in hospital settings, rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery delivered by a multidisciplinary team and supervised by an appropriate medical specialist, probably results in fewer cases of ‘poor outcome’. It may also reduce the number of people with poor mobility at 12 months. Its effects (if any) on other outcomes, such as long-term hip-related pain, quality of life, and activities of daily living pain, are uncertain. The impact of supported discharge and multidisciplinary home rehabilitation is also unclear.

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  What are the benefits and harms of multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MDR) for older people with hip fracture?

This is one of several reviews included in our blog  After hip fracture: how best to help people get back on their feet .

A Cochrane Review  Palivizumab for preventing severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children  (November 2021) has found that prophylaxis with palivizumab:

• reduces hospitalisation due to RSV infection
• reduces the number of wheezing days at one year’s follow‐up
• probably results in little to no difference in mortality or adverse events
• probably results in a slight reduction in hospitalisation due to respiratory‐related illness at two years’ follow‐up
• may result in a large reduction in RSV infection at two years’ follow‐up.

E-cigarettes

The Cochrane Review  Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation was updated in September 2021.

Here is a summary of the review:

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  How effective and safe are electronic cigarettes (ECs) for smoking cessation?

Preventing weight gain

• Cochrane Clinical Answer:  Does varenicline or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) help prevent weight gain after smoking cessation?
• Podcast:  Interventions for preventing weight gain after smoking cessation.

Strategies to improve smoking cessation rates in primary care

The Cochrane Review Strategies to improve smoking cessation rates in primary care  (September 2021) has found that providing adjunctive counseling by an allied health professional, cost‐free smoking cessation medications, and tailored printed materials as part of smoking cessation support in primary care probably increases the number of people who achieve smoking cessation.

Reducing sedentary behaviour

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  For people with stroke, what are the effects of interventions to reduce sedentary behavior? 

Screening for dysphagia

A new Cochrane Review Screening for aspiration risk associated with dysphagia in acute stroke  has been published and reveals an evidence gap. The authors conclude “we were unable to identify a tool that could accurately identify everyone with food and drink entering their airway, as well as detect all those who definitely did not.”

Factors influencing parents’ and carers’ decisions on routine vaccinations

The Cochrane news item  What factors influence parents’ and carers’ decisions on routine vaccinations for their children?  looks at a new Cochrane Review on this topic. The key messages are:

• “Many factors influence parents’ vaccination views and practices, including those related to individual perceptions, social relationships, and the wider social and political context in which parents live.
• When parents make decisions about vaccination for their children, they are often communicating not just what they think about vaccines, but also who they are, what they value, and with whom they identify.”

From the news item you can jump to the full review and a short implementation guide related to it.

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  What factors influence parents’ and informal caregivers’ views and practices regarding routine childhood vaccination?

Interventions to increase uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B vaccines 

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  Which interventions improve vaccination uptake among adolescents?

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  What are the effects of a vegan dietary pattern for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

Cochrane Clinical Answer:  For people with venous leg ulcers, what are the effects of compression bandages?

Opportunities and events

On this page,  Important Cochrane Links , you can find opportunities to get involved, including how to join Cochrane, find volunteer tasks, or jump into the Cochrane Library.

Hundreds of health leaders and experts met on October 14 to recommend the international community urgently mount stronger evidence-based responses to global health emergencies.  Recordings from this event are now available on this page:  Cochrane Convenes recordings available: the world must learn from pandemic lessons to avoid future catastrophes.

Please note that this page includes a round-up of materials mainly published within the last two months, and is not updated after it’s posted.

References (pdf)

Join in the conversation on Twitter with  @SarahChapman30   and   @CochraneUK  or leave a comment on the blog.

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About Sarah Chapman and Selena Ryan-Vig

Sarah and Selena are Cochrane UK’s Knowledge Brokers. Their role involves sharing evidence in accessible ways with those who could find it helpful for their health decision-making, and encouraging engagement with it through social media. Sarah trained and worked as a nurse, has degrees in History from the Universities of Oxford and Reading, and worked in health services research before joining Cochrane UK in 2007. She is a recent cochlear implant recipient (2021) and is a Patient Ambassador for the COACH Trial, a randomised controlled trial of cochlear implantation versus hearing aids in adults with severe hearing loss. Sarah tweets @SarahChapman30. Selena has a psychology degree from the University of Bath and has previously worked for a national charity that provides support for young women. With a colleague, Selena delivers interactive sessions to students from Years 10 to 13 to teach about evidence-based practice and to encourage critical thinking, particularly around healthcare claims made in the media.

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Evidently Cochrane

Top Nursing Research Topics for Students and Professionals

This article was written in collaboration with Christine T. and ChatGPT, our little helper developed by OpenAI.

Nursing research is an essential component of the nursing profession. Its primary purpose is to enhance patient outcomes, elevate the quality of care, and advance nursing as a whole. For nursing students and practitioners, selecting an appropriate research topic is crucial for academic and professional success. This article highlights some current and interesting topics in nursing research that students and professionals can explore.

Nursing Workforce

One of the major topics in nursing research is the challenges that nurses face in their workplace, and how to address them. This is particularly relevant in light of the current shortage of nurses and the healthcare industry’s growing demands.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Nursing Workforce

• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in acute care settings
• The effectiveness of nurse retention strategies on improving nurse job satisfaction
• The role of nursing leadership in creating a positive work environment
• The relationship between nurse staffing ratios and nurse burnout
• The impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on nursing care quality in long-term care settings
• The effectiveness of nurse residency programs in improving new nurse retention rates
• The impact of nursing unit culture on nurse job satisfaction and retention
• The impact of nurse-patient ratios on patient outcomes
• Strategies for retaining experienced nurses in the workforce
• Analyzing the role of advanced practice nurses in healthcare teams
• The challenges and benefits of international nursing recruitment
• Addressing generational differences in the nursing workforce
• The relationship between nurse work schedules and nurse burnout
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on medication errors in hospital settings
• The role of interprofessional collaboration in reducing nursing workload and improving patient outcomes
• The impact of nursing education level on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient falls in acute care settings
• The impact of nurse workload on patient satisfaction with nursing care
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting staff well-being and reducing burnout
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient mortality rates in critical care settings
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care models in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient readmission rates in acute care settings
• The role of nursing autonomy in improving nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The relationship between nurse job satisfaction and patient outcomes in long-term care settings
• The impact of nursing staff turnover on patient safety and quality of care
• Healthcare management: career paths and requirements
• The role of technology in improving nursing efficiency and reducing workload
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient satisfaction with nursing care
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on nurse job stress and burnout in pediatric settings
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving patient outcomes for chronic conditions
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting a culture of safety and reducing patient harm
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in psychiatric settings
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on nurse job satisfaction and burnout in emergency departments
• The effectiveness of nursing education programs in improving nurse practice and patient outcomes
• The role of nurse practitioners in improving access to healthcare in underserved communities
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on nurse retention rates in rural healthcare facilities
• The effectiveness of nurse-led discharge planning in reducing hospital readmissions
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting interprofessional collaboration and teamwork
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in outpatient care settings
• The impact of nursing workloads on patient safety in intensive care units
• The role of nursing research in improving nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and nurse job satisfaction in surgical settings
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient satisfaction with pain management in acute care settings
• The effectiveness of nursing education programs in improving nursing knowledge and skills
• The role of nursing advocacy in promoting patient-centered care and improving healthcare outcomes

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Patient Safety

Another crucial area of nursing research is patient safety. Studying ways to enhance patient safety, reduce adverse events, and improve the quality of care in hospitals and other healthcare settings can help prevent patient harm and improve patient outcomes.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Patient Safety

