26. How to successfully undertake nursing research in the third word: Challenges and tribulations (228)

Barbara Jack, Professor of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Edge Hill University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
jackb@edgehill.ac.uk

Abstract:

Background:

Generally researchers daunted by the idea of trying to set up a project in a third world country, believing it to be complicated and faced with constant barriers particularly bureaucratic issues. However this is not always the case and with careful attention to three key areas can be achievable. Firstly is the issue of sponsorship and the need to contact an organsistion to support your project, provide access to the patients and in some case help for you to get a visa. Secondly is the careful planning of the project including considering practical issues such as data collection, language barriers, and attention to local rituals and customs. The third area is that of research ethics. Although we have clear guidelines in the UK regarding recruitment, participant information sheet and consent (Long and Johnson2007), it is important to consider how to adopt these principles in a country with high literacy rates and poor communication links. There is a paucity of information on palliative care provision in the third word especially sub-Saharan Africa and a weak evidence base to build policy and practice development on (Wright and Clark 2006). There is an urgent need for research to develop an evidence base, yet there are limited resources for this research to be undertaken, coupled with a need to develop the research skills of the local nurses.

Discussion:

This paper discusses these challenges and illustrations from a successful research study to Hospice Africa Uganda will be drawn upon. Practical and safety issues will also be stressed and maximizing opportunities to develop research sills of the local nurses explored. Although initially a daunting prospect, undertaking nursing research in a third World County is achievable and extremely rewarding.

Biography:

I am a nurse researcher and lecturer in nursing. My main areas of teaching are cancer and palliative care.I have published extensively in journals and through book publications.