The aim of basic research is to determine the functional relationship between research variables. Though basic research may not have immediate application, it is necessary for the advanced of applied research. Applied research on the other hand, aims to solve problems and help the clients. The logical basis of applied research is based on the foundation laid by basic research. Many politicians and policy makers, often mistake basic research as a waste of money, as they fail to provide any immediate application. Basic research is the precursor for all applied research. Applied research is concerned with the application of theories to find a solution. (McCleary & Ted Brown, 2003)
A research study begins with the research question. A research is defined as an organized, systematic way of finding answers to the research questions. The research question comes from an idea. The source of this idea could be serendipity, or from the observations made by previous researchers. An idea can also develop from reading a theory or previous research findings or out of once imagination. During research, a systematic scientific investigation is done to test a hypothesis or to develop a new product. Basic research provides trustworthy information and increases once understanding about basic scientific phenomenon. Research provides dependable solutions to health care problem. It is also the most effective tool to improve knowledge and enables human beings to relate more effectively to components in the environment. It also helps humans to solve the conflicts that arises in day to day life. (McCleary & Ted Brown, 2003)
Logical thinking is the basis of science. Thus, research that is based on the principles of science, provide solutions that are empirical and repeatable. In basic research, information or data is collected and analyzed to develop a theory that enhances once understanding. The main aim of basic research is to develop a theory or to refine it. Basic research helps to enhance the fundamental knowledge about the world around us. It explains how thing happen or function. This understanding acts as a source of new scientific ideas. Basic research is exploratory, explanatory or descriptive in nature. Though the findings from basic research may not have immediate utility, they are the basis for the modernization and advancement we see in scientific technologies. For example, basic mathematical findings are the foundation for modern day computers. Thus, applied research is a continuum of basic research. Basic research has educational significance. Very often the distinction between basic and applied research is vague, and thus the traits of basic and applied research are not generalizable. (Taylor, Kermode, Roberts, & Roberts, 2006)
While basic research is concerned with establishing general principles, applied research is concerned with utility of these general principles. Research findings and the knowledge generated by it, are the foundation for evidence based nursing practice. As a result of this, advanced nursing practitioners, are expected to conduct research and understand research. This is because, their practice is based on the knowledge that arises from such research. Evidences provided by sound research are reliable for making patient care decision, as they provide consistent and better health care outcomes. Today, a number of nurses are choosing a research career and contributing to the advancement in nursing knowledge. Scientific evidences guide nursing practice, and help to improve the quality of health care services. (Taylor, Kermode, Roberts, & Roberts, 2006)
Though there has been debate on the kind of scientific evidences that should be used in nursing practice, everyone is convinced that scientific evidences help to improve nursing decisions. Evidence based practice, helps to ensure that the decisions are clinically appropriate, cost effective and result in better patient care outcomes. Only hospitals and health care centers, that practice evidence based medicine are recognized and granted credential status by leading health care accreditation agencies. (Polit & Beck, 2012)
The evidences and knowledge refinement provided by research, has caused the regular incorporation of innovative changes in nursing practice, so as to improve the efficiency and quality of care. Clinical research in nursing practice, is supported with the aim of achieving the health care vision of providing safe, effective and affordable care to the citizens. Research that was conducted over the years, has helped to introduce beneficial innovations and taken us further towards this vision. Nevertheless, a lot is yet to be done. A more focused and result driven research approach is required to achieve better and faster research outcomes. As evidence based practice has become a mandate for nurses, it has become essential that nurses contribute to continuum of research and participate in research. While some nurses may directly conduct research, other act as indirect participants in the process. Nurses are expected to know skills that will help them find relevant research solutions. Nurses today are expected to be well informed of the current scientific trends in practice. Unlike the traditional academic learning, research based learning requires personal initiative to seek for relevant knowledge. (Polit & Beck, 2012)
A number of scientific and nursing databases, offer wide access to scientific information and articles. The choice of article should be done with discretion. Not all articles published in databases and websites, provide relevant and reliable information. For a research finding to be confidently applied in research practice, it should be validated by a sufficient number of research studies to prove its repeatability and reliability. Likewise, the information provided on websites and blogs should be verified for their authenticity and source before accepting them. Participating in journal clubs and similar meetings, will provide opportunity to discuss and critique research articles. In advanced nursing practice, nurses are expected to base their research and solve problems based on rigorous scientific research. (Polit & Beck, 2012)
References
McCleary, L. & Ted Brown, G. (2003). Association between nurses’ education about research and their research use. Nurse Education Today, 23(8), 556-565. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0260-6917(03)00084-4
Polit, D. & Beck, C. (2012). Nursing research (pp. 4-10). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Taylor, B., Kermode, S., Roberts, K., & Roberts, K. (2006). Research in nursing and health care (pp. 2-11). South Melbourne, Vic., Australia: Thomson.
