nursing research topics surgery

Research Topics & Ideas: Nursing

50+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a nursing-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of nursing-related research ideas and topic thought-starters, including general nursing, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetrics and gynaecological nursing, ICU and mental health nursing.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the nursing domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. 

Overview: Nursing Research Topics

• General nursing-related topics
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Pediatric nursing
• Obstetrics and gynaecological nursing
• ICU nursing
• Mental health nursing

General Nursing Research Topics & Ideas

• The impact of cultural competence on patient care in the UK
• The importance of evidence-based practice in nursing for patients with HIV/AIDS
• The effects of workplace stress on nurse well-being and performance
• The role of nurse-patient communication for patients transitioning from adolescent to adult care
• The impact of technology on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare for the rehabilitation of patients post-surgery
• The effects of fatigue on nurse performance in the emergency room
• The impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in rural areas
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in managing chronic conditions: a case study of diabetes
• The impact of patient-centred care on health outcomes for the elderly
• The importance of patient safety in nursing: bedside nurse vigilance
• The effects of empathy and compassion in critical care nursing
• The role of nursing in disaster preparedness and response: a case study of the Haiti earthquake of 2021
• The impact of the level of nursing education on patient outcomes
• The importance of ethical considerations in frail care nursing practice

Topics & Ideas: Medical-Surgical Nursing

• The impact of bedside care on patient outcomes in medical-surgical units
• The role of the nurse in managing post-operative patient pain
• The effects of nurse-patient ratios on patient outcomes in medical-surgical units
• A systematic review of different approaches to patient education in medical-surgical units
• The relationship between nurse-patient communication and patient satisfaction in medical-surgical units: perspectives and recommendations to improving patient satisfaction

Topics & Ideas: Pediatrics Nursing

• The impact of family-centered care on pediatric patient outcomes with sickle cell anemia
• The role of nursing interventions in promoting developmental and behavioral health in pediatric patients
• The effects of play therapy on anxiety and pain in pediatric patients during hospitilisation
• A systematic review of different approaches to pain management in pediatric cancer patients
• The relationship between parent involvement and post-operative patient outcomes in pediatric units

Ideas: Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing

• The impact of nurse-led prenatal care on maternal and fetal outcomes in African American communities
• The role of the nurse in promoting sexual and reproductive health for women in the UK
• The effects of midwifery care on maternal satisfaction of primiparous women and birth outcomes
• A comparative study of different approaches to childbirth education for expectant mothers and partners: perceptions of control
• The relationship between lactation support and breastfeeding success of primiparous women

Topics & Ideas: ICU Nursing

• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in intensive care units in a developing country
• The role of the nurse in managing palliative and end-of-life care in the ICU
• The effects of family presence on patient outcomes and satisfaction in the ICU: A systematic review of the literature
• A comparative study of different approaches to pain management for trauma patients in the ICU
• The relationship between nurse-patient communication and geriatric patient outcomes in ICU

Topics & Ideas: Mental Health Nursing

• The impact of nurse-led therapy on adolescent patient outcomes in mental health settings
• The role of the nurse in promoting recovery and resiliency in mental health patients through group interventions
• The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on stress and anxiety in mental health patients: A systematic literature review
• A comparative study of the role of nurses in applying different approaches to patient education in mental health settings
• The association between nurse-patient therapeutic alliance and patient outcomes in mental health settings

Nursing Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a nursing-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various nursing-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Nursing Workload and Interventions of Licensed Nurses in Nursing Homes: An Observational Time and Motion Study (Kang, 2021)
• Missed Nursing Care: Accounting for Education, Experience, and Job Satisfaction in Registered Nurses (Bechard, 2021)
• Examining Predictors of Attitudes and Knowledge of Registered Nurses and Nursing Students in Tennessee toward Pregnant and Perinatal Women with a Substance Use Disorder (Patrylo, 2021)
• A Program Evaluation of the Organizational Readiness for Pathway to Excellence at Two Community Hospitals  (Behling, 2021)
• The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic Policy Decisions on the Wellbeing of Nursing Home Residents in Missouri (White, 2022)
• Battling A Parallel Pandemic: An Evaluation of Sustainable System-Level Nursing Support in Response To COVID-19 (Gifford, 2022)
• Holistic Nursing Process Maps: a Tool for Student Nurses to Operationalize the Nursing Process to Increase Clinical Reasoning (Reyes, 2022)
• Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance in Undergraduate Nursing Faculty: A Mixed-Methods Study (Crawford, 2021)
• The Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on the Stress, Anxiety, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion Levels of Nursing Students (Heinrich, 2022)
• Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Case Studies in Undergraduate Nursing Students (Becnel, 2022)
• A Telehealth Simulation Experiment: Exploring Prebriefing (Owen, 2022)
• Perceptions of Lateral Violence Among Vocational Nursing Students, Associate Degree Nursing Students, and Bachelor’s Degree Nursing Students (Martha, 2022)
• Nurse Educators’ Description of Ethics from a Disciplinary Perspective: A Qualitative Descriptive Research Study (Cuchetti, 2022)
• A Literature Review of the Relationship Between Oral Health and Pneumonia Risk in the Geriatric Nursing Home Population (Swift, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

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100+ Medical Surgical Nursing Project Topics [Updated]

Medical surgical nursing is a crucial aspect of healthcare that focuses on providing care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. Medical surgical nursing includes many tasks, like checking patients before surgery and taking care of them afterward. Research is really important in making medical surgical nursing better by finding new information and helping patients get better. In this blog, we’ll delve into various medical surgical nursing project topics that can inspire both students and professionals alike.

What Is The Basic Concept Of Medical Surgical Nursing?

Table of Contents

The basic concept of medical surgical nursing revolves around providing comprehensive care to patients undergoing surgical procedures or experiencing medical conditions requiring surgical intervention.

This includes preoperative preparation, intraoperative support, and postoperative recovery, as well as the management of medical conditions that may necessitate surgery.

Medical surgical nurses focus on promoting patient well-being, preventing complications, and facilitating optimal outcomes throughout the surgical process.

100+ Medical Surgical Nursing Project Topics: Category Wise

Clinical practice topics.

• Nursing Care for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Management of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus undergoing Surgery
• Postoperative Pain Management Strategies
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Gastrointestinal Bleeding
• Care of Patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in the Surgical Setting
• Assessment and Management of Perioperative Hypertension
• Preparing Patients for Orthopedic Surgery: Education and Rehabilitation
• Surgical Site Infection Prevention Measures
• Nursing Care for Patients with Sepsis following Surgery
• Role of the Nurse in Preoperative Assessment and Optimization

Surgical Intervention Topics

• Care of Patients undergoing Total Joint Replacement Surgery
• Nursing Management of Patients with Traumatic Injuries
• Postoperative Complications in Abdominal Surgery: Recognition and Management
• Nursing Care for Patients undergoing Bariatric Surgery
• Perioperative Care of Patients undergoing Organ Transplantation
• Management of Patients with Pressure Ulcers following Surgery
• Nursing Interventions for Patients undergoing Cosmetic Surgery
• Surgical Wound Dehiscence and Evisceration: Nursing Management
• Role of the Nurse in Intraoperative Patient Safety
• Care of Patients with Surgical Drains: Assessment and Management

Cardiovascular Nursing Topics

• Nursing Care for Patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery
• Management of Patients with Heart Failure undergoing Surgery
• Postoperative Arrhythmia Management
• Role of the Nurse in Cardiovascular Assessment during Surgery
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Peripheral Vascular Disease undergoing Surgery
• Hypothermia Prevention Strategies during Cardiac Surgery
• Care of Patients undergoing Cardiac Catheterization
• Nursing Management of Patients with Aortic Aneurysm
• Postoperative Care of Patients with Myocardial Infarction
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Cardiogenic Shock

Neurological Nursing Topics

• Care of Patients undergoing Craniotomy Surgery
• Management of Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries undergoing Surgery
• Postoperative Care of Patients with Brain Tumors
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Stroke undergoing Surgery
• Role of the Nurse in Intraoperative Neurological Monitoring
• Perioperative Care of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
• Nursing Management of Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
• Postoperative Delirium: Assessment and Management
• Care of Patients undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Epilepsy undergoing Surgery

Gastrointestinal Nursing Topics

• Nursing Care for Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer undergoing Surgery
• Management of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease undergoing Surgery
• Postoperative Nutrition Support Strategies
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy following Surgery
• Role of the Nurse in Intraoperative Bowel Management
• Perioperative Care of Patients with Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Nursing Management of Patients with Pancreatitis undergoing Surgery
• Postoperative Care of Patients with Intestinal Obstruction
• Care of Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease undergoing Surgery
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Appendicitis undergoing Surgery

Respiratory Nursing Topics

• Nursing Care for Patients with Lung Cancer undergoing Surgery
• Management of Patients with Pneumonia undergoing Surgery
• Postoperative Respiratory Assessment and Monitoring
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure undergoing Surgery
• Role of the Nurse in Intraoperative Airway Management
• Taking care of patients with COPD before, during, and after surgery
• Helping patients with ARDS after surgery breathe better and managing their care
• Postoperative Care of Patients with Pulmonary Embolism
• Care of Patients with Sleep Apnea undergoing Surgery
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Asthma undergoing Surgery

Renal Nursing Topics

• Nursing Care for Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma undergoing Surgery
• Management of Patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) undergoing Surgery
• Postoperative Fluid and Electrolyte Management
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease undergoing Surgery
• Role of the Nurse in Intraoperative Renal Function Monitoring
• Perioperative Care of Patients with Renal Calculi
• Nursing Management of Patients with Hydronephrosis following Surgery
• Postoperative Care of Patients with Renal Transplantation
• Care of Patients with Polycystic Kidney Disease undergoing Surgery
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Renal Artery Stenosis undergoing Surgery

Endocrine Nursing Topics

• Nursing Care for Patients with Thyroid Disorders undergoing Surgery
• Management of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus undergoing Endocrine Surgery
• Postoperative Hormonal Assessment and Monitoring
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Adrenal Disorders undergoing Surgery
• Role of the Nurse in Intraoperative Endocrine Function Monitoring
• Perioperative Care of Patients with Pituitary Disorders
• Nursing Management of Patients with Parathyroid Disorders following Surgery
• Postoperative Care of Patients with Gonadal Disorders
• Care of Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors undergoing Surgery
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Pancreatic Disorders undergoing Surgery

Oncology Nursing Topics

• Nursing Care for Patients with Breast Cancer undergoing Surgery
• Management of Patients with Colorectal Cancer undergoing Surgery
• Postoperative Symptom Management in Cancer Patients
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Prostate Cancer undergoing Surgery
• Role of the Nurse in Intraoperative Oncological Safety Measures
• Perioperative Care of Patients with Ovarian Cancer
• Nursing Management of Patients with Lung Cancer following Surgery
• Postoperative Care of Patients with Melanoma
• Care of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer undergoing Surgery
• Nursing Interventions for Patients with Gynecological Cancers undergoing Surgery

Pediatric Nursing Topics

• Nursing Care for Pediatric Patients undergoing Surgery
• Management of Pediatric Patients with Congenital Anomalies undergoing Surgery
• Postoperative Pain Management in Children
• Nursing Interventions for Pediatric Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate undergoing Surgery
• Role of the Nurse in Intraoperative Pediatric Safety Measures
• Perioperative Care of Pediatric Patients with Hydrocephalus
• Nursing Management of Pediatric Patients with Spina Bifida following Surgery
• Postoperative Care of Pediatric Patients with Appendicitis
• Care of Pediatric Patients with Hirschsprung Disease undergoing Surgery
• Nursing Interventions for Pediatric Patients with Congenital Heart Disease undergoing Surgery

Gerontological Nursing Topics

• Nursing Care for Geriatric Patients undergoing Surgery
• Management of Geriatric Patients with Fractures undergoing Surgery
• Postoperative Delirium Prevention Strategies in Older Adults
• Nursing Interventions for Geriatric Patients with Dementia undergoing Surgery
• Role of the Nurse in Intraoperative Geriatric Safety Measures

How Do You Write A Nursing Project?

Writing a nursing project involves several key steps to ensure clarity, thoroughness, and relevance to the chosen topic. Here’s a general guide on how to write a nursing project:

• Select a Topic: Choose a topic that aligns with your interests, expertise, and the requirements of your assignment or research objectives. Consider the significance of the topic in the field of nursing and its potential impact on patient care or nursing practice.
• Research: Find books, articles, and other info about your topic. Look at what’s already been studied to see what’s missing or needs more info.
• Outline: Plan out your project with sections like intro, background, methods, results, and conclusion. Make it fit what you need.
• Introduction: Start your project with a bit about your topic, why it’s important, and what you’re trying to learn.
• Review: Look at all the info you found and figure out what’s important. See where there are questions or disagreements.
• Methods: Explain how you did your project, like who you studied, what you measured, and how you did it.
• Results: Show what you found in a clear way, like with tables or graphs. Talk about what it means.
• Implications: Think about what your findings mean for nursing. How can it help patients or other nurses? What else should be looked at?
• Conclusion: Sum up what you learned and why it’s important. Say what you think should happen next.
• Cite Sources: Give credit to the info you used in your project. Make sure to do it right.
• Proofread: Check your project for mistakes and fix them. Make sure it all makes sense and looks good.
• Seek Feedback: Before finalizing your project, seek feedback from peers, mentors, or instructors to gain valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Consider incorporating constructive feedback to strengthen your project before submission or publication.

Future Directions and Recommendations

• Areas for Further Research in Medical Surgical Nursing: Identify emerging areas of interest and potential research gaps in medical surgical nursing, such as the impact of healthcare disparities on surgical outcomes , patient-reported outcomes following surgery, and the integration of complementary and alternative therapies into perioperative care.
• Strategies for Improving Surgical Nursing Practice: Propose recommendations for enhancing surgical nursing practice, including interdisciplinary collaboration, continuing education and professional development opportunities, and the implementation of evidence-based guidelines and protocols.

In conclusion, medical surgical nursing offers a vast array of fascinating project topics that can enrich our understanding of patient care, contribute to evidence-based practice, and drive innovation in healthcare delivery.

Whether you’re a student embarking on a research project or a seasoned nurse seeking to explore new avenues in your practice, these Medical surgical nursing project topics provide an excellent starting point for exploration and discovery in the dynamic field of medical surgical nursing.

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Best Nursing Research Topics for Students

What is a nursing research paper.

• What They Include
• Choosing a Topic
• Best Nursing Research Topics
• Research Paper Writing Tips

Writing a research paper is a massive task that involves careful organization, critical analysis, and a lot of time. Some nursing students are natural writers, while others struggle to select a nursing research topic, let alone write about it.

If you're a nursing student who dreads writing research papers, this article may help ease your anxiety. We'll cover everything you need to know about writing nursing school research papers and the top topics for nursing research.  

Continue reading to make your paper-writing jitters a thing of the past.

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A nursing research paper is a work of academic writing composed by a nurse or nursing student. The paper may present information on a specific topic or answer a question.

During LPN/LVN and RN programs, most papers you write focus on learning to use research databases, evaluate appropriate resources, and format your writing with APA style. You'll then synthesize your research information to answer a question or analyze a topic.

BSN , MSN , Ph.D., and DNP programs also write nursing research papers. Students in these programs may also participate in conducting original research studies.

Writing papers during your academic program improves and develops many skills, including the ability to:

• Select nursing topics for research
• Conduct effective research
• Analyze published academic literature
• Format and cite sources
• Synthesize data
• Organize and articulate findings

About Nursing Research Papers

When do nursing students write research papers.

You may need to write a research paper for any of the nursing courses you take. Research papers help develop critical thinking and communication skills. They allow you to learn how to conduct research and critically review publications.

That said, not every class will require in-depth, 10-20-page papers. The more advanced your degree path, the more you can expect to write and conduct research. If you're in an associate or bachelor's program, you'll probably write a few papers each semester or term.

Do Nursing Students Conduct Original Research?

Most of the time, you won't be designing, conducting, and evaluating new research. Instead, your projects will focus on learning the research process and the scientific method. You'll achieve these objectives by evaluating existing nursing literature and sources and defending a thesis.

However, many nursing faculty members do conduct original research. So, you may get opportunities to participate in, and publish, research articles.

Example Research Project Scenario:

In your maternal child nursing class, the professor assigns the class a research paper regarding developmentally appropriate nursing interventions for the pediatric population. While that may sound specific, you have almost endless opportunities to narrow down the focus of your writing. 

You could choose pain intervention measures in toddlers. Conversely, you can research the effects of prolonged hospitalization on adolescents' social-emotional development.

What Does a Nursing Research Paper Include?

Your professor should provide a thorough guideline of the scope of the paper. In general, an undergraduate nursing research paper will consist of:

Introduction : A brief overview of the research question/thesis statement your paper will discuss. You can include why the topic is relevant.

Body : This section presents your research findings and allows you to synthesize the information and data you collected. You'll have a chance to articulate your evaluation and answer your research question. The length of this section depends on your assignment.

Conclusion : A brief review of the information and analysis you presented throughout the body of the paper. This section is a recap of your paper and another chance to reassert your thesis.

The best advice is to follow your instructor's rubric and guidelines. Remember to ask for help whenever needed, and avoid overcomplicating the assignment!

How to Choose a Nursing Research Topic

The sheer volume of prospective nursing research topics can become overwhelming for students. Additionally, you may get the misconception that all the 'good' research ideas are exhausted. However, a personal approach may help you narrow down a research topic and find a unique angle.

