Original research papers
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPERS
Guidance on good practice reporting is available at http://www.equator-network.org/
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH - QUANTITATIVE
Papers submitted to the International Journal of Nursing Practice should not exceed 4000 words for the main text, including quotations but excluding the abstract, summary statement, tables and references.
ORGANISING YOUR PAPER
See GENERAL POINTS IN MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION
If your quantitative study is a clinical trial, see clinical trials.
Main file:
Abstract:
Abstract: 200 words. Your abstract should include the
following headings:
Aims (of the paper), Background, Design, Methods (including year of
data collection), Results/Findings, Conclusion.
The abstract should not contain abbreviations or detailed statistics. The Aim should reflect the aim of the content of this paper, where a paper reports one section only of a larger study.
Summary Statement:
See the
Summary Statement section
Keywords:
A maximum of 10, including nurses/midwives/nursing.
Main text:
To include the headings below, and references, tables, figure
legends, appendices.
The main text of your paper should include the following headings and sub-headings:
INTRODUCTION
Clearly identify the rationale, context, international relevance of topic.
Present the scientific, conceptual or theoretical framework that guided the study, identifying and providing an overview of the conceptual model and/or theory where appropriate. Identify and define key concepts or study variables. Explain the connections between the scientific hypothesis, conceptual model or theory and the study variables. Explain connections between study variables and support those connections with relevant theoretical and empirical literature.
Provide a critical review of relevant theoretical and empirical literature.
METHODS
Aim(s)
State the aims of the study as a narrative study purpose or as
research questions or hypotheses to be tested. For example, ‘The
aim of the study was to…’
Design
Identify the specific research design used: for example,
correlational, experimental, quasi-experimental, cross-sectional,
longitudinal study. If appropriate it may be helpful to include
a
CONSORT flow diagram to illustrate the design and conduct of
the study.
Sample/Participants
Identify the sampling strategy/strategies used: random; stratified;
convenience; purposive (state what purpose). For example, ‘A
convenience sample of Registered Nurses was recruited’, ‘A random
sample of patients was recruited…’.
Identify the inclusion and exclusion criteria. For example, ‘The inclusion criteria were…’, ‘The exclusion criteria were…’ Explain how participants were recruited.
Identify the size of the sample (and the population, if appropriate). Report the sample size calculation, or power analysis, if appropriate; if not appropriate or not undertaken, provide another type of justification for the sample size.
Data collection
Use subheadings for different types of data collection techniques,
if appropriate, e.g. questionnaires, assessments. For example,
‘Data were collected using a questionnaire…’, ‘Individual
assessments were conducted …’.
Instrument rigour: Provide types of and estimates for rigour of assessments and/or the psychometric properties of quantitative instruments. If translation has been required from the original language, please explain the procedures used to maintain validity of translated tools. If tools were developed for this study, describe the processes employed, including validity and reliability testing.
Piloting/pilot study – if done, what changes (if any) did this lead to for the main study?
Identify the period of data collection (e.g. between November 2012 - October 2013); usually data collection should have been completed no more than five years before submission of the paper. If the study entails reanalysis of earlier data, explain the continuing relevance of these data.
Ethical considerations
Identify any particular ethical issues that were attached to this
research. Provide a statement of ethics committee approval. Do not
name the university or other institution from which ethics
committee approval was obtained; state only that ethics committee
approval was obtained from a university and/or whatever other
organisation is relevant. Explain any other approvals obtained, for
example, local site arrangements to meet research governance
requirements. If, according to local regulations, no formal ethical
scrutiny was required or undertaken, please state this.
Data analysis
Describe the techniques used to analyse the data, including
computer software used, if appropriate. For example, ‘SPSS version
X was used to analyse the data. Analysis of variance techniques
were used to test the hypotheses.’ If the paper contains
statistical analyses, consider the guidance on
statistical reporting.
RESULTS
Start with a description of characteristics of sample. For example: ‘The study participants ranged in age from X to Y years…’ Always include age (range and mean) and gender distribution.
