How To Write Your Nursing Dissertation
Published on 12. October 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
308 pages
978-1-118-41071-4 (ISBN)
Description
This innovative nursing textbook provides a clear guide to writing a winning dissertation. It contains advice and guidance for overcoming many of the difficulties students face in this process. Written by experts in the field, each chapter provides scenarios with effective solutions and clear principles to follow to answer the issues raised.
The book guides you through the stages of finding and assessing literature to answer a clear dissertation question, and the practical skills of writing and structuring a successful dissertation.
Chapters include:
- Starting your dissertation journey
- Developing a successful dissertation question
- Sourcing and accessing key literature
- Essential research principles and processes
- Critically appraising research articles
- Implementing evidence-based health care in practice
- Taking your dissertation further, including publications and conferences.
Accompanied by a website featuring a range of resources including an unabridged example of a completed dissertation, How to Write Your Nursing Dissertation is essential reading not just for nursing and healthcare students completing dissertations, but all students who need to develop their critical appraisal and assignment writing skills.
The book guides you through the stages of finding and assessing literature to answer a clear dissertation question, and the practical skills of writing and structuring a successful dissertation.
Chapters include:
- Starting your dissertation journey
- Developing a successful dissertation question
- Sourcing and accessing key literature
- Essential research principles and processes
- Critically appraising research articles
- Implementing evidence-based health care in practice
- Taking your dissertation further, including publications and conferences.
Accompanied by a website featuring a range of resources including an unabridged example of a completed dissertation, How to Write Your Nursing Dissertation is essential reading not just for nursing and healthcare students completing dissertations, but all students who need to develop their critical appraisal and assignment writing skills.
Reviews / Votes
"Conclusion: The book addresses mainly nursing students who have been out of academic learning for a while. It might lead, however, down paths of thinking for the accomplished scholar toward new directions, and also to closer links between historical research and modern nursing. Therefore I recommend the book for nursing faculties, hospital staff libraries and students doing a Master's thesis." (European Association for the History of Nursing, 1 March 2013)"The use of the scenarios through each chapter and section and the bonus chapters and resources available through the books online content are useful. It has a concise and informative glossary and the index is easy to navigate. I can't find any limitations. This book could be a saviour when you are on the study rollercoaster." (Nursing Times, 4 July 2013)
"The book is organised in a logical way, with an excellent companion website." (Nursing Standard, 1 April 2013)
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Hoboken
United Kingdom
Publishing group
John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
431 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-118-41071-4 (9781118410714)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Alan Glasper | Diane Carpenter
How to Write Your Nursing Dissertation
Book
04/2021
Wiley-Blackwell
€35.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Edward Alan Glasper is currently Professor of Child Health Nursing at the University of Southampton. He is also Education Representative of the Association of Chief Children's Nurses and former Vice Chairman of the Royal College of Nursing Society of Paediatric Nursing. He has written over 200 papers and books.
Colin Rees is Programme Manager for Nursing Studies at Cardiff University.
Colin Rees is Programme Manager for Nursing Studies at Cardiff University.
Content
List of Contributors, xiii
Foreword by Professor Carl May, xvi
Preface, xviii
About the companion website, xix
Acknowledgements, xx
The scenarios, xxi
Section 1 Starting your dissertation journey, 1
1 Starting your dissertation journey, 3
Sheila Reading
What are dissertations? , 3
What are the features of a degree education? , 6
Features of a dissertation , 8
Planning your dissertation - essential considerations , 9
Completing your dissertation and gaining a good classification , 11
References, 12
Further reading , 13
2 Introduction to writing your evidence-based practice dissertation, 14
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Sample guidelines for students undertaking an undergraduate healthcare dissertation , 14
Typical learning outcomes for an undergraduate evidence-based practice dissertation , 15
The dissertation , 16
Guidelines for students undertaking an undergraduate evidence-based practice dissertation , 17
Typical postgraduate evidence-based practice dissertation module learning outcomes , 18
Conclusion, 22
3 Clinical effectiveness and evidence-based practice: background and history, 23
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Introduction , 23
Historical aspects of evidence-based practice , 24
The contribution of the nursing profession to evidence-based practice , 25
How is evidence sourced? , 26
Conclusion, 27
References, 27
4 What is evidence-based practice and clinical effectiveness?, 29
Andree le May
Clinical effectiveness , 29
Evidence-based practice , 33
Making care more effective , 34
References, 38
5 The challenges of delivering practice based on best evidence (in primary, secondary and tertiary settings), 40
Andree le May
An evidence base for practice , 40
Barriers to the use of research evidence in practice , 42
Encouraging the use of research evidence in practice , 45