Writing your research paper about a topic you value or connect with makes the task easier. Additionally, you should consider the material's breadth. Topics with plenty of existing literature will make developing a research question and thesis smoother.

Finally, feel free to shift gears if necessary, especially if you're still early in the research process. If you start down one path and have trouble finding published information, ask your professor if you can choose another topic.

The Best Research Topics for Nursing Students

You have endless subject choices for nursing research papers. This non-exhaustive list just scratches the surface of some of the best nursing research topics.

1. Clinical Nursing Research Topics

• Analyze the use of telehealth/virtual nursing to reduce inpatient nurse duties.
• Discuss the impact of evidence-based respiratory interventions on patient outcomes in critical care settings.
• Explore the effectiveness of pain management protocols in pediatric patients.

2. Community Health Nursing Research Topics

• Assess the impact of nurse-led diabetes education in Type II Diabetics.
• Analyze the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare services.

3. Nurse Education Research Topics

• Review the effectiveness of simulation-based learning to improve nursing students' clinical skills.
• Identify methods that best prepare pre-licensure students for clinical practice.
• Investigate factors that influence nurses to pursue advanced degrees.
• Evaluate education methods that enhance cultural competence among nurses.
• Describe the role of mindfulness interventions in reducing stress and burnout among nurses.

4. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

• Explore patient outcomes related to nurse staffing levels in acute behavioral health settings.
• Assess the effectiveness of mental health education among emergency room nurses .
• Explore de-escalation techniques that result in improved patient outcomes.
• Review the effectiveness of therapeutic communication in improving patient outcomes.

5. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

• Assess the impact of parental involvement in pediatric asthma treatment adherence.
• Explore challenges related to chronic illness management in pediatric patients.
• Review the role of play therapy and other therapeutic interventions that alleviate anxiety among hospitalized children.

6. The Nursing Profession Research Topics

• Analyze the effects of short staffing on nurse burnout .
• Evaluate factors that facilitate resiliency among nursing professionals.
• Examine predictors of nurse dissatisfaction and burnout.
• Posit how nursing theories influence modern nursing practice.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Research Paper

The best nursing research advice we can provide is to follow your professor's rubric and instructions. However, here are a few study tips for nursing students to make paper writing less painful:

Avoid procrastination: Everyone says it, but few follow this advice. You can significantly lower your stress levels if you avoid procrastinating and start working on your project immediately.

Plan Ahead: Break down the writing process into smaller sections, especially if it seems overwhelming. Give yourself time for each step in the process.

Research: Use your resources and ask for help from the librarian or instructor. The rest should come together quickly once you find high-quality studies to analyze.

Outline: Create an outline to help you organize your thoughts. Then, you can plug in information throughout the research process. 

Clear Language: Use plain language as much as possible to get your point across. Jargon is inevitable when writing academic nursing papers, but keep it to a minimum.

Cite Properly: Accurately cite all sources using the appropriate citation style. Nursing research papers will almost always implement APA style. Check out the resources below for some excellent reference management options.

Revise and Edit: Once you finish your first draft, put it away for one to two hours or, preferably, a whole day. Once you've placed some space between you and your paper, read through and edit for clarity, coherence, and grammatical errors. Reading your essay out loud is an excellent way to check for the 'flow' of the paper.

Helpful Nursing Research Writing Resources:

Purdue OWL (Online writing lab) has a robust APA guide covering everything you need about APA style and rules.

Grammarly helps you edit grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Upgrading to a paid plan will get you plagiarism detection, formatting, and engagement suggestions. This tool is excellent to help you simplify complicated sentences.

Mendeley is a free reference management software. It stores, organizes, and cites references. It has a Microsoft plug-in that inserts and correctly formats APA citations.

Don't let nursing research papers scare you away from starting nursing school or furthering your education. Their purpose is to develop skills you'll need to be an effective nurse: critical thinking, communication, and the ability to review published information critically.

Choose a great topic and follow your teacher's instructions; you'll finish that paper in no time.

Joleen Sams is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner based in the Kansas City metro area. During her 10-year RN career, Joleen worked in NICU, inpatient pediatrics, and regulatory compliance. Since graduating with her MSN-FNP in 2019, she has worked in urgent care and nursing administration. Connect with Joleen on LinkedIn or see more of her writing on her website.

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• Nursing Research Priorities
• Guidelines & Resources
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AORN Research Priorities in Perioperative Nursing 2023-2028

The following AORN Research Priorities for 2023-2028 serve as a pathway for the advancement of perioperative nursing science through research and translation to evidence-based practices that build best practices in perioperative settings. The ultimate goal of these priorities is the preparation of perioperative nurses who deliver quality care to continually improve surgical patient outcomes.

Download AORN Guideline Research Gaps

Examine and link quality perioperative indicators to promote positive patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.

This priority addresses patient outcomes that relate to:

• Patient safety
• Worker safety (eg, technology and environmental controls)
• Systems safety (eg, processes that promote safer workplaces)
• Medication safety
• Patient handling and positioning
• Patient education practices
• Health care settings
• Office-based
• Critical access hospitals
• Innovations
• Appreciation, synthesis, and validation of advancements in technology
• Less invasive approaches to operative and other invasive procedures (eg, imaging, minimally invasive approaches)
• Health care policy
• Cost, access, and availability of products (eg, cost effectiveness analysis)
• Access to care (eg, vulnerable populations)

Build the science of perioperative nursing practice through the discovery and translation of evidence-based strategies in the clinical setting.

We support NINR's strategic plan for prioritizing research topics that align with perioperative nursing practice. This priority addresses clinical practices that relate to:

• Healthcare team function/human factors
• Integration of role of perioperative nurse across patient journey
• Communication and team dynamics
• Organizational climate
• Perioperative workplace violence/bullying/incivility
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Influence of nurse characteristics on clinical outcomes
• Self-care practices
• Emotional intelligence
• Certification
• Perioperative nurse education
• Transition from the academic setting to practice
• Transition from one clinical setting to another (eg, inpatient to perioperative nursing)
• Advancement to clinical proficiency
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
• Equity for diverse populations (eg, cultural, generational)
• Perioperative nursing leadership
• Staffing models
• Leadership style
• Systems and models of care
• Technology for decision support

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Home » 500+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas

500+ Nursing Research Topic Ideas

Table of Contents

Nursing research plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. As a field that is constantly evolving, there is a great need for new ideas and innovative approaches to address the challenges faced by nurses in their day-to-day practice. In this article, we will explore some exciting nursing research topic ideas that can help guide the development of new studies and inspire nurses to make meaningful contributions to the field. From exploring the impact of technology on nursing practice to investigating the effectiveness of alternative therapies, there is no shortage of interesting and important topics to explore in the world of nursing research.

Nursing Research Topic Ideas

Nursing Research Topic Ideas are as follows:

• The effectiveness of telemedicine in providing nursing care.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence in chronic disease management.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing burnout among nurses.
• The influence of cultural competence on patient satisfaction with nursing care.
• The effects of virtual reality simulation training on nursing students’ clinical competencies.
• The impact of nurse practitioner-led care on chronic disease management in primary care.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led discharge planning on patient outcomes.
• The influence of nurse-to-patient ratios on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led health coaching on lifestyle modifications in patients with chronic diseases.
• The effects of interprofessional collaboration on patient outcomes in acute care settings.
• The impact of nurse-led patient education on medication adherence in older adults.
• The relationship between nurse work environment and patient safety outcomes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain.
• The influence of nurse staffing levels on patient satisfaction with nursing care.
• The effects of a nurse-led palliative care program on quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses.
• The impact of nurse-led group therapy on social support and quality of life in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led motivational interviewing on smoking cessation in patients with mental health disorders.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient length of stay in acute care settings.
• The effects of nurse-led behavioral interventions on weight loss and management in patients with obesity.
• The influence of nurse-led interventions on self-care management in patients with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led mindfulness-based stress reduction programs on caregiver burden in family caregivers of patients with dementia.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on pain management in patients with sickle cell disease.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient readmission rates.
• The effects of nurse-led motivational interviewing on medication adherence in patients with hypertension.
• The influence of nurse-led telehealth programs on glycemic control in patients with diabetes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in postoperative care.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient satisfaction with hospital food services.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient falls in acute care settings.
• The effects of nurse-led interventions on patient anxiety and stress in the preoperative period.
• The influence of nurse-led interventions on wound healing in patients with chronic ulcers.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on postpartum depression in new mothers.
• The impact of nurse-led transitional care on hospital readmissions in older adults.
• The relationship between nurse work environment and nurse retention.
• The effects of nurse-led music therapy on anxiety and depression in patients with dementia.
• The influence of nurse-led mindfulness-based interventions on sleep quality in patients with insomnia.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on symptom management in patients with cancer.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on patient satisfaction with care coordination.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient mortality in critical care settings.
• The effects of nurse-led interventions on patient outcomes in end-of-life care.
• The impact of mindfulness meditation on the mental health of nursing students.
• The effect of patient education on the adherence to medication regimens in older adults.
• The role of nurse-led interventions in improving physical activity levels in sedentary individuals.
• The efficacy of telehealth in managing chronic conditions in rural communities.
• The effect of music therapy on anxiety and pain in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• The impact of cultural competency training on nursing students’ attitudes towards diverse patient populations.
• The effectiveness of peer support interventions in reducing readmission rates among individuals with heart failure.
• The use of virtual reality in nursing education to improve clinical decision-making skills.
• The role of family caregivers in end-of-life care decision making.
• The impact of nurse-led discharge planning on hospital readmission rates.
• The effect of a structured communication tool on interdisciplinary communication and collaboration in acute care settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting vaccination uptake in underserved communities.
• The impact of early mobilization on functional outcomes in critically ill patients.
• The effectiveness of an interdisciplinary team approach in managing chronic pain in older adults.
• The role of nursing in addressing the opioid epidemic.
• The effect of a nurse-led weight management program on obesity-related health outcomes.
• The impact of technology-based interventions on medication adherence in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
• The effectiveness of a nursing-led smoking cessation program in hospitalized patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy sleep habits in children.
• The effect of a nurse-led intervention on caregiver burden in family caregivers of stroke survivors.
• The impact of nurse-led motivational interviewing on lifestyle behavior change in individuals with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care transitions in reducing hospital readmissions.
• The role of nursing in promoting advance care planning among older adults.
• The impact of a nurse-led education program on self-care management in individuals with diabetes.
• The effect of nurse-led education on medication adherence in individuals with hypertension.
• The role of nurses in identifying and addressing social determinants of health in underserved populations.
• The impact of a nurse-led exercise program on physical function and quality of life in older adults.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on smoking cessation in pregnant women.
• The role of nurses in promoting health literacy among diverse patient populations.
• The effect of a nurse-led fall prevention program on fall-related injuries in older adults.
• The impact of a nurse-led education program on medication safety in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of a nurse-led mindfulness-based stress reduction program in individuals with chronic pain.
• The role of nurses in managing the care of individuals with multiple chronic conditions.
• The effect of nurse-led patient education on the prevention of hospital-acquired infections.
• The impact of nurse-led coaching on self-management in individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care coordination in improving care transitions for individuals with complex medical needs.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy eating habits in children and adolescents.
• The effect of a nurse-led symptom management program on quality of life in individuals with advanced cancer.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on the self-efficacy of individuals with chronic conditions.
• The role of nurses in promoting sexual health education among adolescents.
• The effect of a nurse-led peer support program on mental health outcomes in individuals with substance use disorders.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on nutrition and physical activity in pregnant women.
• The role of nurses in addressing health disparities in marginalized communities.
• The effect of nurse-led mindfulness interventions on the mental health of healthcare providers.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on medication adherence and quality of life in individuals with HIV/AIDS.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing healthcare-associated infections in long-term care facilities.
• The role of nurses in promoting palliative care for individuals with advanced dementia.
• The effect of a nurse-led exercise program on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing falls in hospitalized older adults.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in hospitalized patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting sexual and reproductive health among LGBTQ+ individuals.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving medication adherence in individuals with mental health conditions.
• The impact of nurse-led coaching on self-care management in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving sleep quality in individuals with chronic pain.
• The role of nurses in promoting oral health in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired delirium.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on the self-care management of individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on self-care management in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for individuals with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving the quality of life of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting early detection and management of sepsis in hospitalized patients.
• The effect of nurse-led education on promoting breastfeeding among new mothers.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on the management of chronic pain in individuals with sickle cell disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving medication adherence in individuals with heart failure.
• The role of nurses in promoting health literacy and patient empowerment among individuals with low health literacy.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing readmission rates in individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving medication adherence in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting self-care management among individuals with depression.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving the quality of life of individuals with spinal cord injuries.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in outpatient settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors among older adults with chronic conditions.
• The role of nurses in promoting self-management among individuals with schizophrenia.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital length of stay for individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving the quality of life of individuals with chronic hepatitis C.
• The role of nurses in promoting pain management strategies for patients with sickle cell disease.
• The effect of a nurse-led education program on improving the quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their caregivers.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare-associated infections in the neonatal intensive care unit.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care management and quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient safety through effective communication strategies.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on reducing readmission rates in patients with congestive heart failure.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving end-of-life care for patients with advanced cancer.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on improving the nutritional status of patients with diabetes.
• The role of nurses in promoting evidence-based practices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on reducing anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in the emergency department.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting tobacco cessation among patients with respiratory diseases.
• The role of nurses in promoting culturally competent care for patients from diverse backgrounds.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving sleep quality and quantity for patients with sleep disorders.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving self-management and quality of life for patients with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting early recognition and management of sepsis in the emergency department.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving patient satisfaction with pain management.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for patients with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting adherence to medication regimens among patients with HIV/AIDS.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient-centered care for patients with chronic diseases.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving pain management in patients with dementia.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of falls in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving wound healing in patients with chronic wounds.
• The role of nurses in promoting early detection and management of delirium in hospitalized patients.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving patient outcomes after cardiac surgery.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare-associated infections in long-term care facilities.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy eating behaviors among adolescents with obesity.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient safety through effective hand hygiene practices.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving functional status and quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing readmission rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on improving patient outcomes after hip replacement surgery.
• The role of nurses in promoting effective communication between patients and healthcare providers.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving medication management in patients with multiple chronic conditions.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for patients with mental health conditions.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting physical activity among patients with cardiovascular diseases.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient-centered care for patients with substance use disorders.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on improving self-care management and quality of life for patients with asthma.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit.
• The role of nurses in promoting resilience among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving adherence to tuberculosis medication.
• The impact of nurse-led programs on improving end-of-life care in hospice settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy sleep habits in hospitalized children.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving wound care management in individuals with diabetes.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on improving patient satisfaction in emergency departments.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in pediatric settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging among older adults living in rural communities.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving oral hygiene in individuals with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in neonatal intensive care units.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on improving pain management in individuals with sickle cell disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health awareness and support in the workplace.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving hand hygiene compliance among healthcare providers.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on improving self-management in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on reducing readmission rates in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors among individuals with HIV/AIDS.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving medication adherence in individuals with schizophrenia.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing falls in older adults living in long-term care facilities.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led programs on improving communication and teamwork in healthcare settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents with obesity.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving pain management in individuals with cancer.
• The impact of a nurse-led program on improving self-management in individuals with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy sexuality in individuals with disabilities.
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health among homeless populations.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care management in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing medication errors in geriatric settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led programs on improving patient outcomes in acute care settings.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy coping mechanisms among individuals with chronic pain.
• The effect of nurse-led education on improving wound care management in individuals with venous leg ulcers.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing hospital readmission rates in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led programs on improving end-of-life care in nursing homes.
• The role of nurses in promoting safe medication administration in pediatric settings.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving sleep quality in individuals with depression.
• The impact of nurse-led programs on improving pain management in individuals with fibromyalgia.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on improving communication skills among healthcare providers.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors among individuals with mental health conditions.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care management in individuals with chronic heart failure.
• The impact of nurse-led programs on improving patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led education on promoting healthy habits among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Interesting Nursing Research Topic Ideas

• The impact of nurse-led health education on the management of chronic diseases in low-income communities.
• The effectiveness of using telehealth technology to monitor and manage patients with mental health disorders.
• The role of nursing in promoting ethical and responsible use of AI in healthcare.
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of frontline nurses.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques on reducing burnout among nurses.
• Exploring the experiences of male nurses in a predominantly female profession.
• The impact of nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.
• The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety and pain among patients in intensive care units.
• The impact of social media on nursing education and professional development.
• The impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction.
• The use of simulation-based training in nursing education to improve clinical competency.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing hospital readmissions.
• The impact of interprofessional collaboration on patient safety and quality of care.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led smoking cessation interventions in promoting smoking cessation among patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting sexual and reproductive health among adolescent girls.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases.
• The impact of cultural competence training on nursing practice and patient outcomes.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in improving sleep quality among shift-working nurses.
• The role of nurses in promoting vaccination uptake among underserved populations.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving self-care behaviors among patients with heart failure.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving pain management among cancer patients.
• The impact of nurse-led care coordination on improving care transitions for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases.
• The effectiveness of peer mentoring programs in promoting professional development among novice nurses.
• The impact of nurse-led palliative care interventions on improving end-of-life care for patients with terminal illnesses.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing falls among elderly patients in long-term care facilities.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic diseases in the community.
• The impact of nurse-led discharge planning on reducing hospital readmissions and improving patient outcomes.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving glycemic control among patients with diabetes.
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health and wellbeing among healthcare professionals.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in promoting self-management behaviors among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led motivational interviewing in promoting physical activity among sedentary patients.
• The role of nurses in promoting safe medication use and preventing medication errors.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in improving nutritional status among patients with malnutrition.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting breastfeeding among new mothers.
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy work environments and preventing workplace violence.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in promoting early detection and management of hypertension.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy among patients with HIV.
• The role of nurses in promoting evidence-based practice and improving patient outcomes.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in promoting smoking cessation among pregnant women.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving sleep quality among patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
• The role of nurses in promoting patient safety and preventing medical errors.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions in improving symptom management among patients with advanced cancer.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers.

Evidence-Based Practice Nursing Research Topic Ideas

• The effect of nurse-led education on medication adherence in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The use of telehealth to improve patient outcomes in rural communities.
• The impact of music therapy on pain management in postoperative patients.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in reducing burnout in nursing staff.
• The effect of exercise on the prevention of falls in elderly patients.
• The use of simulation-based training in improving clinical competency in nursing students.
• The effect of nurse-led discharge planning on readmission rates.
• The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for agitation in patients with dementia.
• The impact of bedside reporting on patient safety and satisfaction.
• The effect of aromatherapy on anxiety in hospitalized patients.
• The use of standardized protocols to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
• The effectiveness of peer support in improving diabetes self-management.
• The impact of patient-centered care on outcomes for patients with chronic illnesses.
• The effect of nursing interventions on the prevention of pressure ulcers.
• The use of telemonitoring to improve outcomes in heart failure patients.
• The effect of early mobility programs on outcomes in critically ill patients.
• The effectiveness of team-based care in improving outcomes for patients with complex medical conditions.
• The use of acupressure to manage postoperative nausea and vomiting.
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections.
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on pain management in cancer patients.
• The use of telepsychiatry in improving access to mental health care in rural communities.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led smoking cessation interventions.
• The impact of a family-centered care approach on outcomes for critically ill pediatric patients.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence in patients with hypertension.
• The use of music therapy to improve sleep in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of patient education in reducing hospital readmissions.
• The impact of nursing interventions on the prevention of falls in hospitalized patients.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on glycemic control in patients with diabetes.
• The use of mindfulness-based interventions to reduce stress in nursing students.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing healthcare-associated infections.
• The impact of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management on outcomes for patients with chronic pain.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
• The use of telehealth to provide palliative care to patients with advanced illnesses.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing the incidence of pressure injuries in long-term care facilities.
• The impact of a nurse-led transitional care program on outcomes for patients with heart failure.
• The effect of a nurse-led sepsis protocol on early recognition and treatment.
• The use of animal-assisted therapy in the management of anxiety and depression in hospitalized patients.
• The effectiveness of a nurse-led motivational interviewing intervention in improving self-care behaviors in patients with chronic illnesses.
• The impact of a nurse-led hand hygiene program on healthcare-associated infections.
• The effect of nurse-led interventions on the prevention of surgical site infections.
• The use of telehealth to provide mental health services to underserved populations.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving pain management in elderly patients with dementia.
• The impact of a nurse-led transitional care program on outcomes for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The effect of a nurse-led program on the prevention of urinary tract infections in long-term care facilities.

Nursing Research Topic Ideas Medical Surgical Nursing

• The Effectiveness of Pre-operative Education on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Manual Turning vs. Mechanical Turning on Pressure Injury Prevention in Hospitalized Patients.
• The Impact of Postoperative Pain Management on the Length of Hospital Stay for Surgical Patients.
• The Role of Nursing Interventions in Reducing the Incidence of Falls in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Effect of Nursing Shortage on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Nurse-Patient Communication and its Impact on Patient Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Efficacy of Non-pharmacological Interventions in Reducing Anxiety and Stress among Medical-Surgical Patients.
• A Comparison of Standardized Nursing Care Plans vs. Individualized Nursing Care Plans in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Medication Adherence among Medical-Surgical Patients.
• The Effect of Family-Centered Care on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Wound Care Management in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Impact of Nursing Rounds on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparison of Two Nursing Care Models in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Pain Management Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Effectiveness of Discharge Planning on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Traditional vs. High-Fidelity Simulation Training on Nursing Competence in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Multidisciplinary Rounds on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Hand Hygiene Practices among Medical-Surgical Nurses.
• The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Nurses’ Well-being and Job Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Bedside Shift Reporting vs. Traditional Shift Reporting on Patient Safety in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Nursing Education on Pressure Injury Prevention in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Study of Nurse Leadership Styles and their Effect on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Effect of Teamwork on Patient Safety in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Electronic Health Records vs. Paper-Based Records on Nursing Documentation in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Nursing Knowledge on Medication Safety in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Study of Palliative Care Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Effect of Exercise Interventions on the Rehabilitation of Medical-Surgical Patients.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of RN-BSN Programs vs. ADN Programs on Nursing Competence in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Cultural Competence on Patient Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Advanced Practice Nursing in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Effectiveness of Clinical Decision Support Systems on Medication Safety in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Direct vs. Indirect Care on Nursing Workload in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Staff Education on Sepsis Management in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• A Study of Patient Education Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
• The Effect of Nursing Care Models on Patient Safety in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Comparative Study of the Effect of Nurse-led vs. Physician-led Rounds on Patient Outcomes in Medical-Surgical Units.
• The Impact of Patient Experience on Nurse Job Satisfaction in Medical-Surgical Units.
• A Study of Medication Errors in Medical-Surgical Nursing.

Nursing Research Topics About Community

• The effectiveness of community health worker programs in improving health outcomes among underserved populations
• The role of nurses in promoting community-based health initiatives and prevention programs
• The impact of neighborhood characteristics on health outcomes and health behaviors
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing health disparities in rural communities
• Examining the effects of community-based palliative care programs on end-of-life care
• Investigating the factors influencing healthcare access and utilization among homeless populations
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on vaccination rates in low-income communities
• Assessing the effectiveness of nurse-led telehealth programs in rural and remote communities
• Examining the role of community-based nursing in disaster preparedness and response
• The effects of social determinants of health on maternal and child health outcomes in disadvantaged communities
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on substance abuse and addiction in community settings
• The effectiveness of community-based health promotion programs in reducing obesity rates
• The impact of cultural competency training on nursing practice in diverse communities
• Examining the effects of community-based nursing on healthcare costs and utilization
• Investigating the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving mental health outcomes in community settings
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related illnesses in community settings
• The effects of community-based interventions on reducing hospital readmissions for chronic conditions
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on access to healthcare for undocumented immigrants
• The effectiveness of school-based nurse-led interventions in promoting adolescent health
• Examining the effects of community-based nursing on reducing emergency department visits for non-emergent conditions
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing infant mortality rates in disadvantaged communities
• The role of nurses in promoting health equity and reducing health disparities in underserved communities
• The effects of community-based nursing on improving medication adherence and reducing medication errors
• The impact of nurse-led interventions on improving health literacy in disadvantaged communities
• Investigating the effectiveness of community-based nursing in reducing readmissions for heart failure patients
• The role of nurses in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related illnesses in long-term care settings
• Examining the effects of community-based nursing on reducing healthcare costs for chronic conditions
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing sexually transmitted infections in high-risk communities
• The effectiveness of community-based nursing in reducing hospital-acquired infections in long-term care facilities
• The role of nurses in promoting mental health and well-being in community settings
• The effects of community-based nursing on reducing healthcare utilization for chronic conditions
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for low-income populations
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in improving health outcomes among immigrant populations
• Examining the role of community-based nursing in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in high-risk populations
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on improving health outcomes for LGBTQ+ populations
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting breast cancer screening in disadvantaged communities
• The role of nurses in promoting health equity and reducing health disparities in migrant populations
• The effects of community-based nursing on improving end-of-life care for patients with advanced illness
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on improving health outcomes for individuals with disabilities in community settings
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing rates of cardiovascular disease in high-risk communities
• Examining the role of community-based nursing in promoting healthy eating behaviors and reducing food insecurity
• Investigating the impact of nurse-led interventions on reducing healthcare costs for chronic pain management in community settings

Nursing Research Topics for BSc Students

• The impact of nursing interventions on patient satisfaction in post-operative care.
• The relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in ICU.
• The role of the nurse in promoting patient safety in a pediatric setting.
• The effectiveness of simulation-based training in nursing education.
• The impact of electronic medical records on nursing practice.
• The experiences of nursing students during clinical placements.
• The role of the nurse in managing chronic illness in the elderly.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in palliative care.
• The effectiveness of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare teams.
• The impact of nursing leadership styles on job satisfaction and retention.
• The role of the nurse in promoting self-management in patients with chronic conditions.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for nursing students.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient mortality in acute care settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in rural healthcare settings.
• The role of the nurse in promoting health literacy among patients.
• The effectiveness of nursing interventions for reducing hospital readmissions.
• The relationship between nurse burnout and patient safety.
• The experiences of family caregivers of patients with dementia.
• The role of the nurse in managing symptoms in patients with cancer.
• The impact of cultural competence on patient-centered care.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in psychiatric settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in home healthcare settings.
• The role of the nurse in promoting healthy lifestyle choices among patients.
• The effectiveness of nursing interventions for reducing healthcare-associated infections.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient satisfaction in emergency departments.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with substance abuse disorders.
• The role of the nurse in promoting medication adherence in patients with chronic conditions.
• The impact of technology on nursing practice and patient outcomes.
• The relationship between nursing education and patient outcomes.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with developmental disabilities.
• The role of the nurse in promoting patient-centered care in long-term care settings.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led care for patients with chronic conditions.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes in rehabilitation settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in hospice care.
• The role of the nurse in promoting mental health and wellness in patients.
• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in maternal and child health.
• The relationship between nurse burnout and patient outcomes in critical care settings.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with eating disorders.
• The role of the nurse in promoting patient safety in surgical settings.
• The effectiveness of nursing interventions for reducing pain in patients with chronic conditions.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in primary care settings.
• The experiences of nurses working in disaster response settings.
• The role of the nurse in promoting cultural humility in healthcare.
• The impact of nursing interventions on patient outcomes in infectious disease management.
• The relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes in neonatal care.
• The experiences of nurses working with patients with traumatic brain injuries.
• The role of the nurse in promoting end-of-life care and advance care planning.
• The effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for managing depression in patients with chronic conditions.
• The relationship between nursing care and patient outcomes in geriatric care.
• The experiences of nurses working in correctional healthcare settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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200+ Great Ideas of Nursing Research Topics to Get Started

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Stay on this page to find really cool and helpful lists of interesting research topics for your nursing dissertation or thesis.

What are Some Cool topics to Research?

Whenever students are asked to work on a research paper or present their thesis, the very first concern for them is choosing a unique, interesting, and research-worthy topic that makes their research significant and has enough future scope.

When it comes to finding a unique topic without working on something that’s already been done, most of the nursing and healthcare students struggle. A good research topic should be unique, relevant to current times, and have future scope as well. And you’ll find all three qualities in the topics mentioned below:

1. Primary Healthcare Nursing Research Topics

Primary healthcare refers to essential or basic health care service based on socially acceptable and scientifically sound methods and technology. Since it includes physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being, there are many topics for nursing scholars to explore:

• Strengthening primary healthcare system as the first line of referral system
• Introduction of home health nursing in the community set up
• Primary health care delivery system clinical pathways
• From home visits to home health care: strengthening primary health care delivery system
• Expanding the roles of community health nurses
• Millennial models of health care system
• Strengthening disease surveillance program in the community health setup
• Home health care of debilitated patients
• Acceptance of evidence-based practice in the primary health care
• Strengthening continuity of care in the community/home health care post-hospitalization
• Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy in the community health care setting

2. Good Research Topics in Healthcare Management

Healthcare management is the management, administration, or oversight of healthcare systems, hospitals, public health systems, and other medical facilities. Since it comprises the overall management of all the work of the hospitals, it opens avenues for a lot of research work. Take, for example, the following:

• Evaluating who is responsible for failure in surgeries?
• Healthcare Contracts Limitations
• Medical Home Service
• Analysing nursing channels that nurses can use for becoming physicians?
• Gender Bias in Nursing Profession
• Starting Private Practice as a Nurse
• Medicare: Pros and Cons
• What are the most appropriate methods for increasing staff retention in a health care setting?
• Nursing Uniform Code Rules
• Role of nurses in enhancing a hospital quality improvement
• Legal Risks with Non-English Patients
• Medical Marijuana: Risk, Benefits, and Management Rules
• Shortage of Men in Healthcare
• Health tracking apps for continuity of care post discharge to home
• Telehealth: the impact of virtual care to urban and rural areas
• Strategic referral system to prevent tertiary hospital congestion
• Clinical pathways for referral system
• Drive-thru pharmacy
• Strenghtening the roles of social works and social workers in the health care team
• Case management approach in the healthcare delivery system
• Defining and application of Expected Length of Stay in patient management
• Impact of case managers in Expected Length of Stay and patient outcomes
• Redefining hospital cultures on bed rest versus mobilization
• Redefining hospital cultures on diet and food services
• Redefining hospital cultures on the assumption of the sick roles
• Strict implementation of Expected Length of Stay to prevent hospital congestion
• Roles of Case manager in the Clinical pathways
• Case Manager as a new nursing role an specialization
• Nurse navigator as a new form of nurse entrepreneurship
• Case management clinical pathway for smooth admission, patient flow and continuity of care after discharge
• Increase nursing specialization
• Internet savvy for healthcare providers

3. Nursing Research Topics about Pain Management

Pain management, in nursing, includes study of all the interventions nurses can make during their hospital hours – mainly to relieve a patient’s pain or ailments through medicinal interventions. Pain is complex, with many treatment options such as therapies, medicines, and also mind-body techniques. Nursing research scholars can research about the following topics:

• Pain management in children suffering from life-limiting illnesses: learning about the best practices
• Headache Treatment Protocol
• A closer look at hemophilia patient’s pain management
• Myofascial Pain Rehabilitation
• Labor and delivery: best practices for pain management
• Using Opioid for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Fetal pain perception: analysis by medical experts
• Innovative Injection Use
• Therapeutic Injections: Cons & Pros
• Cognitive hypnotherapy application: how effective are they in pain management?
• Evaluating the effectiveness of Benson’s relaxation therapy as a pain management practice.
• Post-discharge pain-management strategies: evaluating their effectiveness in a health care setting?
• Phantom Pains Phenomenon
• Pain management in cancer patients: best practices according to expert nurses
• Spinal cord nerve injury related to chronic constipation
• Mobile pain unit

4. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

In Pediatric nursing, the nursing staff is responsible for medical care of the children and neonates, and adolescents – mainly in a day-clinic or the in-patient setting. Though the main role of child health nursing is administering procedures and medicines to all children as per their prescribed nursing care plans, the research scholars can write papers on the following topics:

• Speech Disorders Therapy
• ADHD Causes & treatment
• Prevalence of misdiagnosis in child health or paediatric ward
• Vaccination & Autism
• Systematic review of range of child health nursing services in UK
• Antibiotic Resistance in Preschool Children
• Mental and Emotional health of children under 10
• Eating Disorders in Children
• Social Media Impact on Teenagers
• Seizures Causes in Infants
• Teething issues in children under 10
• Psychological Aspects of Infant Care
• Use of social media platforms in preparation and prevention of hospital phobia among pediatric groups
• Family engagement in the pediatric care by using hospital information system
• Safety and efficacy of telehealth for pediatric patients

What are the Current issues in Nursing?

Nursing is a high-pressure job. It demands patience, determination, and perseverance. As a high-pressure job, it gets quite challenging and leads to issues from time to time. Some of the examples being staff shortages, long working hours, workplace hazards, personal health, and workplace violence. All of these can be addressed in nursing research papers:

• Analysis of the registered nurse workforce and the relationship to work environments
• Transforming loss: A developing concept for nursing
• Nursing Staff Shortages
• Nursing Practitioners
• Meeting Patient Expectations: A challenge for nurses
• Biggest obstacles nurses face in their education and maintaining career alongside
• Workplace Violence and Hazards Nurses face
• Diversity in Healthcare
• Importance of Community Nursing
• Future of Nursing in the Digital Age
• What measure can a nurse take for helping a person with their eating disorder?
• Clinical Nurse Roles
• How can nurses help in treating patients who already know they don’t have a survival rate?
• Ethics and Homeless People Treatment
• Critical Care Nursing Management
• A nurse’s role in helping and assisting patients with chronic diseases?
• Nursing Theorists Works
• Remote Intensive Care Unit
• Stress Management Practice for Nurses Working in Night Shifts
• Between Career & Professional Service
• Preceptorship and training after distant education program and online learning
• Centralized infectious disease surveillance
• Centralized reporting of chronic diseases
• Patient become more educated: the pros and cons of social media
• Fake news and misinformation on health related issue with the rise of social media platforms
• BPO and call centers for medical procedures booking and admission to decongest emergency room
• Application of BPO in the quality assurance monitoring in documentation

What are Some of the Research Topic Ideas in Surgical Nursing?

