N. Allcock, THE USE OF DIFFERENT RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE THE CARE OF PATIENTS IN POSTOPERATIVE PAIN, Journal of advanced nursing, 23(1), 1996, pp. 32-38
Much research has supported the conclusion of the report from The Roya
l College of Surgeons and College of Anaesthetists (1990), London, Eng
land, that the relief of postoperative pain is in many cases unsatisfa
ctory and calls for more research on the effectiveness of educational
programmes. A prime aim of nursing research is to influence and to imp
rove practice. In relation to postoperative pain Sofaer's (1985) study
was an example of the use of a quasiexperimental approach to improve
postoperative pain relief through nurse education. Sofaer suggests tha
t although positive effects were demonstrated they may not have been s
ustained in the long term. Further, Sofaer suggests that action resear
ch may have produced a more sustainable change. This paper critically
discusses the use of these two research methods in relation to this pr
oblem.