• Exploring the impact of workplace stress on nurses’ job satisfaction and performance
• Investigating the factors that influence nurse turnover and retention rates
• Assessing the role of nurse staffing levels in patient outcomes and quality of care
• Examining the relationship between nurse burnout and patient safety incidents
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing leadership in creating a positive work environment
• The influence of nursing handovers on patient safety
• Strategies to reduce medication errors in hospital settings
• The role of electronic health records in enhancing patient safety
• Impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient safety outcomes
• Evaluating the effectiveness of patient safety training programs for nurses
• Exploring the experiences of nurses from diverse backgrounds in the workplace
• Assessing the impact of shift work on nurses’ physical and mental health
• Investigating the relationship between nurse-patient ratios and patient outcomes
• Examining the role of interprofessional collaboration in improving the nursing work environment
• Exploring the use of technology to improve nursing workflow and productivity
• Mitigating the economic and social costs of heart diseases among the aging population in the US
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing mentorship programs in retaining new nurses
• Assessing the role of organizational culture in promoting nurse well-being and job satisfaction
• Examining the impact of nursing education on nursing workforce preparedness
• Exploring the factors that contribute to job satisfaction among nurses
• Combating health care-associated infections: a community-based approach
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led care on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• Assessing the effectiveness of nursing support programs for nurses with mental health issues
• Examining the role of nursing unions in advocating for the nursing workforce
• Exploring the experiences of male nurses in the nursing workforce
• Investigating the effectiveness of nurse-led clinics in reducing emergency department visits
• Assessing the impact of nursing teamwork on patient outcomes and quality of care
• Examining the role of nursing informatics in improving nursing workflow and patient care
• Exploring the impact of nursing shortages on patient outcomes and quality of care
• Investigating the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for reducing hospital readmissions
• Assessing the impact of nursing certification on nursing workforce competence and confidence
• Examining the role of nursing education in promoting cultural competence in the nursing workforce
• Exploring the experiences of nurses working in rural healthcare settings
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing delegation in improving patient outcomes and quality of care
• Assessing the impact of nursing shortages on nurse job satisfaction and burnout
• Examining the role of nursing research in informing nursing workforce policies and practices
• Exploring the impact of nurse-led quality improvement initiatives on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• Investigating the role of nursing leaders in promoting nursing workforce diversity and inclusion
• Assessing the impact of nursing autonomy on nurse job satisfaction and performance
• Examining the effectiveness of nursing residency programs in preparing new nurses for the workforce
• Exploring the experiences of nurses working in correctional healthcare settings
• Investigating the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient falls and injuries
• Assessing the role of nursing education in promoting evidence-based practice in the nursing workforce
• Examining the effectiveness of nursing preceptorship programs in improving nurse job satisfaction and retention
• Exploring the role of nursing education in preparing nurses for leadership roles in the nursing workforce
• Investigating the effectiveness of nursing empowerment interventions in improving nursing job satisfaction and performance
• Assessing the impact of nursing shortages on the quality of nursing care provided to older adults in long-term care facilities.

Chronic Illness Management

Managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, is a significant challenge for healthcare providers. Exploring different strategies for chronic disease management can help improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Chronic Illness Management

• The Role of Nurses in Managing Chronic Heart Disease
• Impact of Nurse-led Interventions in Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• The Effectiveness of Self-management Education in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
• Nursing Strategies for Chronic Pain Management
• Chronic Kidney Disease Management: A Nursing Perspective
• Palliative Care in Chronic Illness Management
• Community Nursing and Chronic Illness: A Study on Patient Outcomes
• The Role of Nurses in Managing Chronic Pediatric Asthma
• Telehealth and Chronic Disease Management: The Future of Nursing Practice?
• Evaluating the role of nursing in diabetes self-management
• Strategies for improving patient adherence to chronic illness treatment plans
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management
• Exploring the role of telehealth in chronic illness follow-up and monitoring
• The effectiveness of nurse-led educational programs for patients with cardiovascular diseases
• The Importance of Nurse-led Clinics in Chronic Illness Management
• The Role of Nursing in Depression Management among Chronically Ill Patients
• Empowering the vulnerable: enhancing health and social care for individuals with specific needs
• Advanced Practice Nurses and Chronic Illness Management: A Systematic Review
• The Impact of Holistic Nursing Care on Chronic Disease Management
• The Effect of Nurse-led Health Education on Compliance in Chronic Disease Patients
• The Role of Family Nurses in the Management of Chronic Illness in Home Settings
• Nursing and the Management of Chronic Illness in Geriatric Populations
• The Influence of Nursing Interventions on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Illness
• Challenges Faced by Nurses in Managing Chronic Illness in Low-resource Settings
• Cancer Pain: Assessment, Management, and Patient Empowerment
• Evaluating the Role of School Nurses in Managing Chronic Illnesses in Children
• Developing a Chronic Disease Management Model: The Crucial Role of Nursing
• Nursing Intervention in Lifestyle Modification for Chronic Illness Patients
• The Impact of Patient-Nurse Communication in Chronic Illness Management
• The Role of Nursing in Medication Management for Chronic Illness Patients
• The Effects of Nursing Care Coordination on Chronic Illness Outcomes
• Mental Health and Chronic Illness: The Importance of Psychiatric Nursing
• The Role of Nursing in the Self-Management of Chronic Illness: A Meta-Analysis
• Nursing Interventions for Chronic Illness Management in Rural Areas
• Nurses’ Role in Reducing Hospital Readmissions for Chronic Illness Patients
• Digital healthcare and organizational learning: enhancing patient care through technology and knowledge management
• The Impact of Nursing on Patient Empowerment in Chronic Illness Management
• Cultural Competence in Nursing and Its Effect on Chronic Disease Management
• The Role of Nursing Informatics in Chronic Illness Management
• Evaluating the Role of Community Health Nurses in Chronic Illness Prevention
• The Impact of Home Nursing on Chronic Illness Management in Aging Populations
• The ongoing risk of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men
• The Role of Oncology Nurses in the Management of Chronic Cancer Pain
• The Effects of Nursing-led Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Chronic Illness Management
• The Impact of Advanced Nursing Practice on Health Outcomes in Chronic Disease Management
• The Use of Digital Health Technologies in Chronic Disease Management: A Nursing Perspective

Mental Health

Promoting mental health and well-being in vulnerable patient populations is another important area of nursing research. Nurses can investigate various interventions and programs that can help prevent mental health problems and improve patients’ overall well-being.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Mental Health

• The impact of COVID-19 on mental health in healthcare workers
• The effectiveness of telehealth for delivering mental health services
• The role of social support in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• Investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for mental health
• Examining the use of virtual reality in treating mental health disorders
• The impact of sleep on mental health outcomes
• The role of exercise in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating depression
• Exploring the relationship between mental health and chronic pain
• Investigating the impact of workplace stress on mental health in nurses
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for patients with depression
• Exploring the impact of nurse-patient relationships on mental health outcomes
• Strategies for improving mental health literacy among nursing professionals
• Evaluating the role of nurses in suicide prevention and intervention
• The challenges and strategies in nursing care for patients with dual diagnoses (co-existing mental health and substance use disorders)
• Examining the use of music therapy for mental health promotion
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders
• The relationship between mental health and nutrition
• The impact of trauma on mental health outcomes
• Investigating the use of art therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The role of spirituality in mental health and coping
• The effectiveness of group therapy for mental health disorders
• The impact of stigma on mental health outcomes
• Examining the effectiveness of psychopharmacology in treating mental health disorders
• The role of family support in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• Investigating the relationship between mental health and substance abuse
• The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The impact of social media on mental health outcomes
• Examining the use of humor in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of cognitive training for improving mental health outcomes
• Investigating the impact of gender and cultural factors on mental health outcomes
• The role of occupational therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• Examining the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for mental health disorders
• The relationship between mental health and physical activity
• Investigating the use of peer support for mental health promotion
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction for mental health
• The impact of technology on mental health outcomes
• The role of nutrition in treating mental health disorders
• Examining the use of hypnotherapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy for PTSD
• Investigating the relationship between mental health and social determinants of health
• The impact of social isolation on mental health outcomes
• Examining the use of dance therapy in promoting mental health and wellbeing
• The effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy for mental health disorders
• The role of self-care in promoting mental health and wellbeing in nurses

Health Promotion

Research into health promotion strategies using technology, social media, and other digital tools is a rapidly growing area of nursing research. Such research can help identify innovative and effective ways to promote health and well-being in communities and patient populations.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Health Promotion

• The effectiveness of community-based interventions in promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits
• Investigating the impact of social media on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Identifying effective strategies for improving health literacy among underserved populations
• Exploring the use of wearable technology in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles
• Evaluating the effectiveness of nurse-led health promotion campaigns on community health outcomes
• The role of nurses in promoting vaccinations in various populations
• Strategies for nurses to address health literacy and its impact on patient outcomes
• The influence of cultural competence in health promotion and disease prevention
• Assessing the role of nurses in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles in at-risk populations
• Investigating the role of family support in promoting healthy behaviors among children and adolescents
• Examining the effectiveness of peer-led interventions in promoting healthy lifestyles
• Investigating the impact of workplace wellness programs on employee health and productivity
• The impact of milk consumption on children’s growth
• The role of nursing in promoting smoking cessation and reducing tobacco use
• Exploring the use of motivational interviewing in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in promoting mental and physical health
• The role of social support in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Examining the effectiveness of school-based interventions in promoting healthy behaviors among children and adolescents
• Exploring the use of technology in promoting health education and behavior change
• Investigating the role of culture and ethnicity in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Nursing: a beautiful blend of art and science
• Examining the effectiveness of community health worker programs in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases
• Investigating the impact of environmental factors on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of incentives in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Investigating the effectiveness of group-based interventions in promoting healthy lifestyles
• Examining the impact of policy interventions on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• The effects of sleep deprivation on students’ cognitive functions and emotional state
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy sleep habits and reducing sleep disorders
• Investigating the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Exploring the use of positive psychology interventions in promoting mental and physical health
• Investigating the role of healthcare providers in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Examining the effectiveness of workplace policies in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy sexual behaviors and preventing sexually transmitted infections
• Investigating the impact of stress on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of community-based participatory research in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• The delicate dance: balancing art and science in the nursing profession
• Investigating the role of nutrition in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Examining the effectiveness of self-management interventions in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy pregnancy and preventing maternal and child health problems
• Investigating the impact of socioeconomic status on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of health coaching in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes
• Investigating the role of spirituality in promoting mental and physical health
• Examining the effectiveness of school-based policies in promoting healthy lifestyles
• The role of nursing in promoting healthy relationships and preventing intimate partner violence
• Investigating the impact of social determinants of health on health behavior and lifestyle changes
• Exploring the use of mobile applications in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases
• Investigating the role of health literacy in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing chronic diseases

