Key Historical Developments in Nursing Research
Key Historical Developments
By
Patricia A. Forrest
University of Phoenix
Issues and Strategies in Nursing Research Utilization
Professor Barbara Biddle, RN, MSN
August 28, 2006
A discussion of the key historical developments in nursing research is to review some of the richest elements of the history of nursing itself. It is important to note that without nursing research, nurses are limited in the ability to practice in an evidenced-based profession. "Nursing research, both qualitative and quantitative, is critical for quality, cost-effective health care". (Nursing Research Position Statement, International Council of Nurses, 1997, Nursing Research: Building International Research Agenda. Report of the Expert Committee on Nursing Research. Geneva: ICN. Retrieved August 27, 2006 from http://www.icn.ch/psresearch99.htm.) Two key historical developments in nursing research along with two historical developments in nursing research utilization will be discussed as well as an additional development in research utilization. One key historical development in nursing research is the work done by Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War. She researched the ill effects of poor hygiene and sanitation among the military during the war. The rate of sickness and death among the soldiers was greatly impacted by the poor conditions the soldiers faced on the battlefield. Because of the work of Florence Nightingale, "The military began to view the sick as having the right to adequate food, suitable quarters and appropriate medical treatment. These interventions drastically reduced mortality from 43% to 2% in the Crimean War. (Burns & Grove, 2003).
We are also indebted to Florence Nightingale for a historical development in nursing research utilization because Nightingale "also used research knowledge to make significant changes in society, such as testing public water, improving sanitation, preventing starvation, and decreasing" sickness and death. (Burns &
By
Patricia A. Forrest
University of Phoenix
Issues and Strategies in Nursing Research Utilization
Professor Barbara Biddle, RN, MSN
August 28, 2006
A discussion of the key historical developments in nursing research is to review some of the richest elements of the history of nursing itself. It is important to note that without nursing research, nurses are limited in the ability to practice in an evidenced-based profession. "Nursing research, both qualitative and quantitative, is critical for quality, cost-effective health care". (Nursing Research Position Statement, International Council of Nurses, 1997, Nursing Research: Building International Research Agenda. Report of the Expert Committee on Nursing Research. Geneva: ICN. Retrieved August 27, 2006 from http://www.icn.ch/psresearch99.htm.) Two key historical developments in nursing research along with two historical developments in nursing research utilization will be discussed as well as an additional development in research utilization. One key historical development in nursing research is the work done by Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War. She researched the ill effects of poor hygiene and sanitation among the military during the war. The rate of sickness and death among the soldiers was greatly impacted by the poor conditions the soldiers faced on the battlefield. Because of the work of Florence Nightingale, "The military began to view the sick as having the right to adequate food, suitable quarters and appropriate medical treatment. These interventions drastically reduced mortality from 43% to 2% in the Crimean War. (Burns & Grove, 2003).
We are also indebted to Florence Nightingale for a historical development in nursing research utilization because Nightingale "also used research knowledge to make significant changes in society, such as testing public water, improving sanitation, preventing starvation, and decreasing" sickness and death. (Burns &