Combining health and social protection measures to reach the ultra ...

Research resources
utilization are paramount to good decision-making at both the
policy and practice level. Databases, marketing and networks
are three such strategies. Increased access to the Internet,
particularly in developing countries, will allow better sharing
of information – both published and that underway.
Marketing results in simple, easy to read and easy to apply
packaging is also another means of advancing dissemination
and uptake of findings 21 . For example, the ICN is launching a
series of Fact Sheets that focus on Innovation, Evidence and
Effectiveness which aim to inform the profession, public,
politicians, policy-makers and others about nursing roles and
outcomes. Networks linking nurse researchers and those
interested in nursing research (e.g. the ICN Research
Network and the Working Group of European Nurse
Researchers) are also helping to bring synergy and
stewardship to the profession’s efforts.
There is a need for more national level structures that
support/promote nursing research as an element of essential
national research. Ensuring that reliable, sustainable funding
is available and aligning research programmes with national
health priorities are paramount. Stronger linkages among
government, policy-makers, researchers, practitioners,
employers, educational institutions and funding agencies are
critical, as is the inclusion of nursing in broader policy level
discussions and decisions about health-related research
programmes.
The International Council of Nurses has long recognized
research-based practice as a hallmark of professional nursing
and maintains an ongoing commitment to supporting
advancements in this area 22 . The Council works with the
World Health Organization, nongovernmental organizations
and others to ensure that the international nursing research
agenda is visible and included in priority statements.
ICN works to enhance nursing research and researchbased
practice by:
✜ Facilitating and promoting the conduct, dissemination
and utilization of research related to nursing, health and
health care systems.
✜ Collaborating with national and international
organizations to enhance nurses’ contributions to
nursing, health and health systems research.
✜ Promoting opportunities for nurses to disseminate
research and publish in international journals such as the
International Nursing Review.
✜ Supporting networks that link nurse researchers (e.g. the
ICN Research Network http://www.icn.ch/resnet.htm).
✜ Providing opportunities for nurses from around the globe
to exchange experiences and views on current issues and
trends in nursing research (e.g. ICN Research Network
meetings at ICN congresses and conferences).
✜ Encouraging member national nurses associations in
their research-related capacity building.
✜ Promoting research in areas which have practical
implications and improved outcomes for patients, and
which are meaningful to nurses’ daily practice.
✜ Providing global leadership in establishing ethical
guidelines for nurses in the conduct, dissemination and
utilization of research.
✜ Publishing comprehensive guidance (e.g. ICN Practical
Guide for Nursing Research and Ethical Guidelines for
Nursing Research).
✜ Maintaining position statements on nursing research and
fact sheets.
✜ Lobbying for the inclusion of nurse researchers on
appropriate research boards, and health-related
international research bodies.
ICN is also supporting its member associations in their
efforts to enhance nursing research, particularly through:
✜ Improving access to education which prepares nurses to
conduct research, critically evaluate research outcomes,
and promoting appropriate application of research
findings to nursing practice.
✜ Lobbying for nursing research funding from public and
private sources.
Concluding remarks
Globally, nurses are discovering new and improved ways of
delivering care that are grounded in new knowledge and
evidence derived through research 23 . Today nursing research
is increasingly part of the curriculum of basic nursing
education and students and staff are expected to incorporate
research findings in their daily practice. Investing in nursing
research and health research more generally makes good
economic and social sense. The knowledge acquired through
research is a public health good that helps find better ways of
health promotion, disease prevention, treatment and
rehabilitation as well as improved systems design, financing
and functions 24 . This is assuredly the case with nursing
research. ❏
Judith A Oulton is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Genevabased
International Council of Nurses. She also serves as CEO of
the Florence Nightingale International Foundation and the
International Council of Nurses Foundation. Judith Oulton’s
particular areas of expertise include human resources, strategic
planning and futures. Her Bachelor of Nursing and Master in
Education were earned at the University of New Brunswick. She
also holds honorary doctoral degrees from McMaster University and
l’Université de Moncton in Canada. Judith Oulton sits on a number
of health-related boards of directors and advisory groups and has
published extensively.
Patricia Caldwell is an independent consultant in the field of
nursing and health services. She has undertaken extensive work for
the International Council of Nurses, primarily in the area of health
human resources. Patricia holds a Master’s degree in nursing from
the University of Toronto.
120 ✜ Global Forum Update on Research for Health Volume 4