• Moral distress among nurses in Surgical units
• Patient’s satisfaction and experience about care provided by nurses in the surgical units
• Organizational effects on patient satisfaction in surgical units
• Medical-Surgical nurses and their perceived leadership abilities as responders in patient deterioration events
• Role of Nurses in Surgical Wards
• Medical-surgical nursing: Critical thinking in client care
• Pain assessment and management in surgical nursing
• Understanding technology in contemporary surgical nursing
• Understanding Medical surgical nursing as an integrated approach
• Standardising fast-track surgical nursing care
• Mobilization team for the fast recovery of post-operative patients
• Use of telehealth for pre-operative preparations and elective surgical admissions to lessen hospital length of stay among surgical patients
• Continuity of care post surgery in the community health care

What have been some of the more important nursing research questions discussed in nursing class?

If you are here to find more important topics for your nursing dissertations, then scroll through this section for topics that are often discussed in nursing classes. Nursing research articles and topics change over time. However, we find these relevant to current times and challenges in healthcare:

1. Research topic ideas for Midwifery Nursing

Nurse-midwife, as a licensed healthcare professional, specialises in child birth and also women’s reproductive health. Apart from attending pregnant women during childbirth, they are responsible for several roles during emergencies, and pre and postnatal care. Hence, opening avenues for research topics such as:

• Role of nurses in improving patient safety during childbirth: Evidence from obstetric trauma
• Evaluate the impact of delayed umbilical cord clamping after child birth
• Maternal & Neonatal Practices in Rural Areas
• Emerging trends in obstetrical and midwifery nursing
• First Antenatal Appointment Analysis
• Limiting interventions during a low-risk labour
• Mental Illness & Post-natal Period
• Analysing the role of prenatal care in pregnant women
• Shift Study Midwives & Length
• Evaluating impact of AIDS and Hepatitis B in the pregnant women
• Self-Instruction Kits & Natal Safety
• Studying advanced trends in obstetrics and gynaecology
• Midwifery Continued Care
• Evaluating pros and cons of labouring in water
• Gestational Weight Gain Challenges
• Vitamin D’s role as a supplement during pregnancy
• Studying clinical reasoning integration into midwifery practice
• Obese Pregnant Women Safety Rules
• A decade after BEmONC and CEmONC

2. Health Promotion Research Topics

Health promotion mainly comes from behavioral social science which draws from the environmental, biological, psychological, medical, and physical sciences for promoting health and preventing diseases. For health promotion, the research topics include the following:

• Healthcare Dangers of Digital Age
• Benefits and Shortages of Telemedicine
• Healthy living and Preventive medicine for Senior Citizens
• Role of School Nurses
• Obstacles for Smoking cessation
• Healthy Eating & Sports
• Causes of Youth Inactivity
• Roles of Parents for Healthy Lifestyle of Children
• Obesity and Mental Stability
• Pharmacist Responsibility
• Social Media and Educational Strategies
• HealthBank as new form of medical insurance inside the hospital organization
• Collaboration of private health insurance company with public and private hospitals

3. Adult Research Topics for Nursing Students

As a nursing scholar, you can also write research papers on adult healthcare, disease prevention, and management. Take, for example, reasons behind anxiety disorders in adults. Find more topics in the list below:

• Nurses’ experiences with urinary catheter insertion: A qualitative focus group study
• Clinical Cardiology Innovations
• CV Imaging Process
• Migraine Case Example
• Bipolar Disorder Non-Chemical Practices
• Mental Health & Psychiatric Care in Adults
• Online nursing education program
• Self care in Nursing
• Home health care for longterm vented patients
• Clinical Instructor, Preceptorship, Educator and Professor as specialized field requiring licensure
• Specialization program in nursing education

4. Geriatric Care Nursing Journal Topics

Nurses working in Geriatric care and management are responsible for coordinating and planning care of the elderly people dealing with mental or physical disabilities. Some of the research work topic ideas for geriatric care include the following:

• Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke in Elderly people
• Pain in elderly people: Assessment and Management
• Joint Disorders Study in Elderly Population
• Rapid Nutritional assessment in Elderly
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Bladder Cancer Therapy
• Atrial Fibrillation Study
• Critical Care Requirements
• Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
• Geriatrics Ethics
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Parkinson’s Disease Precautions
• Geriatric care clinical pathways of care: holistic approach

What are the recent nursing research paper topics?

If you’re facing the challenge of choosing a recent nursing research topic, we’ve got your back. Many nurses, including experienced and freshers, are faced with this challenge at some point. But there’s no need to panic. So, without further ado, let’s jump-start the list of most recent research topics for nursing students:

1. Women’s Health Nursing Research Topics

Research topics related to women’s health are always trending, relevant, and have future scope as well. Hence, these topics are still worth exploring and researching:

• Culture affects women’s health
• Substance Abuse and Addiction in Women
• Menopause Challenges
• Infertility Ethical Rules
• Ovarian Cancer and Ovarian Disorder Analysis
• Modern Neonatal Practices
• Pregnancy Prevention Measures
• Sepsis after labour
• Cosmetic Dermatology
• Cystic Fibroids
• Sleep Disorders in Women
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Women’s Sexual Health Disorders
• HPV and Cervical Cancer
• Vaginal Atrophy Causes
• Sleep disturbances in Women

2. Mental Health Nursing Research Articles Topics

Research papers focusing on mental health are still one of the most read and referred papers. And there’s still more scope for research on topics such as:

• Evaluating the concept of Integrated Mental and Physical Health Care
• Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health
• Possible skills required for Nurses in Mental health care setting
• Assessing the mental health of nurses
• Depression Causes
• Schizophrenia Diagnostics
• Alcohol Addiction Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Studying the impact of PTSD in the Army Veterans
• Impact of Video Games on Teenage Aggression
• Stress Among Police Officers
• Psychiatric Patient Ethics
• Forbidden Substances: Prevention and Use
• Bioterrorism Medicine
• Physical Traumas & Recovery Methods
• Application of Nursing Case Management in Psychiatry

Nursing leaders have called for research focusing on which of the following topics?

If you’d like to take an expert’s opinion before choosing a topic for your nursing dissertation, this section will be helpful. Our list of best nursing research topics doesn’t end here. We’ve got here more interesting topics that are recommended by nursing leaders and experts. Take a look at some more relevant topics:

• Preterm Labor Dangers
• Labor and Delivery Management Practices
• Saving Mother & Child Challenges
• Abortion Care Ethical Side
• Adolescent Gynecology Education
• Antenatal Care Recommendations
• Hypertensive Disorders Causes
• Newborn Resuscitation Rules
• Caesarean Section Preparation
• Delivery Room Behavior Checklist
• Nurses play vital roles in healthcare. Why are they invisible in the media?
• Increasing nursing research capacity: The roles of nurse scientists within healthcare systems
• Microeconomics and macroeconomics for sources of hospital funds
• Diverting patients and funds to economical services
• Culture vs evidence based practice
• Social media influencer in health education dissemination
• Acceptance of evidence based practice in the hospital
• Impact of socio-cultural nursing to evidence-based practice
• Hindrances in the implementation of evidence-based practice
• Nursing faculty shortage and brain-drain
• Online continuing professional education and development

Final Thoughts

Nursing research topics for a dissertation or thesis should not be difficult to find through the ideas suggestion above. Just make sure that you provide a twist (segment or expand the topic, perhaps) and come up with a unique topic for your paper.

During the initial stages of finalising a nursing research topic, you can struggle with a lot of choices or overwhelming information. However, when you start to consider a research topic’s limitations and scope, and outline your topic into a question, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the topic you can manage in terms of workload.

We hope these nursing research topics mentioned above help you find that unique thesis statement or idea you’re looking for. In case you’re still having a tough time making a choice, leave us a comment or drop a mail, and we will direct you to better resources.

• https://www.journals.elsevier.com/applied-nursing-research/recent-articles
• https://www.syberscribe.com.au/blog/10-emerging-trends-healthcare-technology-2019-beyond/
• https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/nursing/top-10-nursing-trends/
• http://ojin.nursingworld.org/

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Perioperative Nursing Research Paper Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of 100 perioperative nursing research paper topics divided into ten distinct categories, each dealing with different aspects of perioperative nursing. The range of topics covered includes everything from preoperative assessment and preparation to emerging trends in perioperative nursing. This extensive list aims to help students and researchers find a suitable topic for their research paper and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this essential field of nursing. The article also delves into the significance of perioperative nursing, examining various aspects such as intraoperative care, postoperative care, and perioperative safety. Additionally, iResearchNet’s writing services are presented, offering students the opportunity to order a custom perioperative nursing research paper on any topic, along with a call-to-action encouraging students to take advantage of this service.

100 Perioperative Nursing Research Paper Topics

Perioperative nursing is a critical and specialized field that encompasses the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. This domain of nursing is pivotal for successful surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction. As the healthcare industry continually evolves, there is a pressing need for research to address various challenges, optimize patient care, and develop new protocols and guidelines. This makes the field of perioperative nursing ripe for exploration and research. This section provides a comprehensive list of 100 perioperative nursing research paper topics divided into ten different categories, each focusing on a distinct aspect of perioperative nursing.

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Preoperative Assessment and Preparation

• The importance of a thorough preoperative assessment
• Strategies to optimize patients for surgery
• Role of nursing in patient education before surgery
• Best practices for preoperative fasting
• Managing anxiety and fear in preoperative patients
• The role of preoperative screening in preventing surgical complications
• Importance of nutritional assessment in the preoperative period
• Preoperative assessment tools: A comparative study
• The role of nursing in preventing preoperative medication errors
• Strategies to reduce the risk of surgical site infections preoperatively

Intraoperative Care

• The role of the perioperative nurse in the operating room
• Strategies to prevent intraoperative hypothermia
• Best practices for intraoperative positioning
• Intraoperative monitoring: current practices and emerging technologies
• The role of perioperative nursing in preventing intraoperative complications
• Strategies for effective communication in the operating room
• Intraoperative care for patients with specific comorbidities
• Managing unexpected intraoperative events
• The role of the circulating nurse in intraoperative care
• Intraoperative documentation: Best practices and common pitfalls

Postoperative Care

• Best practices for postoperative pain management
• Strategies to prevent postoperative complications
• The role of nursing in managing postoperative nausea and vomiting
• Early mobilization after surgery: protocols and outcomes
• Strategies to prevent postoperative surgical site infections
• The role of nursing in preventing postoperative delirium
• Postoperative care for patients with specific comorbidities
• Best practices for postoperative wound care
• The role of nursing in managing postoperative hemorrhage
• Strategies to optimize postoperative nutrition

Perioperative Safety

• Strategies to improve patient safety in the perioperative setting
• The role of simulation training in enhancing perioperative safety
• Preventing medication errors in the perioperative setting
• Strategies to prevent wrong site, wrong procedure, and wrong person surgery
• The role of the surgical safety checklist in enhancing perioperative safety
• Strategies to prevent perioperative falls
• The role of nursing in preventing retained surgical items
• Best practices for safe patient handoffs in the perioperative setting
• Strategies to prevent perioperative adverse events
• The role of nursing in promoting a culture of safety in the perioperative setting

Perioperative Pain Management

• Non-pharmacologic strategies for perioperative pain management
• The role of regional anesthesia in perioperative pain management
• Strategies to optimize opioid use in the perioperative setting
• The role of nursing in managing acute perioperative pain
• Strategies to prevent chronic postoperative pain
• The role of patient education in perioperative pain management
• Best practices for managing perioperative pain in pediatric patients
• Strategies to manage perioperative pain in patients with opioid tolerance
• The role of nursing in managing perioperative pain in the elderly
• Perioperative pain management for patients with specific comorbidities

Perioperative Technology and Innovations

• The impact of robotic surgery on perioperative nursing practice
• Strategies to optimize the use of electronic health records in the perioperative setting
• The role of telemedicine in perioperative care
• Innovations in intraoperative monitoring
• The impact of artificial intelligence on perioperative nursing practice
• Strategies to optimize the use of smart devices in the perioperative setting
• The role of virtual reality in perioperative education and training
• Innovations in perioperative documentation
• The impact of 3D printing on perioperative nursing practice
• Emerging technologies in perioperative pain management

Perioperative Care for Special Populations

• Perioperative care for elderly patients
• Strategies to optimize perioperative care for pediatric patients
• The role of nursing in perioperative care for obese patients
• Perioperative care for patients with diabetes
• Strategies to optimize perioperative care for patients with respiratory diseases
• The role of nursing in perioperative care for patients with cardiovascular diseases
• Perioperative care for patients with neurologic diseases
• Strategies to optimize perioperative care for patients with renal diseases
• The role of nursing in perioperative care for patients with hepatic diseases
• Perioperative care for patients with autoimmune diseases

Ethical and Legal Issues in Perioperative Nursing

• Strategies to address informed consent issues in the perioperative setting
• The role of nursing in managing conflicts of interest in the perioperative setting
• Strategies to address end-of-life issues in the perioperative setting
• The role of nursing in managing ethical dilemmas in the perioperative setting
• Strategies to address privacy and confidentiality issues in the perioperative setting
• The role of nursing in addressing legal issues in the perioperative setting
• Strategies to address professional boundaries in the perioperative setting
• The role of nursing in managing resource allocation in the perioperative setting
• Strategies to address ethical issues in perioperative research
• The role of nursing in addressing ethical issues in perioperative education and training

Perioperative Nursing Leadership and Management

• Strategies to optimize perioperative nursing staffing
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting a positive perioperative work environment
• Strategies to optimize perioperative nursing workflow
• The role of nursing leadership in managing perioperative conflicts
• Strategies to optimize perioperative nursing education and training
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting perioperative research
• Strategies to optimize perioperative nursing documentation
• The role of nursing leadership in promoting perioperative safety
• Strategies to optimize perioperative nursing communication
• The role of nursing leadership in managing perioperative emergencies

Emerging Trends in Perioperative Nursing

• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perioperative nursing practice
• Strategies to optimize perioperative nursing practice in the era of value-based care
• The role of nursing in promoting patient-centered care in the perioperative setting
• Strategies to optimize perioperative nursing practice in ambulatory surgery centers
• The impact of health policy changes on perioperative nursing practice
• Strategies to optimize perioperative nursing practice in the era of big data
• The role of nursing in promoting evidence-based practice in the perioperative setting
• Strategies to optimize perioperative nursing practice in the era of global health
• The impact of nursing advocacy on perioperative nursing practice
• Strategies to optimize perioperative nursing practice in the era of telehealth

The significance of perioperative nursing cannot be understated as it plays a crucial role in patient care before, during, and after surgery. The field of perioperative nursing is continually evolving, and research is essential to address various challenges, optimize patient care, and develop new protocols and guidelines. This comprehensive list of 100 perioperative nursing research paper topics provides a starting point for students and researchers to explore the various aspects of perioperative nursing. It is hoped that this list will inspire new research ideas and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this essential field of nursing.

The Range of Perioperative Nursing Research Paper Topics

Perioperative nursing is a specialized area of nursing that involves caring for patients before, during, and after surgery. It is a field that plays a crucial role in the overall success of surgical procedures and in ensuring the well-being and safety of patients. The significance of perioperative nursing lies in its comprehensive approach to patient care, which encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from preoperative assessment to postoperative care. This article will discuss the importance of perioperative nursing and examine various aspects of it, providing a broad range of perioperative nursing research paper topics for students and researchers to explore.

Significance of Perioperative Nursing

Perioperative nursing is vital for several reasons. First, it involves a comprehensive approach to patient care. Perioperative nurses are responsible for assessing the patient before surgery, providing care during the operation, and ensuring proper care after the surgery. This comprehensive approach ensures that the patient is physically and mentally prepared for surgery, receives the best possible care during the operation, and recovers well after the procedure.

Second, perioperative nurses play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety. They are involved in various safety measures, such as verifying the patient’s identity, confirming the surgical site, and ensuring that all necessary equipment and supplies are available and in working order. Additionally, perioperative nurses monitor the patient’s vital signs and other parameters during surgery and take necessary actions if any abnormalities are detected.

Third, perioperative nurses also play a significant role in patient education. They provide the patient and their family with essential information about the surgical procedure, what to expect before, during, and after surgery, and any potential risks or complications. This information helps the patient to make informed decisions about their care and helps to reduce anxiety and fear associated with surgery.

Given the significance of perioperative nursing, it is crucial to conduct research to identify best practices, optimize patient care, and address any challenges faced by perioperative nurses. The following sections will examine various aspects of perioperative nursing and provide a list of perioperative nursing research paper topics that can be explored by students and researchers.

Preoperative Assessment

The preoperative assessment is the first step in the perioperative process. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s physical and mental status to determine their readiness for surgery. This assessment includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, and any necessary diagnostic tests. The preoperative assessment is crucial for identifying any potential risks or complications that may arise during surgery and for planning the appropriate care for the patient.

Here are some perioperative nursing research paper topics related to preoperative assessment:

• The importance of a thorough preoperative assessment in preventing surgical complications.
• Strategies to optimize patients for surgery.
• The role of nursing in patient education before surgery.
• Best practices for preoperative fasting.
• Managing anxiety and fear in preoperative patients.

Intraoperative care involves providing care to the patient during the surgical procedure. This includes monitoring the patient’s vital signs, administering medications, and assisting the surgical team as needed. Perioperative nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the patient’s safety during the operation and in managing any unexpected events that may arise.

Here are some perioperative nursing research paper topics related to intraoperative care:

• The role of the perioperative nurse in the operating room.
• Strategies to prevent intraoperative hypothermia.
• Best practices for intraoperative positioning.
• Intraoperative monitoring: current practices and emerging technologies.
• The role of perioperative nursing in preventing intraoperative complications.