Conclusion, 49
References, 49
Section 2 Sourcing and accessing evidence for your dissertation, 53
6 Sourcing the best evidence, 55
Paul Boagy, Pat Maier and Alan Glasper
Exploring and refining your question , 55
Searching for research articles , 59
Devising your search strategy , 62
Accessing journal literature , 65
The Cochrane Library , 66
Websites and other resources , 69
Support from your library service , 70
RCN information literacy competencies , 72
Conclusion, 75
References, 76
7 What is grey literature and where can it be found?, 77
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
What is 'grey literature'? , 77
Where can I find grey literature? , 78
Important websites , 79
What about Google scholar? , 79
References, 79
8 Harvard or Vancouver - getting it right all the time, 80
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Vancouver system, 81
Harvard system, 82
Use of computer referencing packages , 84
Conclusion, 85
9 Posing an evidence-based practice question: Using the PICO and SPICE models, 86
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
What is the PICO model? , 86
Examples of PICO formulated questions , 88
What is the SPICE model? , 90
References, 92
Section 3 Developing your healthcare/evidence-based practice dissertation, 93
10 Managing your time wisely, 95
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
A dissertation as a frame of mind , 96
Conclusion, 98
References, 100
11 Developing your study skills , 101
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Knowing yourself, 103
Being organised , 106
Organising things in terms of what goes where , 107
Consolidating your ideas and activities by talking to others about it , 107
Reference , 107
12 Getting the most from your supervisor , 108
Judith Lathlean
How to get started , 108
Agreeing a working pattern , 109
Anticipating and preventing problems , 109
Good planning is the essence , 109
Supervision at a distance , 110
Additional support , 111
Resources , 112
Section 4 Preparing to use research evidence in your dissertation, 113
13 Understanding quantitative research , 115
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Is it a quantitative study? , 115
Why quantitative? , 117
Types of quantitative studies , 117
Key elements in a quantitative study , 120
Strengths of quantitative studies , 120
Limitations , 124
Conclusion, 124
References, 124
14 Understanding qualitative research , 126
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Why qualitative? , 127
Types of qualitative studies , 128
Key elements in a qualitative study , 129
Strengths of qualitative studies , 131
Limitations , 132
Conclusion, 132
References, 133
Section 5 Critically appraising evidence, 135
15 Selecting and using appraisal tools: How to interrogate research papers , 137
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Introduction , 137
What is critical appraisal? What are critical appraisal tools?
Why is critical appraisal of published research important? What does critical appraisal mean to nurses and other healthcare professionals? , 138
What is the best critical appraisal tool to use? , 139
Commencing your critique , 140
Is an individual paper worth adding to the short list? Preparing your initial long short list , 140
Commencing your initial read and review of an empirical journal paper , 141
Points to consider about the paper(s) before using any critiquing tool , 143
Applying a critiquing framework tool of your choice to your selected papers , 145
Critiquing models, 147
Conclusion, 156
References, 157
16 Critically reviewing qualitative papers using a CASP critiquing tool, 158
Di Carpenter
Screening questions , 159
The CASP qualitative questions , 160
Data analysis , 163
Research findings, 163
The value of the research , 164
Reflection , 164
References, 165
17 Critically reviewing quantitative papers using a CASP critiquing tool , 166
Steve George
Question 1 'Did the study ask a clearly-focused question?' , 167
Question 2 'Was this a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and was it appropriately so?' , 168
Question 3 'Were participants appropriately allocated to intervention and control groups?' , 171
Question 4 'Were participants, staff and study personnel 'blind' to participants study group?' , 171
Question 5 'Were all of the participants who entered the trial accounted for at its conclusion?' , 173
Question 6 'Were the participants in all groups followed up and data collected in the same way?' , 173
Question 7 'Did the study have enough participants to minimise the play of chance?' , 174
Question 8 'How are the results presented and what is the main result?' , 174
Question 9 'How precise are these results?' , 176
Question 10 'Were all important outcomes considered so the results can be applied?' , 176
18 Critically reviewing a journal paper using the Parahoo model , 177
Kader Parahoo and Irene Heuter
Introduction , 177
Framework for appraisal , 178
Conclusion, 186
References, 186
19 Critically reviewing a journal paper using the Rees model , 187
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Conclusion, 192
References, 193
Section 6 How evidence-based healthcare is implemented in practice, 195
20 Using evidence in practice , 197
Tracey Harding, Lisa Harding and Alan Glasper
Introduction , 197
Applying research findings to practice: using and applying evidence in practice , 198
Potential barriers to the implementation of change , 205
Change management strategies , 209
Review and evaluation of effectiveness of change , 212
Leadership of change , 214
Using Government policy guidance to help implement evidence-based practice , 216
Can high impact nursing actions result in enhanced patient care? , 219
Conclusion, 223
References, 223
Section 7 Taking your dissertation further: disseminating evidence, knowledge transfer; writing as a professional skill, 227
21 Publishing your dissertation: In a journal or at a conference , 229
John Fowler and Colin Rees
Your dissertation is complete: what next? , 229
