Stroke research questions: a nursing perspective.
BACKGROUND
stroke is a national research priority. However, in the literature there is still minimal systematic investigation of stroke nursing - especially practice. The aim of this study was to explore stroke nurses' research priorities through a series of focus groups.


METHODS
the study was qualitative and involved focus groups (n = 7) with registered nurses working in stroke care settings and who were members of the Scottish Stroke Nurses Forum. Data were analysed to identify conceptual categories, which were found to relate to the categories defined by Kirkevold (1997) and Booth (2001).


RESULTS
five priority areas for stroke nursing were described: preventive/conserving; supporting/consoling; restorative; integrative; and service structure/systems.


CONCLUSIONS
by consulting stroke nurses it can be ensured that future research truly reflects the nature of nursing care and is of particular relevance to stroke nursing practice. The development of research evidence-base in stroke nursing will lead to increased knowledge, a better quality of care and ultimately better outcomes for patients.
Rowat
Anne
A
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care, Napier University, Edinburgh, UK.
Lawrence
Maggie
M
Horsburgh
Dorothy
D
Legg
Lynn
L
Smith
Lorraine N
LN
D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research; D012606:Scotland; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation