1.8.1 Evaluating dissemination of a nursing PhD via an open-access electronic institutional repository (70)

Colin Macduff, Lecturer, CeNPRaD, School of Nursing, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom Co authors: Susan Copeland & Colin MacLean c.macduff@rgu.ac.uk

Abstract:

As a medium for research dissemination, the traditional hard-bound printed PhD is of very limited use. The RCN’s Steinberg collection of over 1000 theses is typically accessed less than 300 times in a year. Although relatively few nursing PhD theses are currently available in electronic, open access format within the UK (NDLTD 2007), the development of university institutional repositories makes this an increasingly attractive option (Copeland et al 2005). To date, however, there is a dearth of research that evaluates the process and impact of disseminating a nursing PhD through this means. As dissemination is a central conference theme, this paper will present findings from an ongoing evaluation of electronic dissemination of a PhD study that has significant relevance to current policy development and enactment in UK and European community nursing. Combining nursing and information science expertise, the research team’s approach draws principally on Stern’s (2003) ideas of evaluation for both explanation and development. The study has collated pre-dissemination perceptions of ‘product’ content, quality and ‘market’ utility with a view to comparing subsequent perceptions received in response to the dissemination process.

During September 2007, a pre-planned and integrated publicity strategy is promoting the dissemination of the thesis. Subsequent evaluation of the nature and extent of engagement achieved with key target groups (policy makers, practitioners, educators and other researchers) will be undertaken via analysis of on-line questionnaire responses and enumeration of episodes of access (completed by January 2008). The presentation will report process and impact findings, reflect on strengths and weaknesses, and relate these to relevant evaluative literature. The combination of up to date nursing and information science perspectives will enable the paper to substantively inform participants’ understandings of the main issues relating to the electronic dissemination of nursing PhDs.

Biography:

Colin is a Lecturer in Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.. He has a background in nursing and health services research. His research interests are varied and include evaluation research, quality of life and outcome measures, community nursing, ethics and poetry in nursing. In recent years he has published widely on these subjects.