Palliative Care

Improving the quality of life of seriously ill patients and their families during end-of-life care is another critical area of nursing research. Nurses can explore different interventions and support programs that can enhance the palliative care experience.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Palliative Care

• The effectiveness of palliative care on improving quality of life for cancer patients
• Understanding the needs and experiences of family caregivers in palliative care
• Palliative care and end-of-life decision-making: exploring patient and family preferences
• Optimizing the clarifying diagnosis of stomach cancer
• Improving access to palliative care for patients in rural areas
• The role of spirituality in palliative care for terminally ill patients
• Investigating the impact of music therapy on patients receiving palliative care
• Developing effective communication strategies for discussing end-of-life care with patients and families
• Exploring the experiences and needs of patients with non-cancer diagnoses in palliative care
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in improving the quality of life for patients in palliative care
• Evaluating the training needs of nurses in delivering end-of-life care
• The role of nursing in managing symptoms and side effects in palliative care patients
• Strategies for improving communication between nurses and families during end-of-life care
• Assessing the ethical considerations and challenges faced by nurses in palliative care settings
• Evaluating the effectiveness of home-based palliative care programs
• Palliative care for pediatric patients: understanding unique challenges and opportunities
• The impact of cultural and ethnic differences on palliative care provision
• Investigating the role of social support in palliative care for older adults
• The effectiveness of advance care planning in improving end-of-life care
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with neurological diseases in palliative care
• Exploring the impact of palliative care on reducing healthcare costs
• Investigating the role of complementary therapies in palliative care
• Improving symptom management in palliative care through medication optimization
• Palliative care and spiritual care: exploring the intersection of these two domains
• The impact of palliative care on reducing hospital readmissions
• Investigating the role of occupational therapy in palliative care
• Developing effective pain management strategies for patients receiving palliative care
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with heart failure in palliative care
• The role of pet therapy in improving quality of life for patients in palliative care
• Investigating the impact of palliative care on reducing caregiver burden
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with lung disease in palliative care
• Exploring the impact of palliative care on reducing healthcare utilization
• Investigating the role of nutrition in palliative care for patients with cancer
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with kidney disease in palliative care
• Improving palliative care for patients with dementia: exploring unique challenges and opportunities
• The role of art therapy in improving quality of life for patients in palliative care
• Investigating the impact of palliative care on reducing emergency department visits
• Developing effective communication strategies for discussing end-of-life care with patients with cognitive impairment
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with liver disease in palliative care
• Palliative care for patients with substance use disorders: unique challenges and opportunities
• Investigating the role of physiotherapy in palliative care
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy in improving mental health outcomes for patients in palliative care
• Understanding the experiences and needs of patients with multiple chronic conditions in palliative care
• Improving symptom management in palliative care through non-pharmacological interventions
• Investigating the impact of palliative care on reducing healthcare disparities
• Palliative care and medical aid in dying: exploring ethical and legal considerations

Healthcare Disparities

Studying the factors that contribute to healthcare disparities between different populations and identifying strategies to address these disparities is an important area of nursing research. Nurses can examine the role of social determinants of health in healthcare disparities and propose solutions to improve access and equity in healthcare.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Healthcare Disparities

• Examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and healthcare disparities
• Investigating the impact of implicit bias on healthcare disparities
• Analyzing the impact of racial and ethnic disparities on health outcomes
• Identifying disparities in access to preventative care among different populations
• Exploring the impact of language barriers on healthcare disparities
• Investigating the impact of discrimination on healthcare outcomes
• Identifying disparities in health insurance coverage and access to healthcare services
• Exploring the importance of national health insurance for socioeconomic growth
• Analyzing the impact of geographic location on healthcare disparities
• Evaluating the role of nursing in addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities
• The impact of socioeconomic factors on patient outcomes and nursing interventions
• Strategies for nurses to promote health equity in diverse patient populations
• Assessing the influence of cultural competence on reducing healthcare disparities
• The role of nursing advocacy in shaping policies to reduce health inequities
• Examining disparities in mental health care access and utilization
• Investigating disparities in maternal and child health outcomes
• Exploring the relationship between healthcare disparities and chronic disease outcomes
• Identifying disparities in end-of-life care and hospice utilization
• Analyzing the impact of cultural differences on healthcare outcomes
• Investigating disparities in healthcare provider communication and patient engagement
• Examining the impact of healthcare policy on healthcare disparities
• Global health learning in nursing and health care disparities
• Identifying disparities in healthcare access and utilization among the LGBTQ+ community
• Exploring the impact of environmental factors on healthcare disparities
• Analyzing the impact of social determinants of health on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among rural populations
• Examining disparities in healthcare access and utilization among urban populations
• Identifying disparities in healthcare access and utilization among immigrants and refugees
• Analyzing the impact of education level on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among older adults
• Examining disparities in dental health access and utilization
• Identifying disparities in mental health treatment and access to services
• Analyzing the impact of stigma on healthcare outcomes for marginalized populations
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among incarcerated populations
• Exploring disparities in healthcare access and utilization among individuals with disabilities
• Analyzing the impact of institutional racism on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among low-income populations
• Examining disparities in cancer screening and early detection
• Identifying disparities in access to clinical trials and experimental treatments
• Analyzing the impact of the digital divide on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among veterans
• Exploring the impact of healthcare worker bias on healthcare disparities
• Examining the relationship between healthcare disparities and infant mortality rates
• Identifying disparities in healthcare access and utilization among people with limited English proficiency
• Analyzing the impact of gender on healthcare disparities
• Investigating disparities in healthcare access and utilization among individuals experiencing homelessness
• Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities among different populations

Patient-Centered Care

Enhancing patient-centered care, including patient feedback, patient-centered communication, and patient education, is another vital area of nursing research. Nurses can investigate the impact of patient-centered care on patient outcomes and identify ways to incorporate patient preferences and values in the care process.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Patient-Centered Care

• The importance of patient-centered care in improving health outcomes
• Exploring the effectiveness of patient-centered communication in clinical practice
• Assessing patient satisfaction with patient-centered care
• The impact of nursing staffing on patient-centered care
• The role of family and caregiver involvement in patient-centered care
• The use of technology to enhance patient-centered care
• Patient education and empowerment in promoting patient-centered care
• The role of nurses in facilitating shared decision-making in patient care
• Evaluating the impact of personalized care plans on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• Strategies for nurses to engage patients in their care across diverse cultural backgrounds
• The influence of effective communication strategies on the delivery of patient-centered care
• Assessing the barriers and facilitators to implementing patient-centered care in various healthcare settings
• The impact of culture on patient-centered care
• Measuring the quality of patient-centered care in healthcare settings
• The benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in patient-centered care
• Understanding home dialysis: benefits, barriers, and impacts on elderly patients and the healthcare system
• Addressing language barriers in patient-centered care
• Exploring the challenges of implementing patient-centered care in healthcare organizations
• The role of patient-centered care in reducing healthcare costs
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient safety
• The importance of patient-centered care for vulnerable populations
• The role of leadership in promoting patient-centered care
• Evaluating the impact of patient-centered care on healthcare outcomes
• Examining the effectiveness of patient-centered care in chronic disease management
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient adherence to treatment
• The importance of patient-centered care in pediatric healthcare settings
• The use of patient feedback to improve patient-centered care
• Pediatric oncology: working towards better treatment through evidence-based research
• The role of patient-centered care in addressing health disparities
• Patient-centered care in end-of-life and palliative care settings
• The role of healthcare professionals in promoting patient-centered care
• The impact of patient-centered care on healthcare provider job satisfaction
• The importance of patient-centered care in emergency and critical care settings
• The use of simulation-based training to enhance patient-centered care
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient experience and engagement
• The role of healthcare policy in promoting patient-centered care
• Addressing the needs of patients with complex medical needs in patient-centered care
• The role of the nursing profession in promoting patient-centered care
• Patient-centered care in mental health and psychiatric settings
• The impact of patient-centered care on healthcare provider burnout
• The role of patient-centered care in promoting shared decision-making
• Examining the effectiveness of patient-centered care in rural healthcare settings
• The impact of patient-centered care on patient quality of life
• The use of patient-centered care in managing acute and chronic pain
• Addressing the needs of elderly patients in patient-centered care
• The impact of patient-centered care on healthcare system performance
• Promoting patient-centered care through the use of standardized patient education materials