Postoperative care involves providing care to the patient after the surgical procedure. This includes monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, managing pain, and providing education on postoperative care and recovery. Perioperative nurses play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth recovery for the patient and in preventing postoperative complications.

Here are some perioperative nursing research paper topics related to postoperative care:

• Best practices for postoperative pain management.
• Strategies to prevent postoperative complications.
• The role of nursing in managing postoperative nausea and vomiting.
• Early mobilization after surgery: protocols and outcomes.
• Strategies to prevent postoperative surgical site infections.

Perioperative nursing is a critical and specialized field of nursing that plays a crucial role in the overall success of surgical procedures and in ensuring the well-being and safety of patients. It involves a comprehensive approach to patient care, encompassing preoperative assessment, intraoperative care, and postoperative care. Given the significance of perioperative nursing, it is crucial to conduct research to identify best practices, optimize patient care, and address any challenges faced by perioperative nurses. This article has provided a broad range of perioperative nursing research paper topics that can be explored by students and researchers to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this essential field of nursing.

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The Role of the Nurse and the Preoperative Assessment in Patient Transitions

Transitions in care in the perioperative environment are numerous and should be considered high-risk endeavors. The preoperative area is the first transition in care for a surgical patient and should be considered a critical dimension of care transition. The purposes of this study were to identify nursing’s contributions to transitions in care in the perioperative environment and to identify the role of the preoperative assessment in this transition. Qualitative descriptive design was used. Focus groups were conducted with 24 nurses in a 975-bed medical center. The themes that arose in the focus groups were: (1) understanding patient vulnerabilities, (2) multidimensional communication, (3) managing patients’ expectations, and (4) nursing’s role in compensating for gaps. We conclude that the nurse’s role in the preoperative assessment during the transition of preoperative care is that of advocate who identifies the patient’s needs and risk factors that may be affected by the surgical experience. This study suggests that the nursing preoperative assessment can be useful in identifying and defining patients’ risk factors not just for surgery, but for the entire perioperative care trajectory.

Historically, the goal of preoperative assessment has been to determine patient factors that significantly increase the risk for perioperative complications. 1 Overall, the perioperative complication rate has declined during the past 30 years because of improved anesthetic and surgical techniques. 2 However, surgical complications are common and often preventable. 3 Analyzing surgical complication data is challenging because of inconsistencies in classifying and reporting events. 4 A recent study by Haynes et al 3 demonstrated that the risk of perioperative death from noncardiac surgery was 1.5%, but declined to 0.8% after the use of a surgical safety checklist.

The complexity of the perioperative environment is growing because of an increased use of technology in the setting of institutional production pressures. 5 The perioperative environment is “information intensive and relying heavily on how well information flows between phases, locations and providers.” 5 (p169) Wide variation exists in the type of information that is lost in the perioperative environment. “Notably, handoffs or transitions in care [are] particularly prone to information loss.” 5 (p165) Communication breakdown, information loss, and increased workload and competing tasks pose the greatest threats to perioperative patient safety. 5 We believe the preoperative assessment is a critical point of the care trajectory as the patient transitions through the perioperative environment.

RESEARCH PURPOSE AND QUESTIONS

This qualitative descriptive study proposed to identify nursing’s contributions to transitions in care as patients move between care settings in the perioperative environment. We asked

• What are nurses’ contributions to transitions in care in the perioperative environment?
• What is the role of the nursing preoperative assessment in the perioperative environment and does it assist with patients’ transitions in care that occur throughout the perioperative environment?

The nursing preoperative assessment assists with defining patients’ vulnerabilities or risk factors for poor surgical outcomes. If patients’ vulnerabilities cannot be lessened, they need to at least be identified so they can be managed in the complexity of the perioperative environment. The preoperative assessment, created and used by perioperative RNs, is a critical dimension of care transition and coordination in the perioperative environment. The consequences of ineffective transitions in care from acute care environments is well documented in the literature 6 - 14 ; however, there is a paucity of data related to the consequences of ineffective transitions on admission to the acute care environment, specifically the perioperative environment. The salient dimensions of transition on discharge may be similar to those present on admission. Research can guide evidence-based perioperative nursing interventions to ensure effective transitions in the perioperative environment.

LITERATURE REVIEW

More than 234 million surgical procedures are performed globally each year. 15 The complexities introduced by a growing elderly population and advances in surgical technology create challenges in providing safe perioperative care. Nearly 50% of adults older than 65 years have three or more chronic illnesses, and more than 20% of adults live with more than five chronic conditions. 16 Historically, the focus of a preoperative assessment has been to evaluate a patient and identify problems that may put the patient at high risk for poor surgical and anesthesia outcomes. 2 Additional goals of the preoperative assessment are to improve quality of care and restore the patient to the desired level of function. 17 When patients transition into the perioperative environment of care, their needs change drastically. The surgical patient is more vulnerable to transition-in-care errors or communication lapses because of the number of times the patient travels across sites of care through the preadmission, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. 18 For elective procedures, the first transition in care in the perioperative environment commonly occurs as patients transfer from the care of the community-based primary care physician to the surgeon.

Initial preoperative patient meetings with the perioperative care team that include the surgeon, anesthesia professional, and nurse among other care team members are ideal for preparing surgical patients and coordinating care. 19 Patients view the preoperative visit as beneficial in that it provides necessary information and clarifies expectations related to their perioperative course of care early in the care trajectory. 19 The need for surgical intervention is determined during the initial surgical evaluation. The anesthesia evaluation establishes an anesthesia assessment and risk stratification for care across the perioperative environment. 20

After the surgical procedure, the intraoperative care team commonly provides the postanesthesia care team with a report of the processes that occurred during the surgical procedure. The postanesthesia nursing care team initiates the transition of care to the postsurgical nursing team who typically cares for patients on surgical care units and ultimately prepares patients for the transition to home (with or without home care services) or to another care facility.

The preoperative assessment is one of the critical points of care for patients transitioning into the perioperative environment. Much of the perioperative safety literature generally speaks to communication failures in the OR and in the postoperative hand over. 18 In contrast, one study by Nagpal et al 18 points to susceptibilities in the preoperative phase and determined that OR team members had varying amounts of knowledge of the patient and only 27% of the total patient medical information was known to all the primary team members in the OR (ie, surgeon, anesthesiologist, surgical assistants, scrub person, RN circulator). 21

Transitions in care in the perioperative area are numerous and should be viewed as high-risk endeavors. It is well documented that defective transitions play a role in a majority of serious medical errors; however, few studies address why this happens. 22 In contrast to much of the literature regarding hand overs that define and acknowledge the safety risks inherent in transitions in care, Smith et al considered the issue of transfer of professional responsibility for the patient in the context of a hand over or transition, revealing how and at what point responsibility is accepted “depended on individual informal negotiation between nurse and anesthetist and appeared to involve mutual trust, differing expectations and the balance of power in the relationship.” 23 (p336)

Certain aspects of the culture and environment in the peri-operative environment could undermine the process of transition itself. 23 The intraoperative environment has been described as being fast paced and frequently changing, composed of multidisciplinary teams that change membership often. 24 Though it may not have the “pace” of the intraoperative environment, the professional culture of the preoperative environment is similar in that it is composed of multidisciplinary teams comprised of specialty physicians, nurses, anesthetists, and surgeons who change membership frequently as they prepare patients for the transition to the perioperative environment.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

We used Dr Afaf Meleis’ transitions theory as a guiding framework for this study. 25 Meleis contends that “Nursing does not deal with the transition of an individual, a family or a community in isolation from an environment. How human beings cope with transition and how the environment affects that coping are fundamental questions for nursing.” 25 (p101) Meleis’ theory was applied to the complexities of the transitions inherent to the perioperative environment. This study focused on the initial preoperative phase of transition in care.

Transitions are a process in the perioperative environment, and the goal is to anticipate points at which the patient is most likely to be at risk. 26 The comprehensive preoperative assessment is one tool that nurses can use to identify, document, and communicate patient risk factors or vulnerabilities. Risk assessment anticipates the potential positive and negative consequences the patient may experience related to anesthesia and the surgical procedure. The ability to conceptualize and anticipate potential perioperative consequences and provide intervention is the goal of the preoperative assessment.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD

In this study, we used a qualitative descriptive design to discern nurses’ perceptions of the preoperative assessment and how the assessment is used to transition care in the perioperative environment. Additionally, we sought nurses’ perceptions of the gaps in communication that occur as patients move between care settings and of the role of nurses in compensating for these gaps.

We conducted focus groups, guided by a semistructured interview guide consisting of the following five questions:

• How is the preoperative nursing assessment helpful to you in caring for the patient?
• In your experience, what are the gaps in communication that occur as patients move between care settings, for example moving from site to site: primary care physician to preadmission testing area to OR to postanesthesia care unit to surgical floor, intensive care unit (ICU) to surgical floor, emergency ward to surgical floor?
• What is the significance of those gaps and what do you have to do to compensate or manage for that missing information?
• How is it that we as nurses see these gaps when other providers do not?
• Is there anything else that was not mentioned in our discussion that you think is important to know that might facilitate communication as patients move between care settings that I did not ask?

Questions were based on the use of the preoperative assessment, gaps in communication that occur, and the nurses’ role in compensating for these gaps. Speziale and Carpenter suggest that “focus groups are most useful when the topic of inquiry is considered sensitive.” 27 (p38) Given the potential ramifications of gaps in patient communication and the desire to achieve rich and insightful data, we decided focus groups would be the most appropriate method of data collection for this study.

PARTICIPANTS

The study setting was a 975-bed medical center in the Northeast United States. We used purposeful sampling to select nurse providers who could offer the most insight and broadest range of experience related to research topic. Participants included nurses with perioperative nursing experience who work in the institution’s preanesthesia testing area and have a central role in the creation of preoperative nursing assessments for adult surgical patients. Participants also included nurses who worked on five different postoperative surgical care units and who at times created but more commonly were the end users of the preoperative nursing assessment.

We conducted four focus groups. The preanesthesia focus group had eight participants, one of the postoperative groups had four participants, and the other two postoperative groups each had six participants. We did not collect any additional demographic or identifying information from participants. Because we were studying the perceptions of the direct care nurse provider, we excluded unit nursing leadership from participation. We recruited staff nurses assigned to the designated patient care units at each site through e-mails and flyers and provided an informational letter notifying potential participants of the purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits and that participation was voluntary. Those who attended the focus group sessions were considered volunteers. Focus groups occurred in a secure conference room on the patient care units.

PROTECTION OF PARTICIPANTS’ RIGHTS

The proposal met the criteria for exemption by the hospital institutional review board. Appropriate provisions were made to protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants and the data. Participants were encouraged to not use any identifiers during the focus group. Identities of the participants were kept confidential. All data were deidentified and locked in a password-protected computer to protect participant information.

STUDY PROCEDURES

We conducted semistructured focus group interviews according to the interview guide. To ensure equivalence as described by Kidd and Parshall 28 across the focus groups, one interviewer led all four focus groups. Five open-ended questions comprised the interview guide. We structured the questions to give participants an opportunity to provide detailed information about the use of the nursing preoperative assessment and the gaps in information that were incurred as patients move between care settings. To avoid loss of detail, we recorded field notes as soon as possible after the interview.

We shared all pertinent information with participants about the study and discussed the importance of confidentiality. We conducted the interviews in a private area and audiorecorded with the participants’ permission. A professional transcriptionist transcribed data from the interviews verbatim, and all data were stored in an encrypted secure electronic database.

DATA ANALYSIS

We performed the initial descriptive coding to organize and provide an understanding of the narrative data collected. Speziale and Carpenter 27 suggested that basic content analysis should start when data collection begins. As recurring patterns emerged, we identified and categorized important themes. Three members of the research team had multiple years of experience in qualitative analysis. Themes emerging from the data were multidimensional, yet were consistent throughout the narrative data. We then discussed the findings and reviewed the coding for accuracy and consistency. After the initial categorization of themes, we reviewed the narrative data in the focus group transcript to ensure good fit. In addition, we used journaling to help discern patterns during the analysis of the data and document an audit trail showing the evolution of our thoughts throughout data collection and analysis.

Credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability as described by Lincoln and Guba 29 were addressed in the following ways: experiences were compared across the groups, initial data analysis was performed by the lead researcher who was the moderator of the focus groups, and preliminary codes and emerging themes were reviewed with other members of the research team. The lead author is a nurse with 29 years of experience in the presurgical and postsurgical environment and has worked with some of the participants in the study as a staff nurse. Knowledge of the environment helped the author better understand the interviewees’ descriptions. We viewed this as a strength; however, we also worked to minimize threats to credibility by including all research team members in the data analysis process because the other members of the team are nurses with a variety of different backgrounds. To ensure internal consistency of coding, the focus groups were audiotaped and the verbatim transcription was reviewed by other members of the research team.

We grouped the data into the following four themes:

• Understanding vulnerabilities,
• Multidimensional communication,
• Managing expectations, and
• Connecting the disconnected.

Understanding Vulnerabilities: “Seeing the Red Flags”

Preoperatively, nurses are interested in understanding the patient vulnerabilities that may affect the care trajectory. The preoperative assessment “gives us a quick overview if it’s a healthy patient,” whereas “negative findings allow us to intervene sooner rather than later.” “It allows nursing to see the red flags early and reach out to establish resources like nutrition and case management consults.” The preoperative assessment “tells us how the patient functions, can they hear, do they speak English, if they are in a wheelchair, are they incontinent … it is all there.” It “indicates any concerns the patient may have and allows the patient to verbalize their concerns.” The preoperative assessment is seen as a tool to “help with the hand off and communicate about the patient to other nurses.”

Postoperatively, the preoperative assessment “gives us the whole picture so you know what you are walking into.” It “allows us to identify changes in patient condition, because in the initial postoperative period the patient cannot tell us—if still anesthetized—they all look the same when they are asleep.” In the postoperative period, the preoperative assessment establishes “a baseline” and assists with recognizing vulnerabilities like risk for falls—“once you have seen one fall you don’t want to live it again.” “If someone uses a cane or a walker and having surgery … most likely afterwards they are going need a PT [physical therapy] evaluation.” Postoperatively, the interest in vulnerabilities takes on additional dimensions. The desire to understand the home and caregiver situation becomes more immediate: “who do they live with, do they have family to help them and is the family going to be able to help them?” Thus, the preoperative assessment was seen as being helpful in assisting with understanding patient risk factors and as a tool to communicate nursing concerns to other providers in the perioperative environment.

Multidimensional Communication: “What We Need to Know to Take Care of You”

Perioperative nurses identified that inadequacy of communication is multidimensional, meaning it occurs between the physician and patient and also is interdisciplinary. Nurses often hear patients say, “the surgeon never told me that” and often “they [the patient] have no idea about an ICU stay; they think they will be back in their room that night.” Gaps in communication may occur as patients move between care settings and are often related to inadequate written, verbal, and/or electronic communication of patient health information, “staff in other units give meds and it’s not in the computer—may be documented in written medical record.” The timing and quality of the transfer of information or hand over that needs to occur preoperatively and throughout the peri-operative environment is less than adequate. “We don’t have good communication with primary care doctors … never a current history and physical, we don’t know if they can walk, don’t know their functional status or if they are mentally or developmentally delayed.” This lack of communication is often related to systems issues (ie, transfer of care responsibility) or often the sense of urgency to complete tasks in the transition of patients to the next level of care to accommodate those with greater morbidity, “the ED [emergency department] needs to get them out to get the next one in.” Moreover, communication inadequacies are entrenched in the importance that information has for each individual provider. Perioperative nurses feel their “perspective is different … it’s what we need to know to take care of you.” Thus, communication inadequacies occur at various points in care, most notably as patients transfer from different care areas.

Managing Expectations: “Aren’t They Going to Know This?”

Perioperative nurses identified that patients and their families have the reasonable expectation that they are known when they come into the hospital. They have “a reasonable expectation that when they arrive here on the day of surgery you know what they are here for and that you understand their situation.” They expect that their complete medical histories and their medications are “in the computer” and they “get irritated” when it is not because they “already told someone that six times.” Patients expect that their needs have been identified and their vulnerabilities are anticipated “when I tell them they need to let the anesthesiologist know about something—they look at me like … aren’t they going to know this?” They expect that if they were told preoperatively that they will recuperate in a private room that they will have a private room after surgery. “When they don’t get the private room everything can be downhill from there.” Patients and families become upset and distrustful, “they lose confidence in us” and of the care being provided. Nurses spend time compensating for failed expectations by “apologizing” and “repeating” and ultimately redefining and redirecting care. Hence, when patient information is not known to providers and patients’ expectations have not been met, the burden of care is increased for nurses.

Connecting the Disconnected: Taking the Extra Step

Perioperative nurses are routinely confronted with integrating and reconciling data from diverse sources. “We have all these pieces and we put the glue between them, we put them in order and fill the space in between—otherwise you don’t have any continuity.” As the frontline staff members, nurses not only recognize, but are able to confront gaps in care and “take the extra step” and “use resources” in advocating for the patient. “Multiple consults and doctors are coming in and out, this floor sees it all, you are a trauma patient under the trauma service but we have to wait to hear from orthopedics, spinal and renal consults before we can give information.” By using a patient- and family-centered approach, nurses are able to perceive patients’ physical and emotional needs more accurately than other providers because “others don’t factor in everything else that goes on” and “the patients depend on us the most.” Thus, through integrating patient information, perioperative nurses are able to recognize and close the gaps that occur to ensure that adequate care is provided.