Present results explicitly for each study aim or research question or hypothesis. Indicate whether each hypothesis was supported or declined.
Use subheadings as appropriate.
Use figures and tables as needed, but try to limit to no more than three or four tables and one or two figures. Each figure/table should be referred to in the text, but do not repeat in the text material which is set out in tables. Rather, identify key points in text, and refer readers to tables for detail. Tables/figures should be comprehensible without reference to the text, i.e. all abbreviations should be explained; all tests used identified, with provision of appropriate values.
DISCUSSION
Discussion must be in relation to the conceptual or theoretical framework and existing literature. Do previous research findings match or differ from yours?
Draw conclusions about what new knowledge has emerged from the study. For example, this new knowledge could contribute to new conceptualisations or question existing ones; it could lead to the development of tentative/substantive theories (or even hypotheses), it could advance/question existing theories or provide methodological insights, or it could provide data that could lead to improvements in practice. What readers want to know is what your work adds to this topic.
End with study limitations including but not confined to sample representativeness and/or sample size and generalisability/external validity of the results.
CONCLUSION
Provide real conclusions, not just a summary/repetition of the findings.
Draw conclusions about the adequacy of the theory in relation to the data. Indicate whether the data supported or refuted the theory. Indicate whether the conceptual model was a useful and adequate guide for the study.
Identify implications/recommendations for practice/research/education/management as appropriate, and consistent with the limitations.
The International Journal of Nursing Practice follows the CONSORT statement for the publication of randomised controlled trials, see http://www.equator-network.org/
ORGANISING YOUR PAPER
See GENERAL POINTS IN MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION
Title page file:
Identify the paper as a report of a randomised trial in the
title.
Abstract
In a maximum of 200 words include:
| Item | Description |
| BACKGROUND | Brief statement of key issues / rationale for the study |
| AIM/OBJECTIVE | Specific objective or hypothesis |
| METHODS | Design: identify the trial design (such as parallel, cluster, non-inferiority) |
| Participants: Eligibility criteria for participants and the settings where the data were collected. How participants were allocated to interventions | |
| Blinding (masking): Whether participants, those delivering the intervention and those assessing the outcomes were blinded to group assignment | |
| Outcome(s): Clearly define at least the primary outcome for this report | |
| RESULTS |
Number of participants randomised to each group |
|
Outcome: For at least the primary outcome, a result for each group and the estimated effect size and its precision Harms: Important adverse events or side effects |
|
| CONCLUSIONS | General interpretation of the results |
| Trial registration | Registration number and name of trial register |
Keywords
A maximum of 10, including nurses/midwives/nursing.
Main Text:
The main text of your clinical trial paper should include the
following headings and sub-headings:
INTRODUCTION
Clearly identify the rationale, context, international relevance of topic.
Include a critical review of relevant theoretical and empirical literature Present the theoretical framework of the research, identify and provide an overview of the conceptual model and/or theory that guided the study.
Summarise with conclusions drawn from the review for the study.
METHODS
Aim(s)
State the aims of the study as research questions or hypotheses to
be tested. For example “The aim of the study was to test the
hypothesis that…”.
Design
State the specific form of trial and describe the following (as
appropriate):
| Participants: | Eligibility criteria for participants and the settings and locations where the data were collected |
| Interventions: | Precise details of the interventions intended for each group and how and when they were actually administered. |
| Randomisation - Sequence generation: | Method used to generate the random allocation sequence, including details of any restrictions (e.g., blocking, stratification) |
| Randomisation - Allocation concealment: | Method used to implement the random allocation sequence (e.g., numbered containers or central telephone), clarifying whether the sequence was concealed until interventions were assigned. |
| Randomisation - Implementation | Who generated the allocation sequence, who enrolled participants, and who assigned participants to their groups. |
| Blinding (masking): | Whether or not participants, those administering the interventions, and those assessing the outcomes were blinded to group assignment. If done, how the success of blinding was evaluated. |
Data collection:
Describe the following (as appropriate):
| Outcomes: | Clearly defined primary and secondary outcome measures and, when applicable, any methods used to enhance the quality of measurements (e.g., multiple observations, training of assessors). Detail validity/ reliability of instruments, as appropriate |
Rigour:
Describe trial governance processes.