Motivation , 230
Conference abstract and presentation , 231
Writing a paper for publication , 235
What will you do with your dissertation? , 241
22 Reflecting on your dissertation journey , 242
Wendy Wigley
Reflection , 242
Frameworks for reflection , 244
Some final points on reflection , 248
References, 249
23 Building the architecture of your dissertation , 250
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Writing your evidence-based practice thesis , 250
Reference , 255
24 Glossary of common research and statistical terms , 256
Colin Rees and Peter Nicholls
Section 8 Bonus chapters (Website only) www.wiley.com/go/glasper/nursingdissertation, 273
25 Developing a public health evidence-based practice dissertation
Palo Almond
26 Using historical literature
Di Carpenter
27 Managing a learning difference
Michelle Cowen
28 Interpreting statistics
Peter Nicholls
29 Research governance in practice
Vikki Yule and Martina Prude
30 Developing mechanisms to change clinical practice in the light of evidence: A case study
Valerie Wilson
31 Clinical standards, audit and inspection
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Index, 275
There is a companion website for this book: www.wiley.com/go/glasper/nursingdissertation
Foreword by Professor Carl May, xvi
Preface, xviii
About the companion website, xix
Acknowledgements, xx
The scenarios, xxi
Section 1 Starting your dissertation journey, 1
1 Starting your dissertation journey, 3
Sheila Reading
What are dissertations? , 3
What are the features of a degree education? , 6
Features of a dissertation , 8
Planning your dissertation - essential considerations , 9
Completing your dissertation and gaining a good classification , 11
References, 12
Further reading , 13
2 Introduction to writing your evidence-based practice dissertation, 14
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Sample guidelines for students undertaking an undergraduate healthcare dissertation , 14
Typical learning outcomes for an undergraduate evidence-based practice dissertation , 15
The dissertation , 16
Guidelines for students undertaking an undergraduate evidence-based practice dissertation , 17
Typical postgraduate evidence-based practice dissertation module learning outcomes , 18
Conclusion, 22
3 Clinical effectiveness and evidence-based practice: background and history, 23
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Introduction , 23
Historical aspects of evidence-based practice , 24
The contribution of the nursing profession to evidence-based practice , 25
How is evidence sourced? , 26
Conclusion, 27
References, 27
4 What is evidence-based practice and clinical effectiveness?, 29
Andree le May
Clinical effectiveness , 29
Evidence-based practice , 33
Making care more effective , 34
References, 38
5 The challenges of delivering practice based on best evidence (in primary, secondary and tertiary settings), 40
Andree le May
An evidence base for practice , 40
Barriers to the use of research evidence in practice , 42
Encouraging the use of research evidence in practice , 45
Conclusion, 49
References, 49
Section 2 Sourcing and accessing evidence for your dissertation, 53
6 Sourcing the best evidence, 55
Paul Boagy, Pat Maier and Alan Glasper
Exploring and refining your question , 55
Searching for research articles , 59
Devising your search strategy , 62
Accessing journal literature , 65
The Cochrane Library , 66
Websites and other resources , 69
Support from your library service , 70
RCN information literacy competencies , 72
Conclusion, 75
References, 76
7 What is grey literature and where can it be found?, 77
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
What is 'grey literature'? , 77
Where can I find grey literature? , 78
Important websites , 79
What about Google scholar? , 79
References, 79
8 Harvard or Vancouver - getting it right all the time, 80
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Vancouver system, 81
Harvard system, 82
Use of computer referencing packages , 84
Conclusion, 85
9 Posing an evidence-based practice question: Using the PICO and SPICE models, 86
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
What is the PICO model? , 86
Examples of PICO formulated questions , 88
What is the SPICE model? , 90
References, 92
Section 3 Developing your healthcare/evidence-based practice dissertation, 93
10 Managing your time wisely, 95
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
A dissertation as a frame of mind , 96
Conclusion, 98
References, 100
11 Developing your study skills , 101
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Knowing yourself, 103
Being organised , 106
Organising things in terms of what goes where , 107
Consolidating your ideas and activities by talking to others about it , 107
Reference , 107
12 Getting the most from your supervisor , 108
Judith Lathlean
How to get started , 108
Agreeing a working pattern , 109
Anticipating and preventing problems , 109
Good planning is the essence , 109
Supervision at a distance , 110
Additional support , 111
Resources , 112
Section 4 Preparing to use research evidence in your dissertation, 113
13 Understanding quantitative research , 115
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Is it a quantitative study? , 115
Why quantitative? , 117
Types of quantitative studies , 117
Key elements in a quantitative study , 120
Strengths of quantitative studies , 120
Limitations , 124
Conclusion, 124
References, 124
14 Understanding qualitative research , 126
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Why qualitative? , 127
Types of qualitative studies , 128
Key elements in a qualitative study , 129
Strengths of qualitative studies , 131
Limitations , 132
Conclusion, 132
References, 133
Section 5 Critically appraising evidence, 135
15 Selecting and using appraisal tools: How to interrogate research papers , 137
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Introduction , 137
What is critical appraisal? What are critical appraisal tools?