The perioperative environment is multidimensional, dynamic, and composed of multidisciplinary teams. Providers are confronted with caring for patients with multiple risk factors in a complex environment. The perioperative environment is dominated by competing tasks being carried out by multiple disciplines that rely on how well information is communicated among and between them.

In this study, understanding existing patient vulnerabilities was important to the nurses who were interviewed. The desire to identify and recognize those vulnerabilities, the “red flags” that emerge during transitions in care, was critical. The pre-operative assessment was viewed as helpful in identifying the red flags for both preoperative and postoperative nurse providers. Meleis’ transition theory infers that it is important to identify patients’ vulnerabilities or risk factors for surgery and concludes that we must recognize the different ways in which these vulnerabilities may manifest within the context of the perioperative environment. 28 The nurses in this study used the preoperative assessment to communicate these vulnerabilities to other providers.

Nurses in the study said that communicating information related to the surgical procedure and the effect that the surgical procedure and anesthetic may have on the patient’s health status, functional status, and family dynamics was a priority. They emphasized the critical importance of establishing an accurate baseline for the patient. However, they noted that the nature of that baseline information varies according to the provider and the condition of the patient. The nurses in this study cite the lack of communication between the primary care team and the preoperative team as an important contributor to gaps in transitions into the preoperative environment.

When there is a lack of communication that results in failure in meeting a patient’s expectations, the burden of care is intensified and magnified and patient satisfaction is affected. The quality of care provided to patients depends on the ability of nurses to respond to the ambiguity inherent in transitions in care. The study’s purpose was to discern nursing’s contribution to transitions in care. The nurses in this study noted the dismay of patients whose expectations were not met. They identified the need for frequent nursing interventions used to redefine and clarify expectations. With transitions viewed as a process, anticipating points of vulnerabilities guide us in providing nursing care. 25

Nursing contributes to transitions in care by dealing with the ambiguity created when vulnerabilities have not been well defined or communicated. Nurses work with the uncertainty of shifting patient care needs as patients transfer between sites of care in the perioperative environment. The nurses in this study cite their contribution to transitions in care as “taking the extra step” and “connecting the disconnected” for patients. Furthermore, because nurses are navigating the environment far more frequently and, as noted by nurses in this study, “spend the most time with patients,” they understand and have a working knowledge of the complexity of the patient care environment that others do not.

LIMITATIONS

The study did not include intraoperative nurses because the intent of these focus groups was to explore nurses’ role in the creation of the preoperative assessment and its value for the end users who were ultimately transitioning the patients back to home. Future research should include intraoperative nurses, surgeons, anesthesia providers, and patients.

The experience level in the postsurgical groups had a wider range of nursing experience (two to 30 years) than the preoperative group (10 to 35 years). Also, this study was conducted in a single academic center in the Northeast with only 24 participants. Findings may not be transferable to other health care settings. One assumption going into the study was that gaps in communication exist in the perioperative environment. This assumption was based on the lead researcher’s nursing experience working in the preoperative and postoperative environment.

RECOMMENDATIONS

With shorter lengths of stay, many patients’ vulnerabilities or risk factors are not apparent until patients are being transitioned out of the environment. Based on these preliminary findings, we recommend further research to determine whether the preoperative assessment should be more than a simple clearance for surgery, but a means to identify and communicate the different ways in which vulnerabilities may manifest as a product of the transitions in care in the perioperative environment. Others have demonstrated improved quality and cost outcomes with the implementation of a transitional care model for at-risk chronically ill older adults as they transition out of hospitals. 30 Suggestions for further research include inquiries related to the application of a similar conceptual model to patients as they transition into and through health care environments and an expansion of the research to include a larger number of nurses in other centers. A rigorous analysis of the process of transitions with attention to the gaps that occur will inform nursing interventions.

Additional research is needed to discern whether a patient can be made less vulnerable and whether nurses can control for patients’ vulnerabilities that are either pre-existing or a product of the disorder that is part of the busy clinical environment. Inquiry is needed to discover whether the course of care can be altered by process changes during transitions in care. Additionally, future studies that include anesthesia providers who assess patients in their transitions should be considered.

This study suggests that the nursing preoperative assessment can be useful in identifying and defining patients’ risk factors and vulnerabilities not just for surgery, but for the entire perioperative care trajectory. The assumption that communication gaps exist was supported by the research findings. Communication of patient risk factors and vulnerabilities to the entire perioperative team is critical for a successful transition through the perioperative environment to occur. If patients’ vulnerabilities or risks cannot be lessened, they need to at least be identified so they can be managed as they shift within the complexity of the perioperative environment.

Early transitions in care in the preoperative environment set the stage for the entire perioperative care trajectory. Further empirical work is needed to determine the potential impact of inadequate early transitions on the care trajectory and ultimately on patient outcomes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Why did we do this study.

• This focus group survey was undertaken to identify nursing’s contributions to transitions in care in the peri-operative environment and to identify the role of the preoperative assessment in this transition.

WHAT DID WE FIND?

• The nurse’s role in the preoperative assessment is that of advocate who identifies the patient’s needs and risk factors that may be affected by the surgical experience.
• The nursing preoperative assessment may be useful in identifying and defining patients’ risk factors not just for surgery, but for the entire perioperative care trajectory.
• Nurses’ comments reflected four themes that arise during the preoperative assessment: (1) understanding patient vulnerabilities, (2) multidimensional communication, (3) managing patients’ expectations, and (4) nursing’s role in compensating for gaps.

HOW CAN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS USE THESE RESULTS?

• Clinician: Perioperative team members should focus on the preoperative assessment not just as a clearance for surgery, but also for managing the transitions of patient care throughout the perioperative experience.
• Manager: Managers should focus on supporting the nurses’ role in identifying risk factors and managing patient expectations during the preoperative assessment.
• Educator: Educators should emphasize the importance of the nurses’ role in the preoperative assessment for identifying gaps in care using the preoperative assessment as a tool.

Malley A, Kenner C, Kim T, Blakeney B. The role of the nurse and the preoperative assessment in patient transitions. AORN J. 2015;102(2):181. Copyright © AORN, Inc, 2015.

Ann Malley, PhD, APRN-NP, is a Jonas Scholar and Post Doctoral Fellow at NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Dr Malley has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as posing a potential conflict of interest in the publication of this article.

Carole Kenner, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Carol Kuser Loser dean and a professor in the School of Nursing, Health and Exercise Science at The College of New Jersey, Ewing. Dr Kenner has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as posing a potential conflict of interest in the publication of this article.

Tiffany Kim, PhD, RN, WHCNP-BC, is an associate professor at Northeastern University, Bouve College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Boston, MA. Dr Kim has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as posing a potential conflict of interest in the publication of this article.

Barbara Blakeney, MS, RN, FNAP, is an innovation specialist at the Center for Innovation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Ms Blakeney has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as posing a potential conflict of interest in the publication of this article.

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Best Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Nursing Research Topics and Ideas

We have already explored as much as there is regarding evidence-based nursing in our comprehensive EBP paper-writing guide . A time comes in your nursing school journey, either at basic (ADN, LPN, or BSN) or advanced levels (MSN, DNP, or PhD), when you are required to select a suitable evidence-based practice nursing research topic, research, and write an evidence-based nursing paper, report, or white paper. The process for selecting the topic is more or less the same as when selecting a nursing dissertation topic or topic for a nursing capstone .

You have to go through the instructions, consider an area of nursing specialization that interests you, do some thorough research, reading, and analysis, come up with a few topics, and eliminate and remain with the most suitable topic for your EBP nursing paper. You can locate good EBP project ideas from course materials (readings, handouts, PPTs, and class notes), online blogs and websites (like NurseMyGrade), nursing textbooks, nursing journals and articles, and other online resources.

General, Current, and Latest Evidence-Based Nursing Topics

• Effects of evidence-based practice on the quality and safety of patients
• Attitudes and readiness for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice among newly hired nurses
• Engaging advanced practice nurses in evidence-based practice through an e-monitoring program
• Effectiveness of EBP practice guidelines in preventing adverse events in clinical settings
• The attitudes of nurses toward adhering to clinical guidelines regarding the management of various conditions
• Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among surgical patients
• Effectiveness of warming interventions for women undergoing Cesarean Section
• Strategies for managing second-stage labor
• Effects of gum chewing and early mobilization on intestinal mobility after cesarean birth
• Therapeutic use of music in maternity wards post-cesarean section
• Strategies for preparing women for unplanned Cesarean birth
• Effectiveness of hydrotherapy during labor
• Strategies to implement skin-to-skin contact in the OR following Cesarean birth
• Benefits of the EBP Organizational culture and readiness scale
• Transferability, reach, and impact of the EBP Questionnaire
• Barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of EBP in clinical settings
• Challenges to implementing EBP in healthcare systems
• The beliefs and competencies of medical-surgery nurses on EBP
• Effects of EBP courses on MSN and DNP students' attitudes and beliefs on EBP
• The impacts of gamification on EBP training among nursing students
• Strategies to promote evidence-based nursing practice among nursing students
• The link between knowledge of EBP and nurse job satisfaction
• Impacts of nursing ethics on evidence-based practice
• Strategies to address the implementation gap between practice, research, and knowledge in nursing
• Using social media to promote the dissemination of evidence-based practice
• Strategies for implementing and translating evidence-based practice
• Benefits of frequently training nursing staff on evidence-based practice
• Role of evidence-based practice in modeling professional nursing practice
• Strategies for enhancing utility and understanding of evidence-based practice during undergraduate nursing education
• Knowledge, attitude, beliefs, and use of evidence-based practice among registered pediatric nurses
• Improving the readiness of evidence-based practice in critical care units
• Strategies for improving evidence-based practice among registered nurses (RNs)
• Best strategies for assessing compliance to EBP guidelines for VAP prevention among ICU nurses
• Impacts of EBP guidelines on clinical decision-making
• Challenges in communicating research evidence and translating it to practice
• Effectiveness of SBAR Tool Implementation to advanced communication and collaboration in clinical settings
• Knowledge of EBP and the confidence of newly recruited nurses
• Role of evidence-based practice guidelines in maintaining competence among mental health nurses
• Impacts of teaching advanced evidence-based practice research in doctoral nursing programs

Evidence-Based Topics for Anesthesia

• Primary concerns in the process of extubation in the anesthesia settings
• Perceptions and attitudes of anesthesia professionals on digital anesthesia information management system
• Benefits of nurse anesthetist perioperative dialog
• Causes of high attrition rates and turnover among nurse anesthetists
• Perceptions and attitudes of nurses on automatic dispensing cabinets
• Strategies for translating evidence-based research into anesthesia practice
• Addressing challenges associated with anesthesia in clinical settings
• Causes and solutions to anesthesia-associated mortality and morbidity
• An evidence-based approach to airway management via anesthesia administration
• Attitudes, knowledge, skills, and use of anesthesia teams toward EBP practice in clinical settings
• Why anesthetists are hesitant to implement ERAS guidelines

Related read: How to complete Shadow Health Assessments .

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Evidence-Based Topics

• Improving the quality of cardiovascular care through evidence-based practice
• Addressing social determinants of health as a means of addressing cardiovascular diseases
• Effects of listening to music during cardiac rehabilitation on clinical outcomes
• Effectiveness of physical activity on cardiovascular health
• Role of physical therapists in the management of venous thromboembolism
• Effectiveness of aerobic exercise training in improving aerobic capacity after heart transplant
• Impacts of guarding on the outcomes of the 6-minute walk test
• Role of Mitsungumin 53 in cardiovascular diseases (CVD)
• Effects of autophagy on the cardiovascular system
• The ethics of using embryonic stem cells in cardiovascular research
• Use of telehealth in early detection of anxiety and depression in post-coronary patients
• Effectiveness of indoor allergen reduction in the management of asthma
• Non-invasive technologies for diagnosing coronary artery disease in women
• Impacts of smoking on the lungs of a fetus
• Strategies to address obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease
• The link between consuming fatty animal meat and cardiovascular health
• Benefits of prone positioning for patients with ARDS
• Response of COPD to prophylactic antibiotics
• Evidence-based nursing strategies for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury
• Impacts of home monitoring on COPD patients

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Evidence-Based Topics

• The link between probiotics use and diarrhea
• The effectiveness of vitamin C in the prevention of complex regional pain syndrome following wrist fractures
• The link between using essential oils and hypertension
• Effectiveness of cranberry products for the treatment of UTIs
• Effectiveness of botulism toxin in the treatment of restless legs syndrome
• Using therapeutic honey in tropical wound management
• Impacts of scalp cooling on alopecia among cancer patients
• Effects of spiritual beliefs on type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
• Effects of aromatherapy in the management of depression and anxiety
• Non-pharmacologic interventions for treatment-resistant depression among adolescents

Nursing Ethics Evidence-Based Topics

• Effects of abandonment on nursing staff shortage
• Effects of negligence on patient outcomes
• AI ethics awareness, attitudes, and beliefs, and the behavioral intentions of nursing students
• Attitudes and perspectives of nursing faculty on noncompliance with ethics in nursing academic environments
• Application of Nightingale's professionalism among student nurses
• Influence of nursing ethics on clinical decision-making
• Perceptions and awareness of student nurses on social justice in the healthcare system
• Benefits of increased ethical competency of nurses in clinical settings
• Ethical problems of clinical nursing practice
• Factors influencing professionalism in nursing among Registered Nurses
• Information literacy and ethical decision-making among nurses
• The link between clinical dishonesty and perceived clinical stress among nursing students
• Strategies to help nurses handle compassion fatigue
• Ethical perspectives of evidence-based practice
• Influence of laws and Legislation on evidence-based practice
• Moral distress among Registered Nurses
• Barriers and facilitators of addressing nursing research ethics
• Role of nursing ethics in the implementation of evidence-based practice

Family Practice Evidence-Based Topics

• The significance of genetic counseling in diabetes prevention
• Challenges for contraception for women with diabetes
• Management of autism in children
• Diagnosis, treatment, and management of psoriasis
• Using a gluten-free diet to improve outcomes in patients with psoriasis
• The link between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases
• Impacts of nutritional counseling on the BMI of patients
• Using Metformin over Sulfonylurea for initial treatment of gestational diabetes
• Best ways to diagnose menopause in perimenopausal women
• Dinoprostone vs. vaginal misoprostol in labor induction: which is better?
• Effectiveness of using narcotics to treat patients with chronic daily headaches
• Vitamins and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
• The link between regular family dinners and obesity in adolescent patients
• Is the Mediterranean diet better for bone health?
• Benefits of self-managed diabetes programs
• Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis?
• The link between antibiotic use and acute sinusitis
• Effectiveness of Flu vaccine on prevention of community-acquired pneumonia
• The link between male obesity and infertility
• Lower back pains and NSAIDS
• Seasonal Nasal Irrigation and Seasonal Allergic Reactions: Best management strategies
• Effectiveness of abortive treatment for acute migraine
• Effectiveness of combination treatment for hepatitis C
• Benefits of tailored education for melanoma management
• Genetic testing and obesity
• Treatment and management of atopic dermatitis

Nursing Forensics Evidence-Based Topics

• Strategies to document injuries from domestic violence abuse by forensic nurses
• Perceptions of forensic nurses on victim counseling before post-domestic violence cases
• Stress management and coping strategies in prison settings
• Mental health as a risk factor for sexual assault
• Barriers and challenges to implementing remote sexual assault nurse examiner programs
• Limit setting and de-escalation in forensic mental health units
• The risk factors for domestic minor sex trafficking in the USA
• Benefits of sexual assault nurse examiners practicing trauma-informed care
• Ethical issues involved during forensic nursing investigations
• Strategies for preparing victims of sexual assault to be witnesses in courts of law
• Role of forensic nurses in combating human and sexual trafficking
• The link between sexual assault and suicide
• Strategies to handle compassion fatigue among forensic nurses
• Strategies for emergency contraception administration among the SANE and non-SANE medical providers
• Strategies forensic nurses use to resolve difficulties in supporting offenders with mental health disorders
• Role of forensic nurses in addressing challenges for children in foster care
• Forensic nursing interventions for patients with personality disorders
• Application of telehealth among sexual assault forensic examiners
• Strategies for handling children facing maltreatment from parents
• Interprofessional collaboration to optimize trauma-informed care
• Role of pediatric forensics in clinical settings
• Role of forensic nurses in abortion investigations
• Steps and evidence-based methods for screening children for neglect or abuse
• Strategies for solving burnout among forensic nurses
• Role of forensic nurses in death investigations
• Attitudes of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) toward sexual assault victims
• Methods for promoting resilience, competence, and quality of life of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
• Role of correctional nurses in advocating for pregnant women's rights in prison
• An evidence-based approach to suicide risk assessment following sexual assault

Gastroenterology Evidence-Based Topics

• The use of probiotics to treat and manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Using behavioral therapy adjunct to drug therapy in the management of urinary incontinence
• Pharmacological strategies for the management of Crohn's disease
• Complementary alternative medicine approaches to the management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Intermittent fasting among obese women and the management of pylori
• Homemade solutions for constipation among pregnant women