Nursing Education

Exploring innovative approaches to nursing education and training, such as simulation-based learning and online learning, is a growing area of nursing research. Such research can help identify effective ways to prepare nursing students for their future roles in the healthcare system.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Nursing Education

• The impact of simulation-based training on nursing education outcomes
• The effectiveness of online learning in nursing education
• Innovative approaches to clinical teaching in nursing education
• The role of technology in nursing education
• Student perceptions of nursing education and their impact on learning outcomes
• The impact of cultural competence training on nursing students’ attitudes and behaviors
• The effectiveness of peer-led teaching in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating interprofessional education into nursing curricula
• The role of reflective practice in nursing education
• The effectiveness of flipped classroom models in nursing education
• The impact of virtual reality and augmented reality tools in nursing education
• Evaluating the effectiveness of online vs. traditional classroom nursing education
• Strategies for enhancing interprofessional education in nursing curricula
• The role of continuous professional development in enhancing nursing competencies
• Assessing the influence of mentorship programs on nursing student success and retention
• Transforming advanced nursing practice: embracing IOM recommendations and higher education
• The impact of mentorship on nursing students’ learning and professional development
• The use of team-based learning in nursing education
• The effectiveness of hands-on skills training in nursing education
• Student perceptions of clinical experiences in nursing education
• The impact of service learning on nursing students’ attitudes and behaviors
• The role of cultural humility in nursing education
• The effectiveness of blended learning in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating patient-centered care into nursing curricula
• The impact of standardized patient encounters on nursing education outcomes
• Importance and application of patient education technology in healthcare
• The use of case-based learning in nursing education
• The role of faculty development in improving nursing education outcomes
• The effectiveness of clinical reasoning strategies in nursing education
• The impact of nursing education on patient outcomes
• The role of simulation in teaching critical thinking in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating evidence-based practice into nursing curricula
• The use of gamification in nursing education
• The effectiveness of problem-based learning in nursing education
• The impact of nursing education on student stress and burnout
• The role of intercultural competence in nursing education
• The effectiveness of collaborative learning in nursing education
• The impact of teaching communication skills in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating patient safety into nursing curricula
• The role of interprofessional collaboration in nursing education
• The effectiveness of clinical coaching in nursing education
• The impact of teaching teamwork skills in nursing education
• The use of high-fidelity simulation in nursing education
• The role of experiential learning in nursing education
• Best practices for incorporating leadership development into nursing curricula
• The impact of nursing education on student retention and graduation rates
• The effectiveness of self-directed learning in nursing education

Healthcare Policy

Studying the impact of healthcare policy on the nursing profession and patient outcomes, including the role of nursing in healthcare reform efforts, is a crucial area of nursing research. Nurses can examine the policy’s effect on healthcare access, quality, and affordability and propose solutions to address policy gaps and challenges.

List of Nursing Research Topics: Healthcare Policy

• The impact of the affordable care act on the nursing profession
• Exploring healthcare informatics: evolution, challenges, and solutions
• The role of nursing in healthcare reform efforts
• The impact of medicare and Medicaid on nursing practice
• The impact of private insurance on nursing practice
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing workforce development
• Combating workplace violence in nursing: the impact of policies, legislation, and organizational culture
• The role of nursing in healthcare policy decision-making
• The impact of healthcare policies on patient outcomes
• The role of nurses in implementing healthcare policies
• The implications of universal healthcare policies on nursing roles and responsibilities
• Evaluating the impact of health insurance reforms on nursing care delivery
• Strategies for nurses to influence healthcare policy decisions at the national and state levels
• The role of nursing in shaping policies related to patient rights and autonomy
• Assessing the influence of healthcare policy on nursing education and licensure requirements
• Evaluating the impact of nurse advocacy on shaping health policies at local and national levels
• Strategies for nurses to stay updated on changing healthcare policies and their implications
• The role of nursing in shaping policies related to electronic health records and patient privacy
• Assessing the implications of global health policies on nursing practices and education
• The influence of healthcare policies on the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing education and training
• The impact of healthcare policies on nurse staffing ratios
• The impact of healthcare policies on patient satisfaction
• Understanding the impact of the American Healthcare System Regulatory Acts
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare costs
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare disparities
• The role of nursing in advocating for healthcare policy changes
• The impact of healthcare policies on patient safety
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing job satisfaction
• Understanding the US. Health Care Reform: necessity, challenges, and implementation
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing burnout
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing retention rates
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing leadership
• The role of nursing in shaping healthcare policies
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare quality
• Workplace violence in healthcare: causes, regulations, and prevention strategies
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing productivity
• The impact of healthcare policies on healthcare access
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing workload
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing autonomy
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing scope of practice
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing professional development
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing research
• The role of nursing in developing healthcare policies
• Massachusetts Health Reform Act: striving for universal coverage and controlled costs
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing career advancement
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing licensure and certification
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing accreditation
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing ethics
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing professionalism
• The role of nursing in healthcare policy implementation and evaluation
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing informatics
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing diversity and inclusion
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice in rural areas
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice in underserved communities
• The impact of healthcare policies on international nursing practice

The Importance of Research in Nursing

Research is the bedrock of nursing practice. It provides evidence-based knowledge that informs clinical decision-making, enhances patient outcomes, and advances the nursing profession. For nursing students, engaging in research activities offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Clinical Practice

Evidence-based research provides nurses with the latest knowledge and techniques to deliver optimal patient care. It bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, ensuring that patients receive the most current and effective treatments.

• Professional Development

Engaging in research sharpens critical thinking and analytical skills. It fosters a culture of continuous learning, allowing nurses to stay updated with the ever-evolving medical field.

• Contribution to the Field

By conducting research, nurses contribute to the larger body of knowledge in healthcare. Their findings can lead to improvements in patient care, the development of new interventions, or changes in healthcare policies.

• Enhanced Patient Outcomes

Research equips nurses with the knowledge to educate patients, advocate for their needs, and make informed decisions. This ensures better health outcomes and improved patient satisfaction.

• Career Advancement

For those looking to advance in their careers, research can open doors to academic positions, leadership roles, or specialized fields within nursing.

Tips for Selecting a Suitable Research Topic

• Align with Interests

Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. This will keep you motivated throughout the research process.

• Relevance to Current Trends

Consider current trends and challenges in healthcare. Addressing contemporary issues can make your research more impactful.

• Feasibility

Ensure that you have access to the necessary resources and tools to conduct your research. This includes access to participants, equipment, and relevant literature.

It’s essential to choose a topic that’s neither too broad nor too narrow. A well-defined research question will guide your study and ensure it’s manageable.

• Seek Guidance

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors, professors, or professionals in the field. Their insights can help refine your topic and provide valuable direction.

In conclusion, research is a vital component of the nursing profession, driving innovation and ensuring the best patient outcomes. For nursing students and professionals, engaging in research is not only a pathway to academic and career success but also a means to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of patient care.

📎 Related Articles

1. Key EBP Nursing Topics: Enhancing Patient Results through Evidence-Based Practice 2. Nursing Debate Topics: The Importance of Discussing and Debating Nursing Issues 3. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics: Inspiring Ideas for Students 4. Top Nursing Argumentative Essay Topics: Engage in Thought-Provoking Debates 5. Top Nursing Topics for Discussion: Engaging Conversations for Healthcare Professionals 6. Interesting Nursing Research Topics To Choose 7. Examples of Research Questions 8. Exploring Controversial Issues in Nursing: Key Topics and Examples 9. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics for Students: A Comprehensive Guide

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Johns Hopkins Nursing Magazine

On the Pulse

What Nurses Need to Know: The 2024 Health Care Forecast

It’s a new year, which means it’s time for some of our faculty experts at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing to weigh in on emerging trends and what to look out for in 2024.

Global Health

The global health care landscape is undergoing transformative changes driven by multifaceted challenges and technological advancements.

Integration of AI:

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being explored as a promising avenue for improving global health.  Among its applications are AI-enabled population health predictive analytics to forecast and optimize resource allocation, frontline health worker and patient virtual health assistants, and clinical decision-making support.  Rate-limiting challenges include availability of quality data, data privacy and ethics, and regulatory and policy issues.

Global Conflict and Migration:

The  2023 Global Peace Index report  reveals a concerning surge in global conflicts. Conflict obviously causes deaths and injuries in the war zone, but also has health consequences from the breakdown of health and social services, income loss, the heightened risk of disease transmission, and displacement of populations. 