Ethical considerations
Identify any particular ethical issues for this research.
Provide a statement of ethics committee approval. Do not name the university or other institution from which ethics committee approval was obtained. State only that ethics committee approval was obtained from a university and/or whatever other organisation is relevant.
Data analysis:
Consider the guidance on
statistical reporting. Describe the following (as
appropriate):
| Statistical methods: | Statistical methods used to compare groups for primary outcome(s). Methods for additional analyses, such as subgroup analyses and adjusted analyses. Identify software used. |
RESULTS
Describe the following (as appropriate)
| Participant flow: | Flow of participants through each stage (a CONSORT flow diagram is required). For each group report the numbers of participants randomly assigned, receiving intended treatment, completing the study protocol, and analyzed for the primary outcome. Describe protocol deviations from study as planned, together with reasons. |
| Recruitment: | Dates defining the periods of recruitment and follow-up. |
| Baseline data: | Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of each group. |
| Numbers analysed: | Number of participants (denominator) in each group included in each analysis and whether the analysis was by "intention-to-treat". State the results in absolute numbers when feasible (e.g., 10/20, not 50%). |
| Outcomes and estimation: | For each primary and secondary outcome, a summary of results for each group, and the estimated effect size and its precision (e.g., 95% confidence interval). |
| Ancillary analyses: | Address multiplicity by reporting any other analyses performed, including subgroup analyses and adjusted analyses, indicating those pre-specified and those exploratory. |
| Adverse events: | All important adverse events or side effects in each intervention group. |
DISCUSSION
Limitations: Trial limitations, addressing sources of potential bias, imprecision, and, if relevant, multiplicity of analyses.
Generalisability (external validity, applicability) of the trial findings
Interpretation consistent with results, balancing benefits and harms, and considering other relevant evidence.
Discussion must be in relation to the literature. Do previous research findings match or differ from yours?
Draw conclusions about what new knowledge has emerged from the study. For example, this new knowledge could contribute to new conceptualisations or question existing ones; it could lead to the development of tentative/substantive theories (or even hypotheses), it could advance/question existing theories or provide methodological insights, or it could provide data that could lead to improvements in practice.
CONCLUSION
Provide real conclusions, not just a summary/repetition of the findings.
Draw conclusions about the adequacy of the theory in relation to the data. Indicate whether the data supported or refuted the theory. Indicate whether the conceptual model was a useful and adequate guide for the study.
Identify recommendations for practice/research/education/management as appropriate, and consistent with the limitations.
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH - QUALITATIVE
Papers submitted to the International Journal of Nursing Practice should not exceed 4000 words for the main text, including quotations but excluding the abstract, summary statement, tables and references.
ORGANISING YOUR PAPER
See GENERAL POINTS IN MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION
At least two separate files to be created and uploaded onto ScholarOne Manuscripts.
Title page file:
Please see the
title page guidelines.
Main file, to include:
Abstract: 200 words. Your abstract should include the following
headings: Aims (of the paper), Background, Design, Methods
(including year of data collection), Results/Findings, Conclusion.
The Aim should simply state: ‘To…” The abstract should not include
abbreviations.
Summary Statement: See the Summary Statement guidelines.
Keywords: A maximum of 10, including nurses/midwives/nursing.
Main Text: To include the headings below, and references, tables, figure legends and appendices.
The main text of your report should include the following headings and sub-headings:
INTRODUCTION
Clearly identify the rationale, context, international relevance of topic.