Geriatrics or Long-Term Care Evidence-Based Topics

• The effectiveness of the North Dakota Association of director of Nursing Administration (NADONA) /Long-Term Care standards of Practice in managing long-term care facilities
• Strategies to encourage elderly people to age in place
• Methods to improve drug adherence among elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease
• Methods for managing polypharmacy among elderly adults
• Design strategies to address falls for patients aging in place
• Use of technology to address the challenges of elderly adults who choose to age in place
• Benefits of music therapy for patients with Multiple Sclerosis
• Strategies for addressing pressure ulcers among the elderly
• Benefits of teaching self-care practices to elderly patients with long-term in-dwelling catheter
• Using stories to entertain and give hope to elderly patients in long-term care facilities
• Multifactorial approach towards management of falls in long-term care facilities

Hospital-Acquired Infections Evidence-Based Topics

• Effectiveness of hand hygiene in reducing hospital-acquired infections
• Strategies to prevent blood contamination and infection during transfusion
• The value of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Bundle Compliance in preventing CLABSI
• Impacts of implementing central nervous catheter bundle in reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)
• The knowledge and attitudes of nurses on evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infections
• Benefits of governments supporting nursing homes in infection management
• How effective are leadership rounds in reducing healthcare-associated infections?
• Knowledge, beliefs, and attitude of newly graduated nurses on infection prevention and control
• Evidence-based strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia
• Perceptions of NICU nurses regarding measures to prevent HAIs
• The role of chlorhexidine gluconate bathing in preventing HAIs
• Importance of communication networks in the management of infections in ICUs
• Strategies to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)
• The perspectives and experiences of patients on HAIs
• Nurse-led quality improvement interventions to reduce hospital-acquired infections in the NICU
• Using a multimodal approach to institute hand hygiene
• The correlation between hospital length of stay and acquiring infections
• Evidence-based strategies to prevent nosocomial infections in clinical settings
• Value of e-learning for preventing healthcare-associated infections
• Impacts of nurse burnout and shortage on HAIs
• Core components of an infection prevention and control program for a nursing home
• Leadership skills of the APRNs and prevention of HAIs
• The motivations of healthcare workers to reduce HAIs
• Hand hygiene knowledge and beliefs among newly recruited nurses
• Impacts of hospital design on HAIs
• Overcrowding in the ER and hospital-acquired infections
• Effects of training on nurses' knowledge and skills in indwelling urinary catheters in preventing CAUTIs
• Low rates of Influenza vaccination among nurses and HAIs
• Role of environmental cleaning in the control of HAIs
• Green cleaning and HAIs
• Compliance with Chlorhexidine wipes to prevent Hospital-acquired infections
• The knowledge of nurses of the WHO Five Moments of Hand hygiene and HAIs in the Operating rooms

Nursing Education Evidence-Based Topics

• Effectiveness of situated e-learning on medical and nursing education
• Benefits of cultural competence training among nurses on the patient satisfaction
• Experiences and attitudes of student nurses on formal preceptor programs
• The effectiveness of using virtual and augmented reality in nursing education
• Strategies to attract, train, and retain student nurses until retirement
• The application of gamification in nursing training
• Should nurses be taught basic coding concepts?
• Inclusion of LGBTQ student nurses in clinical settings
• The use of social media to facilitate learning among nursing students
• Benefits of introducing students to reflective nursing practice
• Benefits of e-learning for nursing education
• Online nursing programs as a means to prepare nurses for leadership roles
• The nurse training pipeline is an essential aspect of addressing nurse shortages
• Discrimination among nurse student acceptance of some programs/nursing schools
• Factors affecting the progress of nursing students in the USA
• Should the nursing career be ubiquitous globally?
• Student nurses should join professional organizations that advocate for their rights
• Steps to improve collaboration and teamwork among nurse students

Pain Management Evidence-Based Topics

• Effectiveness of ERAS in postoperative pain management
• Non-pharmacological methods and perceived barriers in pain management by nurses
• Psychological and behavioral pain management strategies in pediatric oncology departments
• Mindfulness mediation as a strategy for chronic pain management
• Impacts of relaxation techniques for pain management during labor
• The efficacy of cannabis-based medicines for pain management
• Use of music therapy during labor
• Impacts of massage therapy on cancer pain management
• The effectiveness of craniosacral therapy for chronic pain management
• Effectiveness of manual therapy vs. exercise therapy in the management of adult neck-pain
• Non-pharmacological pain management approaches for cancer patients
• Music-induced analgesia in chronic pain management
• The effectiveness of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation for cancer pain
• The efficacy of acupuncture in the management of postoperative pain
• The application of cannabinoids in pain management
• Acupressure for pain management during labor

Pediatrics Evidence-Based Topics

• Practical strategies for preventing failure to rescue obstetric patients
• Effectiveness of neonatal pain management via oral sucrose
• Benefits of nutritional assessment and intervention in a pediatric oncology unit
• Strategies to manage inguinal hernias in children
• Impacts of clinical settings appearance on the anxiety of kids in cancer care facilities
• Evidence-based strategies for the management of the acute phase of Kawasaki disease
• Strategies to address diabetes ketoacidosis among pediatric patients
• The use of virtual reality in managing anxiety among pediatric patients
• The use of probiotics in the prevention of diarrhea among children
• The efficiency of using gastronomy tubes among pediatric patients
• Best strategies to treat and manage infant colic
• Management of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among neonates and children
• Strategies parents can use to cope during acute pediatric hospitalizations
• Strategies to address childhood constipation
• Strategies to prevent SIDS during breastfeeding
• The safety of corticosteroids in young children with acute respiratory conditions
• Management of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism in pediatric patients
• Efficacy of insertion and maintenance bundles in preventing central-line associated bloodstream infections in critically ill pediatric patients
• Prevalent and management strategies for burnout among pediatric nurses
• The efficacy of magnesium supplementation in addressing postoperative arrhythmias after cardiopulmonary bypass among pediatric patients

As we come to the End of this Article '

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• Research topics related to

100+ Research topics related to Medical Surgical Nursing

• January 5, 2023
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Looking for research topics related to Medical-Surgical Nursing? this page might help you come up with ideas. Research topics are subjects or issues researchers are interested in when conducting research. A well-defined research topic is the starting point of every successful research project. Choosing a topic is an ongoing process by which researchers explore, define, and refine their ideas.

There are many research topics related to Medical-Surgical Nursing, depending on your specialization and interests. The topics below are only for guides. We do not encourage writing on any of them because thousands of people visit this page also to get an idea of what project topics to write on.

Medical-Surgical Nursing is a specialty nursing practice that focuses on the care of adult patients who are acutely ill, with different medical conditions or diseases, and those who are recovering from surgery (perioperative care). The primary purposes of research topics related to Medical-Surgical Nursing are to inform action, gather evidence for theories, and solutions to problems, and contribute to developing knowledge.

Research topics related to Medical Surgical Nursing

• A Cultural Historical Study Of A Moravian Mission Station At The Southern Extreme Of Africa
• A Lifestyle Intervention Of Weight-Gain Restriction: Diet And Exercise In Obese Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
• A Nursing Care Study Of A Patient With Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
• Academic Factors Affecting Learning At A Nursing College
• Aids Awareness In Nursing Staff And Students
• Alcohol Consumption By Nursing Students In Honduras
• Alcohol Use And Spirituality Among Nursing Students
• An Analysis Of Hiv Risk Practices Amongst Women Of Child-Bearing Age
• An Analysis Of Students’ Perspectives About Nursing Education
• An Analysis Of The Increase In Mortality Rate As A Result Of Abortion Among Young Women
• An Analysis Of United Nations Conventions On Prevention And Control Of Narcotic Drugs And Psychotropic Substances
• Anaemia In Pregnancy_A Case Study Of Attendees At Ante-Natal Clinic
• Applying Psychosocial Theories For Nursing Students
• Assessing The Reduction Of Back And Posterior Pelvic Pain In Pregnancy
• Assessment Of Access And Use Of Protective Methods Among Patients Availing Hiv/Aids Health Care Services
• Assessment Of Eclampsia Management Among Nurses And Midwives In Secondary Health Care Facilities
• Assessment Of Knowledge And Approaches Of Nurses Towards Cancer Pain Management
• Assessment Of Relapse Prevention Among Psychiatric Patients
• Assessment Of The Causes Of Premarital Sex Among Undergraduate Students
• Assessment Of The Perception, Attitude, And Experience Of Nosocomial Infections
• Attitude Of Nurses Towards Relapse Prevention Among Psychiatric Patients
• Attitudes Of Jordanian Nursing Students Towards Nursing Research
• Beginning Regular Exercise In Early Pregnancy: Effect On Fetoplacental Growth
• Body Proportions And Early Neonatal Morbidity In Small Forgestational-Age Infants Of Successive Births Exercise
• Bridging Sectors: Partnerships Between Nonprofits And Private Developers
• Challenges And Dilemmas Facing Community Development Corporations In The United States.
• Challenges Of Exclusive Breast Feeding Among Working Class Women
• Challenges Of Nursing Process Utilization And How To Promote Nursing Process Knowledge Among Nurses
• Conceptions Of Social Enterprise And Social Entrepreneurship In Europe And The United States
• Contraceptive Use Among Female Students
• Counter Transference Among Nursing Students
• Demographic Determinants Of Exclusive And Non- Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nursing Mothers
• Determinants Of Child Bearing Women’S Choice Of Health Care
• Determining The Serum Protein Levels And Cic Level In Cerebral Malaria Patients
• Developing A Marketing Strategy For Nonprofit Organizations: An Exploratory Study
• Doctoral Nursing Students’ Viewpoints About The Nursing Ph.D. Curriculum
• Drain Following Abilities Of Nursing Students
• Education And Health Factors Influencing Growth Of Rural Haitian Children
• Effect Of Antenatal Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise On Mode Of Delivery
• Effect Of Exercise On The Intensity Of Low Back Pain In Pregnant Women
• Effect Of Maternal Literacy On The Nutrition Status Of Child 0 – 5 Years
• Effect Of Traditional Processing Methods On The Micro-Elements Of Plantain
• Effectiveness Of Exclusive Breastfeeding In The Development Of Under 5 Children.
• Effects Of Acupuncture And Stabilising Exercises As Adjunct To Standard Treatment
• Effects Of Maternal Attributes On Malnutrition In Children
• Effects Of Maternal Surgical Weight Loss In Mothers On Intergenerational Transmission Of Obesity
• Emotional Intelligence And Nursing Performance Among Nursing Students
• Entry Criteria And Nursing Students’ Success
• Evaluating Web-Based Pelvic Floor Muscle Education For Pregnant Women
• Exercise Training In Pregnancy Reduces Offspring Size Without Changes In Maternal Insulin Sensitivity
• Exploring Nursing Students’ Understanding Of Being Regulated
• Factors Affecting Satisfaction Of Nursing Students Of Nursing Major
• Federal Policy And The Rise Of Nonprofit Housing Providers
• Finnish Nurses’ And Nursing Students’ Mathematical Skills
• Government Financing Of Nonprofit Activity
• Health Education; An Important Tool In Health Promotion
• Home Environment And Its Effect On Academic Performance Among Secondary School Students
• How Nursing Students Can Empower Professionals
• Hybrid Organizations And The Third Sector: Challenges For Practice, Theory, And Policy
• Hybridity As A Permanent And Inevitable Characteristic Of The Third Sector
• Improper Management Of An Abattoir Its Effect And The Way Out
• Influence Of Feeding Pattern On The Nutritional Status Of School Children (5-10 Years) In Mgbirichi
• Intimate Partner Violence Amongst Undergraduate Nursing Students
• Knowledge And Attitude Of Nurses Towards Research
• Knowledge And Attitude Of Nursing Mother On Exclusive Breastfeeding
• Knowledge And Perception Of Hypertension And It’S Management Among Clients/Patients
• Knowledge And Use Of Psychoactive Substances Among Undergraduate Students Of Ahmadu Bello University
• Knowledge Awareness And Benefits Of National Health Insurance Scheme Among Civil Servant In Uyo Lga
• Knowledge Of Nursing Students On Psychotropic Drugs
• Knowledge Of Sex Education Among Adolescents In Secondary Schools
• Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Standard Precautions Among Health Care Workers
• Knowledge, Perception And Standard Precaution Among Health Workers In Nigeria
• Levels Of Empathy In Undergraduate Nursing Students
• Listening And Communication Styles In Nursing Students
• Maternal Comprehension Of Home-Based Growth Charts And Its Effect On Growth
• Maternal Education As A Factor In Child Mortality
• Measures Utilized For Prevention Of Nosocomial Infection In The Labour Ward
• Medication Administration And Final Year Nursing Students
• Meta-Cognitive Strategies And Nursing Students’ Achievement
• Metacognitive Strategies Adopted By Nursing Students
• Moral Reasoning Among Graduate Students In Nursing
• Native American Graduate Nursing Students’ Learning Experiences
• Nigeria Nursing Students’ Practical Experience Of Computer Applications In Nursing
• Nonprofits And Government: Collaboration And Conflict.
• Nonprofits For Hire: The Welfare State In The Age Of Contracting
• Numeracy Skills Of Nursing Students
• Nursing Care Study Of A Patient With Myocardial Infection
• Nursing Students Practice Primary Fire Prevention
• Nursing Students With Disabilities: One Faculty’S Journey
• Nursing Students’ Awareness Of Nursing And Future Career
• Nursing Students’ Perceptions Of Patient Dignity
• Nursing Students’ Perceptions Of The Psychiatric Nursing Experience
• Nursing Students’ Personal Experiences Involving Alcohol Problems
• Nursing Students’ Personal Qualities: A Descriptive Study
• Nursing Students’ Pharmacological Knowledge And Calculation Skills
• Nursing Students’ Willingness To Blow The Whistle
• Of Family Income And Parents’ Education On The Nutritional Status Of Preschool Children
• Parental Awareness Of Adolescent Substance Use
• Patient Care Service Delivery System Using Timed Coloured Petri Nets
• Patient Perception And Satisfaction With Healthcare Professionals At Primary Care Facilities
• Patient Safety: Knowledge Of Undergraduate Nursing Students
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Preventing Urinary And Anal Incontinence During Pregnancy
• Perceived Benefits Of Exercise Among Pregnant Mothers In Ikwo Local Government Area Ebonyi State
• Perceptions Of Nursing: A Study Involving Nurses, Nursing Students, Patients, And Non-Nursing Students
• Physical Exercise During Pregnancy
• Posttraumatic Stress Among Undergraduate Emergency Nursing Students
• Pregnancy Complications And Outcomes Among Overweight And Obese Nulliparous Women
• Prepregnancy Weight And The Risk Of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
• Presenting Structural Innovation In An Institutional Environment: Hospitals’ Use Of Impression Management
• Prevalence Of Hepatitis Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women
• Prevalence Of Hiv/Aids In Nigeria: Strategies For Enhancing Prevention
• Prevalence Of Malnutrition Among Children Under Five
• Preventing Excessive Weight Gain During Pregnancy Through Dietary And Lifestyle Counseling
• Primary Health Care In Developing Countries: Overcoming Operational, Technical, And Social Barriers
• Problem Of Pregnancy And Abortion On Girl-Child Education In Nigeria
• Professional Nursing Values Among Baccalaureate Nursing Students In Hong Kong
• Psychoactive Substance Use Among Young People
• Psychosocial Characteristics Of Aids Patients With Unsuppressed Viral Load After Six Months Of Antiretroviral Therapy
• Public–Private Partnerships: From Contested Concept To Prevalent Practice
• Randomized Controlled Trial To Prevent Excessive Weight Gain In Pregnant Women
• Retention Of Pregnancy-Related Weight In The Early Postpartum Period: Implications For Women’s Health Services
• Role Of Maternal Literacy And Nutrition Knowledge In Determining Children’s Nutritional Status
• Self-Assessed Level Of Graduating Nursing Students’ Nursing Skills
• Sexual Harassment Of Nurses And Nursing Students
• Shelter And Society: Theory, Research, And Policy For Nonprofit Housing
• Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Women’s Participation In Sport
• Socio-Economic Determinants Of Child Nutritional Status: Boys Versus Girls
• Socioeconomic Differentials In Child Nutrition And Morbidity
• Strategic Management In Hybrid Organizations
• Stress And Stressors Among Nursing Students
• Stress Coping Styles Among Nursing Students
• Study Skills For Nursing And Healthcare Students
• Survey Of Divorce Among Women And It’s Effects On Children’s Academic Achievement
• Temporary Crises And Policy Change: The Case Of State Substance Abuse Systems.
• The Appointed State: Quasi-Government Organisations And Democracy
• The Associations Of Gestational Weight Gain With Offspring Body Mass Index And Blood Pressure At 21 Years Of Age: Evidence From A Birth Cohort Study
• The Causes And Effects Of Pneumonia In Under Five Years Old Children
• The Cdc Model Of Urban Redevelopment: A Critique And An Alternative
• The Determinants Of Induced Abortion Among Undergraduates Students
• The Effect Of Maternal Education On Child Nutritional Status
• The Effects Of Dietary Counseling On Gestational Weight Gain And Glucose Metabolism In Obese Pregnant Women
• The Exercise During Pregnancy And The Postpartum Period
• The Gestational Weight Gain And Child Adiposity At Age 3 Years
• The Ideational System Of Social Movement Agencies: An Examination Of Feminist Health Centers
• The Impact Of Aids Awareness Among Nursing Students
• The Impact Of Drug Abuse On The Marketing Of Pharmaceutical Products In Nigeria
• The Impact Of Enterprise Community Partners
• The Impact Of Exercise Training In Pregnancy For Obese Women
• The Impact Of HIV/AIDS Programme On Sexual Health In Youths
• The Impact Of Nursing Assistance Systematization: Nursing Students’ Opinion
• The Impact Of Nursing Students’ Experiences Of Care
• The Impact Of Obesity And Pregnancy
• The Impact Of Public Development Authorities.
• The Importance Of Social Workers In An Hospital
• The Influence Of Excessive Intake Of Alcohol Among University Of Uyo Students
• The Knowledge And Practice Of Contraception Among Male Adolescent Students Of College Of Education
• The New Political Economy: The Public Use Of The Private Sectorpublic–Private Partnerships And Hybridity.
• The Nutritional Management Of People Living With Peptic Ulcer
• The Nutritional Quality Of Cassava Based Product Enriched With Mungbean Flour
• The Performance Challenge In Nonprofit Organizations.
• The Politics Of Quasi-Government: Hybrid Organizations And The Dynamics Of Bureaucratic Control
• The Power Of Social Innovation: How Civic Entrepreneurs Ignite Community Networks For Good
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Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Plitnick, Katherine R. PhD, RN, CCRN

Katherine R. Plitnick is a clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University, Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions in Atlanta, Ga.

