Scientific research ability of specialist nurses in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China: A cross-sectional study

AIM

This study investigated the scientific research ability of Chinese specialist nurses (SNs) in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and its influencing factors.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design.

METHODS

A total of 652 SNs in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were investigated from March to October 2021. The nursing scientific research ability level was measured using the Nursing Research Competence of Nurses Self-evaluation Scale. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis and ordinal logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate factors affecting the scientific research ability of SNs.

RESULTS

The median score of scientific research ability of SNs was 31 (interquartile range: 19-41). Approximately 74.8% of clinical speciality nurses had low scientific research ability. Educational background, working hospital level, being the first author of a published paper and successful application for scientific research projects were identified as factors influencing scientific research ability score.

A bibliometric analysis of nursing and midwifery research in the Caribbean

PURPOSE

To determine the research output of Caribbean nurses and midwives.

METHODS

We searched the Scopus database to identify publications by Caribbean nurses and midwives during the period 2000-2020. Publications were included in the analysis if they had at least one author who was either a nurse or midwife and affiliated with a Caribbean geographic location. All publication types and languages were included in the analysis. Organization analysis and collaboration networks were created using the VOS Viewer application.

FINDINGS

The number of Scopus publications by Caribbean nurses and midwives progressively grew from 22 in 2000 to 584 in 2020. Cuba recorded the highest number of nursing research publications (319) followed by Jamaica (92), and Puerto Rico (59). Most publishing institutions were universities. The University of the West Indies (Jamaica) ranked highest with 15.2% of publications, followed by Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana with 14.4% of publications, Universidad de Puerto Rico ranked third with 9.8% of publications. The majority of publications (83.6%) were peer reviewed research articles, while review articles accounted for 9.8% of publications. Six out of the ten journals that published most research done by Caribbean nurse researchers were Cuban journals which published a total of n = 250 (75.8%) articles. All six journals had no impact factor and had low cite scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis of bibliometric indicators suggest that recent and steady growth in nursing and midwifery research in the Caribbean has had low visibility. Equipping nurses and midwives with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead, teach, and conduct high quality research through doctorate level education is an imperative for increasing research productivity among Caribbean nurses and midwives.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Nursing and midwifery research is critical for evidence-based nursing and midwifery practice. High quality and context specific research evidence will enable Caribbean nurses and midwives to provide quality and culturally sensitive nursing and midwifery care and contribute to evidence informed policy decisions.