Library Europe's largest nursing-specific collection
Search Menu

Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Using and Doing Research

Use this guide to find information resources about using and doing research including books, reports and journal articles.

Last updated: 08/02/2024

Key Resources

O'Cathain A, Croot L, Duncan E, Rousseau N, Sworn K, Yardley L, and Hoddinott P (2019) Guidance on how to develop complex interventions to improve health and healthcare, BMJ Open, 9(8) pp. 1-9.
EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) Network
  • Reporting guidance for health research: this contains a comprehensive searchable database of reporting guidelines and also links to other resources relevant to research reporting.
    View page
RCN: Previous RCN research conferences
RCN Research and Innovation resources
  • The RCN is committed to nurses, midwives, HCAs and APs using knowledge and innovation to transform patient care. This section includes information and resources for those looking to use or develop research to enhance their practice, including links to research funding and training opportunities.
    View page
World Health Organization (2017) Facilitating evidence-based practice in nursing and midwifery in the WHO European Region. Copenhagen: WHO.
RCN: Quality improvement
Health Research Agency (HRA)
  • The HRA was established in December 2011 to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health research, and to streamline the regulation of research. It also covers current health guidance on research ethics and informed consent.
    View page
Northway R, Howarth J and Evans L (2015) Participatory research, people with intellectual disabilities and ethical approval: making reasonable adjustments to enable participation, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 24 (3-4), pp. 573-581.
We would like to thank the RCN Research member community for their input into the development of this subject guide.

Books

Book cover Aveyard H, Sharp P and Woolliams M (2015) A beginner’s guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care. 2nd edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Book cover Aveyard H, Greenway K and Parson L (2023) A beginner’s guide to evidence-based practice in health and social care. 4th edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Book cover Aveyard H (2023) Doing a literature review in health and social care: a practical guide. 5th edn. London: Open University Press.
Book cover Ellis P (2022) Understanding research for nursing students. 5th edn. London: Learning Matters.
Book cover Grove S and Cipher D (2020) Statistics for nursing research: a workbook for evidence-based practice. 3rd edn. St Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.
Book cover Linsley P, Kane R and Barker J (2022) Evidence-based practice for nurses and allied health professionals. 5th edn. Los Angeles: Sage.
Book cover McCormack B and McCance T (2016) Person-centred practice in nursing and health care: theory and practice. 2nd edn. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.
Book cover Moule P (2021) Making sense of research in nursing, health and social care. 7th edn. Los Angeles: Sage.
Book cover Tashakkori A, Johnson B and Teddlie C (2021) Foundations of mixed methods research: integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches in the social and behavioral sciences. 2nd edn. Los Angeles: Sage.
Book cover Gerrish K and Lathlean J (2015) The research process in nursing. 7th edn. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.
Book cover Greenhalgh T (2019) How to read a paper: the basics of evidence-based medicine and healthcare. 6th edn. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons.
Book cover Harvey G and Kitson A (2015) Implementing Evidence-Based Practice In Healthcare: A facilitation guide.  London: Routledge.
Book cover Jolley J (2020) Introducing research and evidence-based practice for nursing and healthcare professionals. 3rd edn. London: Taylor & Francis.
Book cover Lobiondo-Wood G and Haber J (2022) Nursing research: methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice. 10th edn. St Louis: Elsevier.
Book cover Rycroft-Malone J, Bucknall T and Pearson A (2010) Models and frameworks for implementing evidence-based practice: linking evidence to action. Somerset: Wiley.
Book cover Salkind N (2020) Statistics for people who (think they) hate statistics. 7th edn. Los Angeles: Sage. 

Book subject searches

Use these links to see details of books the RCN libraries hold on each topic.

Journal articles

Use these links to see details of journal articles on each topic.

Journals

Journals of interest for the novice researchers. Use these links to see details of availability.

This subject guide relates to:

Research Forum
RCN Library staff

Amy Tank

Editor of this guide

RCN Library and Archive Service

Upcoming events relating to this subject guide

Page last updated - 08/02/2024

RCN Logo on White