Why is critical appraisal of published research important? What does critical appraisal mean to nurses and other healthcare professionals? , 138
What is the best critical appraisal tool to use? , 139
Commencing your critique , 140
Is an individual paper worth adding to the short list? Preparing your initial long short list , 140
Commencing your initial read and review of an empirical journal paper , 141
Points to consider about the paper(s) before using any critiquing tool , 143
Applying a critiquing framework tool of your choice to your selected papers , 145
Critiquing models, 147
Conclusion, 156
References, 157
16 Critically reviewing qualitative papers using a CASP critiquing tool, 158
Di Carpenter
Screening questions , 159
The CASP qualitative questions , 160
Data analysis , 163
Research findings, 163
The value of the research , 164
Reflection , 164
References, 165
17 Critically reviewing quantitative papers using a CASP critiquing tool , 166
Steve George
Question 1 'Did the study ask a clearly-focused question?' , 167
Question 2 'Was this a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and was it appropriately so?' , 168
Question 3 'Were participants appropriately allocated to intervention and control groups?' , 171
Question 4 'Were participants, staff and study personnel 'blind' to participants study group?' , 171
Question 5 'Were all of the participants who entered the trial accounted for at its conclusion?' , 173
Question 6 'Were the participants in all groups followed up and data collected in the same way?' , 173
Question 7 'Did the study have enough participants to minimise the play of chance?' , 174
Question 8 'How are the results presented and what is the main result?' , 174
Question 9 'How precise are these results?' , 176
Question 10 'Were all important outcomes considered so the results can be applied?' , 176
18 Critically reviewing a journal paper using the Parahoo model , 177
Kader Parahoo and Irene Heuter
Introduction , 177
Framework for appraisal , 178
Conclusion, 186
References, 186
19 Critically reviewing a journal paper using the Rees model , 187
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Conclusion, 192
References, 193
Section 6 How evidence-based healthcare is implemented in practice, 195
20 Using evidence in practice , 197
Tracey Harding, Lisa Harding and Alan Glasper
Introduction , 197
Applying research findings to practice: using and applying evidence in practice , 198
Potential barriers to the implementation of change , 205
Change management strategies , 209
Review and evaluation of effectiveness of change , 212
Leadership of change , 214
Using Government policy guidance to help implement evidence-based practice , 216
Can high impact nursing actions result in enhanced patient care? , 219
Conclusion, 223
References, 223
Section 7 Taking your dissertation further: disseminating evidence, knowledge transfer; writing as a professional skill, 227
21 Publishing your dissertation: In a journal or at a conference , 229
John Fowler and Colin Rees
Your dissertation is complete: what next? , 229
Motivation , 230
Conference abstract and presentation , 231
Writing a paper for publication , 235
What will you do with your dissertation? , 241
22 Reflecting on your dissertation journey , 242
Wendy Wigley
Reflection , 242
Frameworks for reflection , 244
Some final points on reflection , 248
References, 249
23 Building the architecture of your dissertation , 250
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Writing your evidence-based practice thesis , 250
Reference , 255
24 Glossary of common research and statistical terms , 256
Colin Rees and Peter Nicholls
Section 8 Bonus chapters (Website only) www.wiley.com/go/glasper/nursingdissertation, 273
25 Developing a public health evidence-based practice dissertation
Palo Almond
26 Using historical literature
Di Carpenter
27 Managing a learning difference
Michelle Cowen
28 Interpreting statistics
Peter Nicholls
29 Research governance in practice
Vikki Yule and Martina Prude
30 Developing mechanisms to change clinical practice in the light of evidence: A case study
Valerie Wilson
31 Clinical standards, audit and inspection
Alan Glasper and Colin Rees
Index, 275
There is a companion website for this book: www.wiley.com/go/glasper/nursingdissertation