Global Mental Health:

Mental disorders remain significant global burden on health.   In 2024, global mental health will continue to require attention as the prevalence of mental disorders has been on the rise and remains a significant leading cause of disease burden worldwide. There is a growing emphasis on mental health awareness and strategies to improve access to mental health care such as through digital platforms and the integration of mental health services into primary care systems globally.

As we navigate these complexities, holistic approaches that prioritize preventive and wellness care, address social determinants of health and health equity, and sustainable development are increasingly being promoted to foster a healthier and more resilient global population.

Pain Management

Pain is a condition that touches the lives of all, it does not discriminate. However, the management of this pain is not the same for everyone. Individuals are living on a daily basis with undermanaged pain, which has implications for their overall health and can be debilitating for some. The treatment of pain and hours of work lost due to pain costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year. There is an increase in overall pain among U.S. adults as well as the use of opioids.  

Nurses are critical in the role of pain management. It is imperative that we do not continue down the same trajectory of pain management care, but take it to a new level. As we are seeing a trend in new technologies, pharmacological, and non-pharmacological pain management treatments being developed, it is imperative that nurses continue to move these forward and work towards personalized pain management care that is accessible.  

Nurses must continue to play key roles in identifying, developing, and testing innovative pain management strategies and plans of care. Nurses must collaborate with other disciplines to restructure and redesign pain care throughout out the health care system.  

Developing innovative and effective ways to treat chronic pain conditions will influence the lives of individuals, entire communities, our health care system, and the economy. In 2024, we can make these changes at the bedside, in the community, and throughout healthcare policies.  

As we emerge from COVID-19, it is clear that we need to do more to support older adults, including a growing number with dementia who are living in the community.  There is an increased awareness of our reliance on family caregivers who lack training and support – and efforts are underway to better support them at the national and local levels. These include initiative aims to collect data about the needs of family caregivers, support the development of consistent language to define caregiving across initiatives, and ensure caregivers are more centrally involved in program development.  

Furthermore, there is also increased recognition that we have to address a workforce shortage of nurses and direct care workers who can support older adults as they live longer with serious illness at home. 

The Medicare system continues to evolve with new payments and initiatives. In 2024 the majority of beneficiaries will be enrolled in Medicare Advantage programs (vs traditional fee for service Medicare). This is a game changer and will require increased research efforts to assess how well Medicare Advantage is serving beneficiaries in terms of costs, quality, and patient outcomes.

It is critical that as we address these challenges as we work toward a more equitable system for our aging population

Workforce Sustainability

We are now in the long tail of the COVID pandemic. The consequences to the nursing workforce are complex and intensifying as evidenced by deepening shortages, persistent mental health issues, increasing violence, and moral suffering. It is a pivotal time for nurses to lead the nation forward. To address these issues we need:

• Investments in healthy and ethical workplaces for nurses with shared accountability by leaders, organizations, government, and communities.
• Engagement with the public to re-imagine the social contract so that it is bidirectional and includes shared commitments.
• New care delivery models that harness nurses’ competence, commitment, and compassion to deliver healthcare in ways that are responsive to patient needs and foster nurse wellbeing.
• Innovative and sustainable ways for nurses to drive health equity, patient outcomes and community engagement.

In 2023, the Institute for Policy Solutions at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing opened with the goal of shifting policy and practice to more preventive, value-based, and whole-person care. The Institute is already at work with health policy leaders, innovators and researchers to redesign the U.S. health system.

So far, four faculty have been awarded Institute for Policy Solutions Health Redesign grants. In 2024, these grants will be used to create convenings and research projects that will take on critical and timely issues including location-specific threats to youth flourishing ( Dr. Robert Atkins ), Black maternal health ( Dr. Noelene Jeffers ), strategies to foster diversity and inclusion in higher education ( Dr. Jermaine Monk ), and disability advocacy ( Dr. Bonnielin Swenor ).

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About the Author: Sam DiStefano

Sam DiStefano is the Social Media and Digital Content Coordinator for the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Sam works to bring the latest from JHUSON straight to your social media feeds and online reading.

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; National Academy of Medicine; Committee on the Future of Nursing 2020–2030; Flaubert JL, Le Menestrel S, Williams DR, et al., editors. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2021 May 11.

The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity.

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11 The Future of Nursing: Recommendations and Research Priorities

The next 10 years will test the nation’s nearly 4 million nurses in new and complex ways. Nurses live and work at the intersection of health, education, and communities. In the decade since the prior The Future of Nursing report was published ( IOM, 2011 ), the world has come to understand the critical importance of health to all aspects of life, particularly the relationship among social determinants of health (SDOH), health equity, and health outcomes. Consistent with this broader understanding, the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) (2020) advanced an important set of recommendations that the committee endorses. The NACNEP report Integration of Social Determinants of Health in Nursing Education, Practice, and Research conveys the importance of investing in SDOH and research to strengthen the nursing workforce and help nurses provide more effective care, as well as design, implement, and assess new care models.

In a year that was designated to honor and uplift nursing (the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020 1 ), nurses have been placed in unimaginable circumstances by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decade ahead will demand a stronger, more diversified workforce that is prepared to provide care; promote health and well-being among nurses, individuals, and communities; and address the systemic inequities that have fueled wide and persistent health disparities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed in the starkest terms that illness and access to quality health care are unequally distributed across groups and communities, and has spotlighted the reality that much of what affects health happens outside of medical care. The pandemic and continued calls for racial justice have illuminated the extent to which structural racism—from decades of neglect and disinvestment in neighborhoods, schools, communities, and health care to discrimination and bias—has placed communities of color at much higher risk for poor health and well-being.

The committee’s recommendations call for change at both the individual and system levels, constituting a call for action to the nation’s largest health care workforce, including nurses in all settings and at all levels, to listen, engage, deeply examine practices, collect evidence, and act to move the country toward greater health equity for all. The committee’s recommendations also are targeted to the actions required of policy makers, educators, health care system leaders, and payers to enable these crucial changes, supported by the research agenda with which this chapter concludes. With implementation of this report’s recommendations, the committee envisions 10 outcomes that position the nursing profession to contribute meaningfully to achieving health equity (see Box 11-1 ).

Achieving Health Equity Through Nursing: Desired Outcomes.

In this chapter, the committee provides its recommendations for charting a 10-year path forward to enable and support today’s and the next generation of nurses to create fair and just opportunities for health and well-being for everyone. These recommendations are aimed at all nurses, including those working in hospitals, schools, and health departments; policy makers; educators; health care system leaders; and payers. The chapter concludes with a research agenda to fill current and critical gaps that would support this future-oriented path.

• CREATING A SHARED AGENDA

In order for nurses to engage fully in efforts to achieve health equity, it will be necessary for nursing organizations to work together to identify priorities for education, practice, and policy, and to develop mechanisms for leveraging existing nursing expertise and resources. Creating a shared agenda will focus efforts and ensure that all nurses—no matter where they are educated or where they practice—are prepared, supported, and empowered to address SDOH and eliminate inequities in health and health care.

Recommendation 1: In 2021, all national nursing organizations should initiate work to develop a shared agenda for addressing social determinants of health and achieving health equity. This agenda should include explicit priorities across nursing practice, education, leadership, and health policy engagement. The Tri-Council for Nursing 2 and the Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations, 3 with their associated member organizations, should work collaboratively and leverage their respective expertise in leading this agenda-setting process. Relevant expertise should be identified and shared across national nursing organizations, including the Federal Nursing Service Council 4 and the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations. With support from the government, payers, health and health care organizations, and foundations, the implementation of this agenda should include associated timelines and metrics for measuring impact.

Specific actions should include the following:

• Assess diversity, equity, and inclusion, and eliminate policies, regulations, and systems that perpetuate structural racism, cultural racism, and discrimination with respect to identity (e.g., sexual orientation, gender), place (e.g., rural, inner city), and circumstances (e.g., disabilities, depression).
• Develop mechanisms for leveraging the expertise of public health nursing (e.g., in population health, SDOH, community-level assessment) as a resource for the broader nursing community, health plans, and health systems, as well as public policy makers.
• Develop mechanisms for leveraging the expertise of relevant nursing organizations in care coordination and care management. Care coordination and care management principles, approaches, and evidence should be used to create new cross-sector models for meeting social needs and addressing SDOH.
• Develop mechanisms for prioritizing and sharing continuing education and skill-training resources focused on nurses’ health, well-being, resilience, and self-care to ensure a healthy nursing workforce. These resources should be used by nurses and others in leadership positions.
• Develop and use communication strategies, including social media, to amplify for the public, policy makers, and the media nursing research and expertise on health equity–related issues.
• Increase the number and diversity of nurses, especially those with expertise in health equity, population health, and SDOH, on boards and in other leadership positions within and outside of health care (e.g., community boards, housing authorities, school boards, technology-related positions).
• Establish a joint annual award or series of awards recognizing the measurable and scalable contributions of nurses and their partners to achieving health equity through policy, education, research, and practice. Priority should be given to interprofessional and multisector collaboration.
• SUPPORTING NURSES TO ADVANCE HEALTH EQUITY

Promoting health and well-being for all should be a national priority, and a collective and sustained commitment is needed to achieve this priority. To chart this path, nurses should be fully supported with robust education, resources, and autonomy. Key stakeholders should commit to investing fully in strengthening and diversifying the nursing workforce so that it is sufficiently prepared to promote health and appropriately reflects the people and communities it serves. Nursing schools, health care institutions, and public health and community health organizations can do significantly more to empower nurses to raise their voices and use their considerable expertise to improve people’s lives, health, and well-being.

