Nursing theories inform research in the field of nursing by providing frameworks for understanding phenomena related to patient care and outcomes. They guide researchers in developing research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and interpreting findings. For instance, a nurse researcher might use Watson’s Theory of Human Caring to investigate the impact of nurse-patient relationships on patient satisfaction scores. Theories also help to establish hypotheses that can be tested empirically, contributing to the body of nursing knowledge. Furthermore, research grounded in nursing theory can validate or refine existing theories, ensuring that they remain relevant and applicable in clinical practice. By fostering a strong connection between theory and research, nursing theories enhance the advancement of evidence-based practice in nursing.
How do nursing theories inform research in the field of nursing?
