Dear readers,
let me share some of my ideas on science and research in nursing profession. In the last decade, we can observe that nursing research in our conditions has developed and reached the dimensions comparable with the foreign countries. It is also evidenced by the electronic professional magazine – Nursing: Theory, Research, Education. I am honoured to be a member of the body of editors of this magazine. The published papers solve current and significant problems of nursing as a scientific discipline, thus they contribute to development of education and clinical practice.
In 1972 in Great Britain, Dr. Archie Cochrane initiated the EBP (Evidence-Based Practice) Movement, and his work resulted in establishment of the Cochrane Library. This electronic database facilitates a worldwide access to the systematic reviews. Evidence-based nursing is described as decision-making based on four components: research evidence, patient preferences, clinical expertise and available resources. The Joanna Briggs Institute presents the idea that evidence-based practice is “clinical decision-making that considers the best available evidence; the context in which the care is delivered; client preference; and the professional judgement of the health professional”.
In our conditions, the databases availability has improved therefore we emphasise the idea that the research evidence should become a part of the clinical decision-making process. This can be achieved only through high-quality education in nursing and the opportunities to conduct the scientific projects. The possibilities of nursing professionals are often limited, but in spite of this fact, there is an ambition to strengthen nursing role and development of nursing.
doc. PhDr. Gabriela Vörösová, PhD.
Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Faculty of Social Sciences and Healthcare