Using and doing research

This guide has been developed by members of the RCN Research Society for those new to, or returning to research. It focuses on using and doing research. Use this guide to find information resources including books, journal articles and reports.

Last updated: 06/06/2022

Key Resources
Books
Journals

Key Resources

O'Cathain A, Croot L, Duncan E, Rousseau N, Sworn K, Yardley L, and Hoddinott P (2019) Guidance on how to develop complex interventions to improve health and healthcare, BMJ Open, 9(8) pp. 1-9.

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EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) Network

Reporting guidance for health research: this contains a comprehensive searchable database of reporting guidelines and also links to other resources relevant to research reporting.
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RCN international nursing research conference and exhibition 2019: conference abstracts

Conference held 3 - 5 September 2019, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
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RCN Research and Innovation resources

The RCN is committed to nurses, midwives, HCAs and APs using knowledge and innovation to transform patient care. This section includes information and resources for those looking to use or develop research to enhance their practice, including links to research funding and training opportunities.
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World Health Organization (2017) Facilitating evidence-based practice in nursing and midwifery in the WHO European Region. Copenhagen: WHO.

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RCN: Quality improvement

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Health Research Agency (HRA)

The HRA was established in December 2011 to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health research, and to streamline the regulation of research. It also covers current health guidance on research ethics and informed consent.
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Northway R, Howarth J and Evans L (2015) Participatory research, people with intellectual disabilities and ethical approval: making reasonable adjustments to enable participation, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 24 (3-4), pp. 573-581.

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Books

Aveyard H, Sharp P and Woolliams M (2015) A beginner’s guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care (2nd edition), Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Borrow from RCN Library services

Aveyard H and Sharp P (2017) A beginner’s guide to evidence-based practice in health and social care (3rd edition), Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Aveyard H (2019) Doing a literature review in health and social care: a practical guide (4th edition), London: Open University Press.

Grove S and Cipher D (2020) Statistics for nursing research: a workbook for evidence-based practice. 3rd edn. St Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.

Borrow from RCN Library Services

Linsley P, Kane R and Barker J (2019) Evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals. 4th edn. Los Angeles: Sage.

Borrow from RCN Library Services

McCormack B and McCance T (2016) Person-centred practice in nursing and health care: theory and practice. 2nd edn. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.

Moule P (2021) Making sense of research in nursing, health and social care. 7th edn, Los Angeles: Sage.

Borrow from RCN Library Services

Tashakkori A, Johnson B and Teddlie C (2021) Foundations of mixed methods research: integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches in the social and behavioral sciences. 2nd edn. Los Angeles: Sage.

Borrow from RCN Library Services

Gerrish K, and Lathlean J (2015) The research process in nursing (7th edition), Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.

Greenhalgh T (2019) How to read a paper: the basics of evidence-based medicine and healthcare (6th edition), Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons.

Harvey G and Kitson A (2015) Implementing evidence-based practice in healthcare: a facilitation guide, Abingdon: Routledge.

Jolley J (2020) Introducing research and evidence-based practice for nursing and healthcare professionals. 3rd edn, London: Taylor & Francis.

Lobiondo-Wood G and Haber J (2018) Nursing research: methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice (9th edition), St Louis, Mo: Elsevier.

Rycroft-Malone J, Bucknall T and Pearson A (2010) Models and frameworks for implementing evidence-based practice: linking evidence to action, Somerset: Wiley.