Research priorities for nursing and midwifery in Southern Ireland.
OBJECTIVE
To identify research priorities for nursing and midwifery in the Southern Health Board area in Ireland for the immediate and long term.


METHODS
Ten focus groups were conducted over a 2-month period with 70 nurses and midwives working in clinical, managerial and educational roles participating. Based on focus group findings and a literature review a multi-item Likert type questionnaire was constructed and administered to 520 nurses and midwives (response rate 95%n=494).


RESULTS
Research priorities were identified as: (1) impact of staff shortages on retention of RNs/RM's (80%); (2) quality of life of chronically ill patients (76%); (3) stress and bullying in the workplace (76%); (4) assessment and management of pain (75%); (5) skill mix and staff burnout (73%); (6) cardio-pulmonary resuscitation decision making (72%); (7) coordination of care between hospital and primary care settings (69%); (8) medication errors (67%); and (9) promoting healthy lifestyles (64%). Respondents also indicated that these priorities warranted immediate attention. Implications for practice include the need for: (1) emphasis on quality pain control; (2) recognition and exploration of the ethical issues relating to resuscitation; and (3) management of the context within which clinical care is given.
McCarthy
G
G
Department of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, University College, Cork, Ireland. g.mccarthy@ucc.ie
Savage
E
E
Lehane
E
E
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003697:Delphi Technique; D004506:Education, Nursing; D017144:Focus Groups; D006292:Health Priorities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008019:Life Style; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009726:Nurses / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000941:ethics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires