Structure and process of outcomes research for nurse practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
To present a framework for nurse practitioners (NPs) who wish to engage in outcomes research.


METHODS
Review of scientific literature on the design of outcomes research.


CONCLUSIONS
The structure and process of outcomes research includes both the research protocol and the decisions related to designing and implementing a study. Each identified step of the presented framework incorporates issues related to decision making relevant for that specific component of the research protocol.


CONCLUSIONS
Practical advice guides the NP in beginning to identify researchable problems within the clinical setting suited to outcomes research. Using a framework to design an outcomes study assists the NP in making key study decisions.
Moores
Patricia
P
Beth-El College of Nursing, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Breslin
Eileen
E
Burns
Margaret
M
D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000592:standards*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*