The Internet as a research site: establishment of a web-based longitudinal study of the nursing and midwifery workforce in three countries.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a web-based longitudinal research project, The Nurses and Midwives e-cohort Study.


BACKGROUND
The Internet has only recently been used for health research. However, web-based methodologies are increasingly discussed as significant and inevitable developments in research as Internet access and use rapidly increases worldwide.


METHODS
In 2006, a longitudinal web-based study of nurses and midwives workforce participation patterns, health and wellbeing, and lifestyle choices was established. Participating countries are Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Data collection is handled through a dedicated website using a range of standardized tools combined into one comprehensive questionnaire. Internet-specific data collection and a range of recruitment and retention strategies have been developed for this study.


CONCLUSIONS
Internet-based technology can support the maintenance of cohorts across multiple countries and jurisdictions to explore factors influencing workforce participation. However, barriers to widespread adoption of web-based approaches include website development costs, the need for fast broadband connection for large data collection instruments, and varying degrees of Internet and computer literacy in the nursing and midwifery workforce.


CONCLUSIONS
Many of the issues reported in this paper are transitional in nature at a time of rapid technological development. The development of on-line methods and tools is a major and exciting development in the world of research. Research via the world-wide web can support international collaborations across borders and cultures.
Huntington
Annette
A
School of Health and Social Services, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand. a.d.huntington@massey.ac.nz
Gilmour
Jean
J
Schluter
Philip
P
Tuckett
Anthony
A
Bogossian
Fiona
F
Turner
Catherine
C
D001292:Attitude to Computers; D001315:Australia; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008880:Midwifery / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009520:New Zealand; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D006113:United Kingdom