Recommendation 2: By 2023, state and federal government agencies, health care and public health organizations, payers, and foundations should initiate substantive actions to enable the nursing workforce to address social determinants of health and health equity more comprehensively, regardless of practice setting.

This can be accomplished through the following actions:

• Rapidly increase both the number of nurses with expertise in health equity and the number of nurses in specialties with significant shortages, including public and community health, behavioral health, primary care, long-term care, geriatrics, school health, and maternal health. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state governments should support this effort through workforce planning and funding.
• Provide major investments for nursing education and traineeships in public health, including through state-level workforce programs; foundations; and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS’s) HRSA (including nursing workforce programs and Maternal and Child Health Bureau programs), CDC (including the National Center for Environmental Health), and the Office of Minority Health.
• State governments, foundations, employers, and HRSA should direct funds to nurses and nursing schools to sustain and increase the gender, geographic, and racial diversity of the licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) workforce.
• HRSA and the Indian Health Service (IHS) should make substantial investments in nurse loan and scholarship programs to address nurse shortages, including in public health, in health professional shortage areas for HRSA, and in IHS designated sites; and invest in technical assistance that focuses on nurse retention.
• In all relevant Title 8 programs, HRSA should prioritize longitudinal community-based learning opportunities that address social needs, population health, SDOH, and health equity. These experiences should be established through academic–community-based partnerships.
• Foundations, state government workforce programs, and the federal government should support the academic progression of socioeconomically disadvantaged students by encouraging partnerships among baccalaureate and higher-degree nursing programs and community colleges; tribal colleges; historically Black colleges and universities; Hispanic-serving colleges and universities; and nursing programs that serve a high percentage of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students.
• Report on and propose actions to fill critical gaps in the current nursing workforce and prepare the future workforce to address health equity.
• Use findings, including those from workforce centers, on the ° diversity, capacity, supply, and distribution of nurses; associated competencies; and organizational support for the nursing workforce in addressing social needs, SDOH, and health equity. Recommend actions to ensure nurses’ continued engagement in these areas.
• Further develop recommendations for nursing education and prac- ° tice with respect to addressing social needs, SDOH, and health equity, and assess the implications of these changes for nurse credentialing and regulatory actions.
• Identify and address gaps in evidence-based nursing and interpro- ° fessional and multisectoral approaches for addressing social needs, SDOH, and health equity.
• Provide information to the secretary of HHS regarding activities of ° federal agencies that relate to the nursing workforce and its impact on health equity.
• Public health and health care systems should quantify nursing expenditures related to health equity and SDOH. This includes providing support for nurses in activities that explicitly target social needs, SDOH, and health equity through health care organization policies, governance and related advisory structures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Representatives of social sectors, consumer organizations, and government entities should include nursing expertise when health-related multisector policy reform is being advanced.
• State and federal governments should provide sustainable funding to prepare sufficient numbers of baccalaureate, APRN, and PhD-level nurses to address SDOH, advance health equity, and increase access to primary care.
• Employers should support nurses at all levels in all settings with the financial, technical, educational, and staffing resources to help them play a leading role in achieving health equity.

PROMOTING NURSES’ HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

During the course of their work, nurses encounter physical, mental, emotional, and ethical challenges, and burnout is an increasingly prevalent problem. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues. In order for nurses to help others be healthy and well, they must be healthy and well themselves; a lack of nurse well-being has consequences for nurses, patients, employers, and communities. As nurses are asked to take a more prominent role in advancing health equity, it will become even more imperative that all stakeholders—including educators, employers, leaders, and nurses themselves—take steps to ensure nurse well-being.

Recommendation 3: By 2021, nursing education programs, employers, nursing leaders, licensing boards, and nursing organizations should initiate the implementation of structures, systems, and evidence-based interventions to promote nurses’ health and well-being, especially as they take on new roles to advance health equity.

This can be accomplished by taking the following steps:

• Integrate content on nurses’ health and well-being into their programs to raise nursing students’ awareness of the importance of these concerns and provide them with associated skill training and support that can be used as they transition to practice.
• Create mechanisms, including organizational policy and regulations, to protect students most at risk for behavioral health challenges, including those students who may be experiencing economic hardships or feel that they are unsafe; isolated; or targets of bias, discrimination, and injustice.
• Provide sufficient human and material resources (including personal protective equipment) to enable nurses to provide high-quality person-, family-, and community-centered care effectively and safely. This effort should include redesigning processes and increasing staff capacity to improve workflow, promote transdisciplinary collaboration, reduce modifiable burden, and distribute responsibilities to reflect nurses’ expertise and scope of practice.
• Establish a culture of physical and psychological safety and ethical practice in the workplace, including dismantling structural racism; addressing bullying and incivility; using evidence-informed approaches; investing in organizational infrastructure, such as resilience engineering; 5 and creating accountability for nurses’ health and well-being outcomes.
• Create mechanisms, including organizational policy and regulations, to protect nurses from retaliation when advocating on behalf of themselves and their patients and when reporting unsafe working conditions, biases, discrimination, and injustice.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion across the nursing workforce, and identify and eliminate policies and systems that perpetuate structural racism, cultural racism, and discrimination in the nursing profession, recognizing that nurses are accountable for building an antiracist culture, and employers are responsible for establishing an antiracist, inclusive work environment.
• Prioritize and invest in evidence-based mental, physical, behavioral, social, and moral health interventions, including reward programs meaningful to nurses in diverse roles and specialties, to promote nurses’ health, well-being, and resilience within work teams and organizations.
• Establish and standardize institutional processes that strengthen nurses’ contributions to improving the design and delivery of care and decision making, including the setting of institutional policies and benchmarks in health care organizations and in educational, public health, and other settings.
• Evaluate and strengthen policies, programs, and structures within employing organizations and licensing boards to reduce stigma associated with mental and behavioral health treatment for nurses.
• Collect systematic data at the employer, state (including state workforce centers and state nursing associations), and national levels to better understand the health and well-being of the nursing workforce. This enhanced understanding should be used to inform the development of evidence-based interventions for mitigating burnout; fatigue; turnover; and the development of physical, behavioral, and mental health problems.

CAPITALIZING ON NURSES’ POTENTIAL

Nurses often have untapped potential to help people live their healthiest lives because their education and experience are grounded in caring for the whole person and whole family in a community context. However, this potential is too often underutilized. Nurses, particularly RNs, need environments that facilitate their ability to fully leverage their skills and expertise across all practice settings—in hospitals, primary care settings, rural and underserved areas, homes, community organizations, long-term care facilities, and schools. To engage fully in advancing health equity, all nurses need the autonomy to practice to the full extent of their education and training, even as they work collaboratively with other health professionals. They are, however, frequently hindered in this regard by restrictive laws and institutional policies. Policy makers and health care systems need to lift permanently all barriers that stand in the way of nurses in their efforts to address the root causes of poor health, expand access to care, and create more equitable communities.

Recommendation 4: All organizations, including state and federal entities and employing organizations, should enable nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training by removing barriers that prevent them from more fully addressing social needs and social determinants of health and improving health care access, quality, and value. These barriers include regulatory and public and private payment limitations; restrictive policies and practices; and other legal, professional, and commercial 6 impediments.

To this end, the following specific actions should be prioritized:

• By 2022, all changes to institutional policies and state and federal laws adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that expand scope of practice, telehealth eligibility, insurance coverage, and payment parity for services provided by APRNs and RNs should be made permanent.
• Federal authority (e.g., Veterans Health Administration regulations, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS]) should be used where available to supersede restrictive state laws, including those addressing scope of practice, telehealth, and insurance coverage and payment, that decrease access to care and burden nursing practice, and to encourage nationwide adoption of the Nurse Licensure Compact. 7
• The Health Care Regulator Collaborative should work to advance interstate compacts and the adoption of model legislation to improve access, standardize care quality, and build interprofessional collaboration and interstate cooperation.
• PAYING FOR NURSING CARE

Nurses are bridge builders, engaging and connecting with individuals, communities, public health and health care, and social services organizations to improve health for all. Without strong financial and institutional support, however, their reach and impact are limited. How care is paid for can determine one’s access to and the quality of care. Thus, it is important to improve and strengthen the design of public and private payment models so nurses are supported, encouraged, and incentivized to bridge health and social needs for people, families, and communities. Nurses also can play a key role in helping to design those models. Also important is for local, state, and federal governments to place more value on the vital role of school and public health nurses in advancing health equity by adequately funding and deploying these nurses where they are needed to promote health in communities.

Recommendation 5: Federal, tribal, state, local, and private payers and public health agencies should establish sustainable and flexible payment mechanisms to support nurses in both health care and public health, including school nurses, in addressing social needs, social determinants of health, and health equity.

Specific payment reforms should include the following:

• ensuring that the Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) code set includes appropriate codes to describe and reimburse for such nurse-led services as case management, care coordination, and team-based care to address behavioral health, addiction, SDOH, and health equity, and that the relative value units attached to the CPT codes result in adequate and direct reimbursement for this work;
• reimbursing for school nursing; and
• enabling nurses to bill for telehealth services.
• using clinical performance measures stratified by such risk factors as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status;
• supporting nursing interventions through clinical performance measures that incentivize reductions in health disparities between more and less advantaged populations, improvements in measures for at-risk populations, and attainment of absolute target levels of high-quality performance for at-risk populations; and
• incorporating disparities-sensitive measures that support and incentivize nursing interventions that advance health equity (e.g., process measures such as care management and team-based care for chronic conditions; outcomes such as prevention of hospitalizations for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions).
• providing flexible funding (capitated payments, global budgets, shared savings, per member per month payments, accountable health communities models) for nursing and infrastructure that address SDOH; and
• incorporating value-based payment metrics that enable nurses to address SDOH and advance health equity.
• Create a National Nurse Identifier to facilitate recognition and measurement of the value of services provided by RNs.
• implementing state policies that allow school nurses to bill Medicaid and supporting schools, particularly rural schools, in meeting documentation requirements;
• reimbursing school nursing services that include collaboration with clinical and community health care providers;
• promoting new ways of financing public health to address SDOH in the community (e.g., having federal, state, and local leaders, along with public health departments and organizations, partner with payers, health systems, and accountable health communities, and blend or braid multiple funding sources);
• creating funding mechanisms and joint accountability metrics for the efforts of the health, public health, and social sectors to address SDOH and advance health equity that align incentives and behavior across the various stakeholders, including school health;
• leveraging nonprofit hospital community benefit requirements to create partnerships with and among school and public health nursing, primary care organizations, and other social sectors; and
• using pay scales for public health nurses that are competitive with those for nursing positions in other health care organizations and sectors, and that provide equal pay when the services provided (e.g., immunizations) are the same.
• USING TECHNOLOGY TO INTEGRATE DATA ON SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH INTO NURSING PRACTICE

The advent and adoption of new technologies have dramatically changed nursing practice over the past several decades, and will continue to do so into the future. Given the rapid acceleration of technical advances, nurses practicing in the coming decade will need to be adept at and comfortable with using emerging technology and have the skills to support others in doing the same. Nurses are well positioned to design, adopt, and adapt new technologies in practice and leverage data on SDOH to identify and address the needs of populations, individualize care, and reduce health disparities. With care expanding beyond the walls of traditional health care settings, including hospitals and clinics, the deployment of such advanced technologies as artificial intelligence and telehealth can assist nurses in connecting to health care networks, reaching individuals in their homes and other settings, and promoting health and well-being within communities. As key stakeholders in the design, adoption, and evaluation of new care tools, nurses also need to understand how to use new technologies to reduce rather than exacerbate inequities.

Recommendation 6: All public and private health care systems should incorporate nursing expertise in designing, generating, analyzing, and applying data to support initiatives focused on social determinants of health and health equity using diverse digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and other innovative technologies.

• With leadership from CMS and The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, accelerate interoperability projects that integrate data on SDOH from public health, social services organizations, and other community partners into electronic health records, and build a nationwide infrastructure to capture and share community-held knowledge, facilitate referrals for care (including by decreasing the “digital divide”), and facilitate coordination and connectivity among health care settings and the public and nonprofit sectors.
• Ensure that existing public/private health equity data collaboratives (e.g., the Gravity Project 8 ) encompass nursing-specific care processes that improve visualization of data on SDOH and associated decision making by nurses.
• Employ nurses with requisite expertise in informatics to improve individual and population health through large-scale integration of data on SDOH into nursing practice, as well as expertise in the use of telehealth and advanced digital technologies.
• To personalize care based on person- and family-centered preferences and individual needs, give nurses in clinical settings responsibility and associated resources to innovate and use technology, including in the use of data on SDOH as context for planning and evaluating care; in the design of personal and mobile health tools; in coordination of community and public health portals across care settings; in methods for effective communication using technology; in evaluation of datasets and artificial intelligence algorithms (e.g., for racial bias); and in partnerships with corporate settings outside of health care delivery (e.g., large technology organizations, private insurers) that are addressing health equity in the nonclinical setting.
• expanding the national strategy for a broadband/5G infrastructure to enable comprehensive community access to these services; and
• increasing the availability of the necessary hardware, including smartphones, computers, and webcams, for high-risk populations.
• STRENGTHENING NURSING EDUCATION

Regardless of the setting in which they work or their level of education, nurses of the future will be expected to have a sophisticated understanding of social needs, SDOH, and health equity and to be capable of applying this knowledge in their practice. The World Health Organization has emphasized the importance of monitoring equitable service coverage across wealth and education gradients as part of achieving universal health coverage. Similarly, leading public health researchers have advocated for using markers of health equity to monitor health and health care as a first step in confronting inequities. Recognizing and meeting social needs could both lower health care spending and improve health outcomes.

Nursing schools need to prepare nurses to understand and identify the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health by embedding content on SDOH throughout their curricula. Schools need to ensure that nurses have substantive, enduring, relevant community-based experiences and that they value diverse perspectives and cultures in order to help all people and families thrive. Nurses should have this content updated and reinforced throughout their careers through continuing education.

Recommendation 7: Nursing education programs, including continuing education, and accreditors and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing should ensure that nurses are prepared to address social determinants of health and achieve health equity.

To implement this recommendation, deans, administrative faculty leaders, faculty, course directors, and staff of nursing education programs should take the following steps:

• Integrate social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity as core concepts and competencies throughout coursework and clinical and experiential learning. These core concepts and competencies should be commensurate and seamless with academic level and included in continuing education.
• By the 2022–2023 school year, initiate an assessment of individual student access to technology, and ensure that all students can engage in virtual learning, including such opportunities as multisector simulation. Access to nursing education for geographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged students should be ensured through the development and expansion of the use of remote and virtual instructional capabilities. For rural areas, emphasis should be on baccalaureate preparation given the lower proportion of nurses educated at this level.
• To promote equity, inclusivity, and diversity grounded in social justice, identify and eliminate policies, procedures, curricular content, and clinical experiences that perpetuate structural racism, cultural racism, and discrimination among faculty, staff, and students.
• Increase academic progression for geographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged students through academic partnerships that include community and tribal colleges located in rural and urban underserved areas.
• Recruit diverse faculty with expertise in SDOH, population health (including environmental health), and health equity and associated policy expertise, and, through evidence-based and other training, develop the skills of current faculty with the objective of ensuring that students have access across the curriculum to expertise in these areas. Faculty should also have the technical competencies for online teaching.
• Ensure that students have learning opportunities with care coordination experiences that include working with health care teams to address individual and family social needs, as well as learning opportunities with multisector stakeholders that include a focus on health in all policies and SDOH. Learning experiences should include working with underserved populations in such settings as federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, and IHS designated sites.
• Incorporate in all nurse doctoral education content related to SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, health equity, and social justice. All graduates of doctoral programs should have competencies in the use of data on SDOH as context for planning, implementing, and evaluating care and for improving population health through the large-scale application of these data.
• Ensure that PhD nursing graduates are competent to design and implement research that addresses issues of social justice and equity in education and/or health and health care and informs relevant policies. Increase the capacity of these graduates to apply research and scale interventions to address and improve social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, health equity, the well-being of nurses, and disaster preparedness and to inform relevant policies.
• Prepare all nursing students to advocate for health equity through civic engagement, including engagement in health and health-related public policy and communication through traditional and nontraditional methods, including social media and multisector coalitions.

Accreditors should take the following actions:

• Incorporate standards and competencies for curriculum that reflect the application of knowledge and skills to improve social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity.
• Incorporate standards for increasing student and faculty diversity.
• Require nursing education programs to initiate curricular assessments in 2022–2023 and phase in curricular changes that integrate social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity throughout the curriculum and are assessed in subsequent midterm and accreditation reporting. These curricular changes and their impact should be subject to continuous accreditation review processes.
• Include standards for nurses’ well-being and ethical practice in accreditation guidelines, and include such content on nurse licensing and certification exams.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing and specialty certification organizations should take the following action:

• Incorporate test questions on meeting social needs through care coordination and on meeting population health needs, including addressing SDOH, through multisector coordination.

