Scientific Methodology and Strategies for the Dissemination of Knowledge for Nurses - 2024

The course “Scientific Methodology and Strategies for the Dissemination of Knowledge for nurses” introduces four modules with content that will enable the understanding of the main topics on the planning and development of qualitative and quantitative studies, from the definition of the research question to the completion of the research project. The course aims to advance knowledge related to the development of research in health and nursing. All this prepared by a highly qualified faculty, with experience in methodology and management of scientific publications.
It is innovative and will be offered to nurses all through Latin America, with the aim of developing skills in data collection and analysis, strengthening the role of the nurse in decision-making in different scenarios, based on scientific evidence.
Its proposal differs from the other courses available on the Platform because it offers, in a self-learning format and with accessible language, the essential bases for the development of research and dissemination of knowledge, enabling nurses from different contexts to acquire research skills that meet regional health needs. 

Educational Focus
The course "Scientific Methodology and Strategies for the Dissemination of Knowledge for nurses" is conducted within the virtual platform Moodle (Virtual Campus for Public Health - VCPH/PAHO).

Skills that the course allows to develop
This course offers opportunities to develop skills related to:

• Participation in scientific research teams and projects.
• Data evaluation and information from different sources.
• Production and dissemination of scientific information.

Course Objective

• To advance knowledge related to the development of health and nursing research. 

Learning Objectives
Main Objective

• Developing or deepening knowledge related to scientific research.

Specific Objectives

Module 1: Scientific Methodology

• Understanding what science is and the main theoretical aspects of scientific research;
• Understanding the ethical aspects that guide research involving human beings;
• Identifying the stages of systematic review of health intervention and integrative review;
• Developing a systematic review protocol;
• Understanding in what way the synthesis of health intervention evidence can be incorporated into clinical practice for decision making;
• Identifying components of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement checklist to report the systematic review.

Module 2: Qualitative Research

• Conceptualizing qualitative research and clarifying the essential phases for its planning and development;
• Applying operational procedures for collecting and analyzing data in qualitative research.

Module 3: Quantitative Research

• Creating questions to be investigated and/or hypotheses to be tested;
• Applying revision methods;
• To identify in the planning of the study: types of variables, types of study designs, population of interest, accessible population and selection of samples;
• Using valid and reliable subjective constructs evaluation instruments in health;
• Creating databases and statistical analysis techniques;
• Applying quantitative data collection methods.

Module 4: Production and dissemination of articles 

• Strengthening the production of scientific articles and the dissemination of the results of research in Nursing developed in the Latin American and Caribbean region, through the training of health professionals for the writing, publication and evaluation of scientific articles. 

Target Audience
Intended for nurses and other health professionals interested in developing or deepening their knowledge of scientific methodology.

Duration/workload
The estimated duration of the course is three weeks.
The course gives the participant autonomy to progress according to the time available. Five to seven hours are estimated for each module, and the total dedication of time required for the course is 25 hours.

Course Structure
Module 1 – Scientific Methodology
Unit 1. Fundamentals of scientific research. 
Unit 2. Ethical Aspects. 
Unit 3. Literature revision methods. 

Module 2 – Qualitative Research
Unit 1. Introduction to qualitative research. 
Unit 2. Qualitative data collection.
Unit 3. Management and analysis of qualitative data.

Module 3 – Quantitative Research
Unit 1. Elements of quantitative research. 
Unit 2. Data collection in quantitative research. 
Unit 3. Management and analysis of quantitative data. 

Module 4 – Production, dissemination and evaluation of articles 
Unit 1. Management in scientific publication.
Unit 2. From writing to publishing a scientific article.
Unit 3. The process of evaluating articles and issuing opinions.