Present the conceptual or theoretical framework that guided the study, identifying and providing an overview of the conceptual model and/or theory. Identify and define key concepts or study variables. Explain the connections between the conceptual model or theory and the study variables. Explain connections between study variables and support those connections with relevant theoretical and empirical literature. Provide a substantial, critical review of relevant theoretical and empirical literature. Identify the rationale for selection of the phenomenon studied. Note that simply stating that the phenomenon has not yet been studied is not sufficient, as some phenomena may be trivial and, therefore, are not worthy of study. Simply stating that it has not been studied in your country is also not acceptable. You should explain the added value of your study to existing knowledge.
METHODS
Aim(s)
State the aims of the study as a narrative study purpose or as
research questions, for example, ‘The aim of the study was to…’ If
the study is about the ‘experience’ of a particular phenomenon, be
as clear as possible about the aspect/s of the experience on which
you wish to focus.
Design
Describe research design, for example, Grounded Theory,
phenomenology, ethnography.
Sample/Participants
Identify the specific purposeful sampling strategy/strategies
used–theoretical, maximum variation, extreme case. For example, ‘A
sample of Registered Nurses was recruited using maximum variation
sampling for number of years of nursing experience.’ Identify the
inclusion and exclusion criteria. For example, ‘The inclusion
criteria were…’, ‘The exclusion criteria were…’. Explain how
participants were recruited. Identify the size of the sample and
provide justification for participant numbers that addresses data
saturation or another criterion. Detail of participants (gender,
age, condition, peculiarities etc.) which can help readers to put
the findings in context should be provided. This can be listed in a
table.
Data collection
Use subheadings for different types of data collection techniques
if appropriate, e.g., interview guides, observation checklists. For
example, ‘Data were collected using an interview guide…’, ‘Focus
groups were conducted …’. Describe each technique used to collect
the data, such as interview guide questions, or observation
checklist items. Include information about number and type of items
and scoring technique, as well as interpretation of scores, if
relevant.
Provide types of and estimates for trustworthiness of qualitative data, including types of dependability and credibility used. If tools were developed for this study, describe the processes employed.
Pilot study – if done, what changes (if any) did this lead to for the main study?. Identify the period of data collection (e.g. between November 2012 - April 2013); usually this should have concluded no more than 5 years before submission of the paper.
Ethical considerations
Identify any particular ethical issues that were attached to this
research and specific research methods (e.g. interviews,
observations). Provide a statement of ethics committee approval. Do
not name the university or other institution from which ethics
committee approval was obtained. State only that ethics committee
approval was obtained from a university and/or whatever other
organisation is relevant.
Data analysis
Describe the techniques used to analyse the data, including
computer software used, if appropriate. For example, ‘The data were
analysed using NVivo Version X. The data were analysed using
thematic analysis…’. Supply supporting reference for specific
analytic approaches/ techniques.
RESULTS
Start with a description of actual sample. For example: ‘The study participants ranged in age from X to Y years…’.
Present results explicitly for each study aim or research question.
Use subheadings as appropriate.
Provide a brief summary of the findings. This should include the themes, stages or patterns (as appropriate). Explain how each theme emerged and what each consists of (with relevant quotes from participants). Explain how the themes interrelate to produce a conceptual or theoretical understanding of the phenomenon you studied.
If your sample consisted of different groups (e.g. patients and nurses or nurses of different grades and position), the findings should reflect each of the groups.
When two or more methods (e.g. interviews and observations) are used in the same study, you should ensure that findings of both methods are reported adequately.
Use the literature in the findings section only if it informs or extends your analysis, not that it merely confirms what you found. This can be done in the discussion section.
DISCUSSION
In some instances authors may prefer to present the results and discussions sections as a single, combined section. Whether separate or combined, the Discussion section should consider findings in relation to the literature. Do previous research findings match or differ from yours? Do not use literature which only supports your findings.
Draw conclusions about what new knowledge has emerged from the study. For example, this new knowledge could contribute to new conceptualisations or question existing ones; it could lead to the development of tentative/substantive theories (or even hypotheses), it could advance/question existing theories or provide methodological insights, or it could provide data that could lead to improvements in practice.
End with study limitations including but not confined to sampling considerations, trustworthiness and transferability of the findings.