Continuing education providers should take the following action:

• Evaluate each offering for the inclusion of social needs, SDOH, population health, environmental health, trauma-informed care, and health equity and strategies for associated public- and private-sector policy engagement.
• PREPARING NURSES TO RESPOND TO DISASTERS AND PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the vital role of nurses on the front lines of crises—whether in the hospital intensive care unit, a community testing site, or an emergency shelter—in keeping communities safe and healthy and helping people and families cope. They are reliable, trusted, experienced, and proven responders during both public health emergencies and natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires. But fundamental reforms and a stronger disaster preparedness infrastructure are needed to improve nursing education, practice, and policy so nurses are fully protected during such events and can better protect and care for recovering populations.

Recommendation 8: To enable nurses to address inequities within communities, federal agencies and other key stakeholders within and outside the nursing profession should strengthen and protect the nursing workforce during the response to such public health emergencies as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, including those related to climate change.

To this end, the following steps should be taken:

• CDC should fund a National Center for Disaster Nursing and Public Health Emergency Response, along with additional strategically placed regional centers, to serve as the “hub” for providing leadership in education, training, and career development that will ensure a national nursing workforce prepared to respond to such events.
• CDC, in collaboration with the proposed National Center for Disaster Nursing and Public Health Emergency Response, should rapidly articulate a national action plan for addressing gaps in nursing education, support, and protection that have contributed to the lack of nurse preparedness and disparities during such events.
• The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, CDC, HRSA, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, CMS, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), and other funders should develop and support the emergency preparedness and response knowledge base of the nursing workforce through regulations, programs, research, and sustainable funding targeted specifically to disaster and public health emergency nursing.
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National League for Nursing, and the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing should lead transformational change in nursing education to address workforce development in disaster nursing and public health preparedness. NCSBN should expand content in licensing examinations to cover actual responsibilities of nurses in disaster and public health emergency response.
• Employers should incorporate the expertise of nurses to proactively develop and implement an emergency response plan for natural disasters and public health emergencies in coordination with local, state, national, and federal partners. They should also provide additional services throughout a disaster or public health emergency, such as support for families and behavioral health, to support and protect nurses’ health and well-being.
• BUILDING THE EVIDENCE BASE

Strengthening and diversifying the nursing workforce of the future, fostering nurse well-being, and developing strong and impactful nurse leaders so that nurses can fully address the wide and persistent health disparities in the United States will require a robust and rigorous evidence base. Below, the committee prioritizes the research needs and identifies gaps in the knowledge base that, if filled, would substantially move the nursing profession forward in the future.

Recommendation 9: The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Community Living, and private associations and foundations should convene representatives from nursing, public health, and health care to develop and support a research agenda and evidence base describing the impact of nursing interventions, including multisector collaboration, on social determinants of health, environmental health, health equity, and nurses’ health and well-being.

These efforts should be focused on the following actions:

• Develop mechanisms for proposing, evaluating, and scaling evidence-based practice models that leverage collaboration among public health, social sectors, and health systems to advance health equity, including codesigning innovations with individuals and community representatives and responding to community health needs assessments. This effort should emphasize rapidly translating evidence-based interventions into real-world clinical practice and community-based settings to improve health equity and population health outcomes, and applying implementation science strategies in the process of scaling these interventions and strategies.
• Identify effective multisector team approaches to improving health equity and addressing social needs and SDOH, including clearly defining roles and assessing the value of nurses in these models. Specifically, performance and outcome measures should be delineated, and evaluation strategies for community-based models and multisector team functioning should be developed and implemented.
• Review and adapt evidence-based approaches to increasing the number and diversity of students and faculty from disadvantaged and traditionally underrepresented groups to promote a diverse, inclusive learning environment and prepare a culturally competent workforce.
• Determine evidence-based education strategies for preparing nurses at all levels, including through continuing education, to eliminate structural racism and implicit bias and strengthen the delivery of culturally competent care.
• Augment the use of advanced information technology infrastructure, including virtual services and artificial intelligence, to identify and integrate health and social data, including data on SDOH, so as to improve nurses’ capacity to support individuals, families, and communities, including through care coordination.

Across all of these efforts, nurses should partner with key community stakeholders in research design; identification of the characteristics of new health models; and the development of related institutional and public policies at the health system, public health, and community levels. To expand the cohort of nurse researchers engaged in this research agenda, NINR should offer continuous summer intensive seminars to build expertise in population health, SDOH, and health equity. Table 11-1 summarizes gaps in the current research base that have been identified throughout this report.

Research Topics for the Future of Nursing, 2020–2030.

• FINAL THOUGHTS

The nursing profession is vital to the nation’s creation of a culture of health, reduction of health disparities, and improvement in the health and well-being of the population. The committee’s nine recommendations provide a comprehensive path forward for policy makers, practicing nurses, educators, health care system leaders, researchers, and payers to enable and support the nurses of today and the future in creating fair and just opportunities for health and well-being for everyone. The social, political, and health care trends discussed in this report, while replete with myriad challenges, also offer nurses new opportunities for practice and collaboration. Nurses will need to continue to adapt and respond to new and developing health problems at both the individual and community levels, and to deepen their understanding of how social, economic, and environmental issues and systemic barriers affect the health and well-being of the people and communities they serve. The rapidly deployed changes in community-based and clinical care, nursing education, nursing leadership, and nursing–community partnerships resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have amplified those challenges. The deployment of all levels of nurses across the care continuum, including in collaborative practice models, will be necessary to address the challenges of building a more equitable and accessible health care system.

The United States is at an inflection point with respect to addressing disparities in health and well-being that have adversely impacted too many people for too long. The nation’s health care system is also at an inflection point in terms of meeting consumers’ health needs in ways and in places commensurate with their preferences. It is imperative that the nursing profession focus on the training and competency development needed to prepare nurses, including advanced practice nurses, to work competently in home and community-based as well as acute care settings and to lead efforts to build a culture of health and health equity. There is no time to waste. Over the next 10 years, nurses will assume even greater responsibility for helping to build an accessible, equitable, high-quality public health and health care system that works for everyone. The recommendations in this report are aimed at ensuring that nurses are inspired, supported, valued, and empowered in pursuing that goal so that by 2030, all individuals and communities will have the opportunities they need to live healthy lives.

• Anderson JE, Ross AJ, Back J, Duncan M, Snell P, Walsh K, Jaye P. Implementing resilience engineering for healthcare quality improvement using the CARE model: A feasibility study protocol. Pilot and Feasibility Studies. 2016; 2 (61) doi: 10.1186/s40814-016-0103-x. [ PMC free article : PMC5154109 ] [ PubMed : 27965876 ]
• NACNEP (National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice). Integration of social determinants of health in nursing education, practice, and research. 16th Report to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Congress. Washington, DC: Health Resources and Services Administration; 2020.

See https://www ​.who.int/campaigns ​/annual-theme ​/year-of-the-nurse-and-the-midwife-2020 (accessed April 12, 2021).

The Tri-Council for Nursing includes the following organizations as members: the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing.

The Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations includes the following organizations as members: the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, the American Nurses Association, the American Public Health Association—Public Health Nursing Section, the Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, the Association of Public Health Nurses, and the Rural Nurse Organization.

The Federal Nursing Service Council is a united federal nursing leadership team representing the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, National Guard and Reserves, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Graduate School of Nursing.

Resilience engineering is focused on “understanding the nature of adaptations, learning from success and increasing adaptive capacity” ( Anderson et al., 2016 , p. 1).

The term “commercial” refers to contractual agreements and customary practices that make antiquated or unjustifiable assumptions about nursing.

Under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), “nurses can practice in other NLC states without having to obtain additional licenses. The current NLC allows for RNs and LPNs/licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to have one multistate license in any one of the 35 member states” (see https://www ​.ncsbn.org/nlcmemberstates ​.pdf ). According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), “An APRN must hold an individual state license in each state of APRN practice” (see https://www ​.ncsbn.org/2018_eNLC_FAQs.pdf ). There is a movement, organized by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, to have an APRN Compact (see https://aprncompact ​.com/about.htm ) (all accessed April 12, 2021).

See https://sirenetwork ​.ucsf ​.edu/TheGravityProject (accessed April 12, 2021).

• Cite this Page National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; National Academy of Medicine; Committee on the Future of Nursing 2020–2030; Flaubert JL, Le Menestrel S, Williams DR, et al., editors. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2021 May 11. 11, The Future of Nursing: Recommendations and Research Priorities.
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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

As we come to the End of this Article '

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