Indications, risks, and postoperative care

The author has disclosed that she has no financial relationships related to this article.

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease and heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Of the 4.7 million in-patient heart-related procedures performed on approximately 4.7 million people annually in the United States, 395,000 of those are coronary artery bypass grafting.

Approximately 4.7 million inpatient heart-related procedures including coronary arteriography, angiocardiography, balloon angioplasty, coronary atherectomy, endovascular stent placement, cardiac catheterization, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are performed in the United States each year. 1 Heart disease is known to be the leading cause of death in the United States with coronary artery disease (CAD) being the most common type of heart disease. 1 In CAD, coronary artery blood flow is impaired usually due to atherosclerosis, which is a frequent cause of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. 2 While there are approximately 395,000 CABG procedures performed annually, this surgery doesn't cure atherosclerosis. 1

This article reviews the CABG procedure and select alternate approaches, indications, associated risks, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and postoperative management.

CABG overview

CABG is a surgical revascularization procedure that helps to restore blood flow to an ischemic heart by bypassing the coronary artery stenosis or occlusion. A healthy artery or vein taken from elsewhere in the body, such as the leg, chest, arm and abdomen, is used as the conduit to divert blood around the target artery. Because plaque buildup in the coronary arteries narrows the arterial lumen, the amount of oxygen-rich blood that reaches the myocardium is limited. Therefore, one of the main goals of the surgery is to restore adequate perfusion and oxygenation to the heart. Surgery also relieves signs and symptoms such as chest pain, dyspnea on exertion, and fatigue, improving cardiac function, and the overall quality of the patient's life.

Indications for surgery

The primary indications for CABG include: left main coronary artery stenosis greater than 50%, stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery, and proximal circumflex greater than 70%. 3 Others include severe or intractable angina, multiple vessel disease, unsuccessful percutaneous coronary intervention or fibrinolytic therapy, and persistent ischemia unresponsive to medical therapy. 3

Risks of surgery

Some of the risks associated with surgical revascularization include: bleeding during or after the surgery, incisional/wound infection, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, pneumonia, dysrhythmias, acute kidney injury, and changes in cognition and death. 3,4

Preoperative evaluation

Most patients undergo a complete cardiac workup prior to surgery, which includes a thorough health history, physical examination, information regarding current medications, allergies, and any comorbidities. Diagnostic studies such as a chest X-ray, ECG, echocardiogram, stress test, and cardiac catheterization are performed. Lab tests include a complete blood cell count, coagulation studies, serum electrolytes, and type and crossmatch. Additional lab studies include serum renal and liver function tests. Patients with chronic lung disease often have pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analysis performed. In this evaluation period, one of the goals is to determine if the patient is at a higher risk for developing postoperative complications. Factors that predispose a patient to complications include a history of bleeding disorders, anticoagulation, and comorbidities such as emphysema, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease.

Traditional surgical approach

CABG has been historically performed through a midline sternotomy to allow exposure of the heart and avoid entering the pleural space. The sternum is cut and the ribs are spread to allow exposure of the anterior mediastinum and pericardium. The pericardium is then opened and the patient is anticoagulated with heparin to prevent thrombosis as blood circulates through the CPB machine. Additional heparin doses may be administered in order to achieve and maintain an activated whole blood clotting time of greater than 480 seconds. 5

CPB is initiated by the placement of a cannula through the right atrial appendage to divert venous blood away from the heart and another cannula usually placed in the ascending aorta to return blood from the CPB machine back to the systemic circulation. CPB is necessary to divert blood away from the heart and create a bloodless surgical field, while keeping oxygenated blood circulating throughout the body. The patient's temperature is lowered to approximately 28-32° C, (82.4-89.6° F) to decrease the metabolic rate and provide protection to all major organs from potential ischemic injury. 6 The aorta is cross-clamped just distal to the aortic cannula so that a cardioplegic solution can be infused to arrest the heart. It's infused into the aortic root and circulates through the coronary arteries protecting the heart against myocardial ischemia. 7 The cardioplegic solution is mainly a hyperkalemic solution with additional additives such as sodium bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, and sodium chloride. 8 During this initial phase of the surgery, the grafts used to bypass the target coronary arteries are harvested.

The most common sites of autologous graft retrieval are the saphenous vein, internal mammary artery, and radial artery. The grafts are attached to the ascending aortic wall proximally on one side and then distally below the diseased coronary artery. 9

Saphenous vein grafts (SVG), taken from the lower extremities, have been used since the development of CABG. However, research has shown that 50% of these vein grafts are occluded after 10 years. 10 Thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and fibrointimal hyperplasia account for the incidence of occlusion. Therefore, surgeons began utilizing other vessels in the body for the grafts.

The internal mammary artery located next to the sternum inside the chest wall is a preferred choice for graft selection because of higher graft patency rates, that is, 90% patency 10 years after surgery and a decrease in the development of atherosclerosis. 10 Since the early 1990's, radial artery grafts have been used with growing popularity. Recent clinical trials have shown superior long-term patency over SVG. 11

At the completion of the surgery, the blood is rewarmed to 37° C, (98.6° F.). 12 Air is removed from the heart chambers and aortic root, then, the aortic cross-clamp is removed. 12 This allows blood to reperfuse the coronary arteries. With rewarming and reperfusion, cardiac rhythm may resume. Often times, internal defibrillation may be necessary because of the onset of ventricular fibrillation. Once a perfusing cardiac rhythm is reestablished, the patient is weaned off CPB. Prior to cannulae removal, protamine is given to neutralize the effects of heparin. The cannulae are then removed from the right atrium and aorta when the heart is functioning normally and hemodynamic targets are met.

Prior to sternal closure, epicardial pacing wires are sutured in place along with mediastinal chest tubes. The final step of the surgery is sternal closure. 4,9 (See On-pump CABG, Off-pump CABG, and Robotically assisted endoscopic approach .)

Postoperative management

Most patients are brought directly to the ICU from the OR and closely monitored for 24 hours.

Postoperatively, a number of complications can occur after CABG and direct the medical management and nursing care of the patient. These complications include hemodynamic instability, dysrhythmias, altered thermoregulation, postoperative bleeding and cardiac tamponade, oxygenation and ventilation abnormalities, neurologic and renal dysfunction, and infection.

Hemodynamic instability . Support of the cardiovascular system involves normalizing and maintaining cardiac output, heart rate, BP, filling pressures, and systemic vascular resistance. Assessing intravascular volume status is a primary concern. Hypovolemia is usually attributed to CPB or diuretic administration at the conclusion of the surgery. With the use of a pulmonary artery catheter, left and right heart filling pressures should be closely monitored. 6

To improve preload, volume replacement is achieved by administering a crystalloid solution such as 0.9% sodium chloride solution or colloid such as 5% albumin or hetastarch. If hemoglobin is decreased, then blood products are considered. Heart rate can be regulated through temporary epicardial pacing. Heart rates are usually maintained at 90-100 beats/minute. 13 Impaired cardiac contractility can be managed with I.V. inotropes such as dopamine, dobutamine, milrinone, and epinephrine. Hypertension is associated with increased systemic vascular resistance and vasoconstriction due to increased circulating catecholamine and renin levels. 6 A variety of pharmacologic agents can help reduce afterload such as nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, labetalol, apresoline, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Dysrhythmias . Atrial fibrillation is the most common dysrhythmia occurring in up to 40% of patients postoperatively. 14 Antiarrhythmic agents such as diltiazem and amiodarone are commonly used to treat atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias. Treating hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can also decrease ventricular dysrhythmias.

Altered thermoregulation . As previously stated, hypothermia is induced during CABG. Hypothermia can predispose a patient to ventricular dysrhythmias, coagulopathy, increased systemic vascular resistance, and shivering. Temperature regulation is supported through the use of a variety of rewarming devices; however, active rewarming of a patient should occur slowly to decrease the adverse reactions of vasodilation that can occur such as hypotension. 6

Postoperative bleeding and cardiac tamponade . Bleeding can occur due to inadequate heparin reversal, disrupted suture lines, hypothermia, and prolonged CPB. Protamine should be administered slowly because it can cause hypotension, bradycardia, and anaphylaxis. The use of blood products such as fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate can be administered when bleeding is excessive. 15

Oxygenation and ventilation abnormalities . Patients usually remain endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated for 2-4 hours after surgery due to advances in cardiac anesthesia techniques. Main criteria for extubation are adequate cardiac index, oxygenation and ventilation without acidosis, minimal chest tube drainage, and the ability to follow commands with adequate strength to cough and deep breath. 6

Respiratory complications are due to atelectasis, hemo/pneumothorax, and acute lung injury. Pulmonary care involves early weaning from mechanical ventilation and extubation, institution of coughing and deep-breathing exercises, early mobilization, and aggressive use of the incentive spirometry.

Neurologic dysfunction . Major postoperative alterations in neurologic function include stroke, neurocognitive changes, depression, delirium, and encephalopathy. Risk factors are multifactorial and can include general anesthesia, CPB, microembolism, acid-base imbalances, diabetes, and systemic inflammation. 6,15 Short-term neurocognitive changes involve memory function and usually are transient but can have long-term effects. The patient will exhibit impaired attention, difficulty concentrating, and memory deficits. By discharge from the hospital, there is an incidence of cognitive decline in up to 52% of patients. Other changes involve language and psychomotor function. Postcardiotomy delirium can occur up to 5 days after surgery and is often manifested as confusion, disorientation, agitation, and hallucinations. Signs and symptoms usually resolve once a patient is transferred out of the ICU but can persist for approximately 2 weeks. 16,17

Renal dysfunction . Renal dysfunction can result from hypovolemia, low cardiac output, vasopressor administration, and CPB. These factors can reduce renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. Clinical manifestations of acute kidney injury include oliguria and increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Renal dysfunction can be supported with intravascular volume replacement, diuretics, and dialysis when indicated. 15

Infection . Postoperative fever is common after CPB due to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or it can be due to the rewarming process. Rewarming often results in an overshoot in body temperature and has been theorized due to the intraoperative administration of anesthetics and narcotics resulting in resetting the hypothalamic regulatory center. 6 As blood is exposed to the surfaces of the CPB circuit, the body's inflammatory response is activated and circulating cytokines are released. Fever that persists for 48 to 72 hours may indicate an infection. The most common source of infection is usually related to the pulmonary system, urinary tract, or sternal/leg wound incisions. 18,19 The incidence of sternal wound infection is 1%-5%. 18 Risk factors for sternal wound infection include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and smoking. 18

Postoperative prevention of infection includes diligent hand hygiene, frequent wound assessment, blood glucose monitoring and control, and sterile dressing changes. 18,19,20

Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative staphylococcus are the most common bacteria isolated from deep surgical wound infections and antibiotic therapy is initially targeted to cover these organisms. Prophylactic antibiotics should be administered to prevent surgical site infections. The costs of treating a sternal wound infection can be a devastating financial burden in addition to a significant increase in hospital length of stay, and patient morbidity and mortality.

Pneumonia is reported to be the most common type of infection after cardiac surgery. 18 Recent research has shown that most infections will occur approximately in the second week of the postoperative period after discharge from the hospital. 18,19,20

Intermediate postsurgical care

Pain management . Pain is subjective and it's multidimensional. Incisional pain must be differentiated from anginal pain as this type of pain may indicate bypass graft occlusion.

Severe pain has been associated with younger age, longer duration of surgery, and surgical incision location. Inadequate pain management is associated with adverse reactions such as atelectasis, hypoxemia, and muscle weakness. In addition, poor pain management can lead to psychological changes that can be manifested as anxiety, feeling of helplessness, insomnia, and poor concentration. Many of these clinical manifestations are signs of depression. Other signs and symptoms of depression include loss of interest in daily activities, persistent sadness, and hypersomnia. It's reported that after CABG approximately 20%-40% of patients exhibit depression. 17

Other negative outcomes include a decrease in quality of life as experienced by the patient, and failure to participate in daily activities such as ambulation and pulmonary hygiene measures. Effective pain management relies on frequent, comprehensive pain assessments and interventions to decrease pain. Pharmacologic agents commonly used include opioids such as morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. 21

Pulmonary management . Most postoperative pulmonary complications are related to atelectasis and pneumonia. Other related pulmonary function alterations include hypoxemia, increased work of breathing, and ineffective cough. The incidence of atelectasis has been reported from 16.6%-97.5% after cardiac surgery. 22

The mainstay for respiratory care is incentive spirometry, coughing and deep-breathing exercises, and chest incision splinting. The goal of incentive spirometry use is to improve the overall pulmonary function by helping to keep the airways open and the lungs expanded, in addition to assisting in removing secretions. 22 Assisting the patient with early and aggressive mobilization and providing adequate pain relief are essential to decrease the incidence of pulmonary complications. 23

Patient and family education

After hospital discharge, the patient is often referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program. In general, many cardiac rehabilitation programs involve education on establishing and maintaining heart healthy living, exercise training, and counseling. The emphasis is centered on cardiovascular risk factor identification and modification.

While CABG improves coronary artery blood flow, atherosclerosis occurs in bypass grafts just as in native coronary arteries. Therefore, risk factor modification is vital. Many risk factors are modifiable and form the basis for the healthy lifestyle recommendations. These include smoking cessation, glycemic control, weight loss, physical activity, healthy eating, dyslipidemia treatment, and stress reduction. 3,20

CABG continues to be the mainstay for surgical revascularization. However, as technology advances, newer and less-invasive techniques continually evolve. Nursing care plays a pivotal role in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. Lifestyle modification after surgery plays a major role in slowing CAD progression and its effects on the coronary bypass grafts. Long-term outcomes are dependent on healthy lifestyle recommendations.

On-pump CABG

CPB is the mechanical means to oxygenate and circulate blood and it assumes the function of the heart and lungs and provides a bloodless operative field. Once cannulae are placed, blood is routed through the CPB machine that has many functions. Deoxygenated venous blood is first emptied into the venous reservoir where filters will remove particulate or air emboli, platelet aggregates, or plasma proteins. Blood pumps, whether roller or centrifugal-type, control the blood flow through the circuit during CPB. Blood then goes through a bubble or membrane oxygenator that allows for blood to be oxygenated and carbon dioxide to be removed. A heat exchanger allows blood to be cooled initially and later rewarmed at the end of surgery. Sensors and filters in the machine detect air bubbles, oxygen saturation, and the levels of blood in the collection chambers. Oxygenated blood then moves through an arterial filter to be returned to the ascending aorta. 3,6

The main physiologic variables during CPB include:

• Hemodilution to decrease the patient's hematocrit to approximately 20%-25% with the infusion of an isotonic crystalloid solution and to decrease the blood viscosity and tendency of the blood to hemolyze or form microemboli
• Hypothermia that's induced by cooling the patient's blood and body surfaces to decrease myocardial oxygen consumption and protect vital organs from ischemic injury
• Hemodynamic targets aimed at maintaining a mean arterial BP of 70 mm Hg and a cardiac index of 2.1 liters/minute in order to maintain blood flow rates through the CPB machine. 3,6,7

Off-pump CABG

A less-invasive technique such as off-pump CABG doesn't employ the use of CPB. This technique, often referred to as “beating heart surgery,” has the main goal of avoiding the morbidity associated with CPB. CPB has been associated with complications such as coagulopathy, blood cell injury, increased capillary permeability, and microembolism.

Patients may also experience a decreased hospital length of stay, quicker recovery time, less renal complications, and improved cardiac function with this technique. In addition, by not cross-clamping the aorta, certain risks such as systemic embolization and stroke are reduced. Patients who are considered high-risk for CABG or who may have contraindications to conventional on-pump CPB, may be candidates for this technique. 24

Robotically assisted endoscopic approach

A totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) procedure using robotic assistance was first performed in 1998. 6 This procedure has been performed on both the beating heart and arrested heart. 25

TECAB is a minimally invasive technique that uses a closed-chest approach to surgery through tiny port incisions. Main advantages associated with this procedure include less surgical trauma as a result of an intact sternum, elimination of CPB, reduced blood loss, and a quicker return to normal daily activities. 7,26

TECAB isn't an option for several patients including those who have had previous thoracic surgeries or a recent stroke, are in cardiogenic shock or multisystem organ failure, or have severe pulmonary dysfunction.

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