CONCLUSION
Provide real conclusions, not just a summary/repetition of the findings.
Draw conclusions about the adequacy of the theory in relation to the data. Indicate whether the data supported or refuted the theory. Indicate whether the conceptual model was a useful and adequate guide for the study.
Identify implications/recommendations for practice/research/education/management as appropriate, and consistent with the limitations.
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH - MIXED METHODS
Papers submitted to the International Journal of Nursing Practice should not exceed 4000 words for the main text, including quotations but excluding the abstract, summary statement, tables and references.
At least two separate files to be created and uploaded onto ScholarOne Manuscripts.
Title page file:
Please see the
title page guidelines.
Main file, to include:
Abstract: 200 words. Your abstract should include the following
headings: Aims (of the paper), Background, Design, Methods
(including year of data collection), Results/Findings, Conclusion.
The Aim should simply state: ‘To…”. The abstract should not include
abbreviations.
Summary Statement: See the Summary Statement guidelines.
Keywords: A maximum of 10, including nurses/midwives/nursing.
Main Text: To include the headings below, and references, tables, figure legends and appendices.
INTRODUCTION
Clearly identify the rationale, context, international relevance of topic.
Present the conceptual or theoretical framework that guided the study, identifying and providing an overview of the conceptual model and/or theory. Identify and define key concepts or study variables. Explain the connections between the conceptual model or theory and the study variables. Explain connections between study variables and support those connections with relevant theoretical and empirical literature.
Provide a critical review of relevant theoretical and empirical literature, which should draw conclusions from the theoretical framework and current evidence, and support the need for a mixed methods study.
METHODS
Aim(s)
State the aims of the study as a narrative study purpose or as
research questions or hypotheses to be tested. For example, ‘The
aim of the study was to…’, ‘The following hypotheses were
tested:…’
Design
Identify the specific mixed method research design used, i.e.,
primarily qualitative with a quantitative component, or primarily
quantitative with a qualitative component. Also identify the
specific quantitative and qualitative approaches.
In line with the guidance supplied above, for both the quantitative and qualitative components of the study supply
details of:
Sample/Participants
Data collection
Ethical considerations
Data analysis
If the paper contains statistical analyses, consider the guidance on statistical reporting.
Additionally, explain the procedures that will synthesise the findings of the Quant and Qual components of the study.
Validity and reliability/Rigour
Provide types of and estimates for trustworthiness of qualitative
data, including types of dependability and credibility used, and
the psychometric properties of quantitative instruments. If tools
were developed for this study, describe the processes employed,
including validity and reliability testing.
RESULTS
Start with a description of actual sample. For example, ‘The study participants ranged in age from X to Y years…’.
Present results explicitly in relation to study aim(s).
For the qualitative data, identify the themes or categories and provide data to support each theme or category, such as quotations from participants.
For the quantitative data, present results explicitly for research question or hypothesis. Indicate whether each hypothesis was supported or declined.
Component findings may either be presented separately or in combination.
Use subheadings as appropriate.
DISCUSSION
Discussion must be in relation to the conceptual or theoretical framework and existing literature. Do previous research findings match or differ from yours?
Draw conclusions about what new knowledge has emerged from the study. For example, this new knowledge could contribute to new conceptualisations or question existing ones; it could lead to the development of tentative/substantive theories (or even hypotheses), it could advance/question existing theories or provide methodological insights, or it could provide data that could lead to improvements in practice. Be explicit about the contribution of the combined / synthesized findings, and of this particular approach.
End with study limitations including but not confined to sample representativeness and/or sample size, transferability of the qualitative findings, and generalizability/external validity of quantitative results.
CONCLUSION
Provide real conclusions, not just a summary/repetition of the findings.
Draw conclusions about the adequacy of the theory in relation to the data. Indicate whether the data supported or refuted the theory. Indicate whether the conceptual model was a useful and adequate guide for the study.
Identify implications/recommendations for practice/research/education/management as appropriate, and consistent with the limitations.