Can you provide an example of a research question you have formulated?

JUNIOR LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

Sure! One research question I have formulated is: 'What are the factors that contribute to medication non-adherence among elderly patients in long-term care facilities?' This question was prompted by my observation during my clinical rotations that many elderly patients were not consistently taking their prescribed medications. To answer this question, I conducted a literature review to identify potential factors such as cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, and lack of social support. I also conducted interviews with both patients and healthcare professionals to gather their perspectives on medication adherence. Through data analysis, I found that the main factors contributing to medication non-adherence were forgetfulness and confusion due to cognitive impairment. This research helped me gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by elderly patients and provided insights for developing interventions to improve medication adherence.

Here is a more solid answer:

Certainly! As a nurse researcher, I have formulated a research question focused on the impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient outcomes in acute care settings. This question arose from my experience working in a busy hospital where I noticed variations in nurse staffing levels and wondered how it affected patient care. To investigate this, I conducted an extensive literature review to understand the current evidence on nurse staffing and patient outcomes. I then gathered data by reviewing patient charts and interviewing nurses about their workload and patient outcomes. Through rigorous data analysis using statistical software, I found a significant association between lower nurse-to-patient ratios and improved patient outcomes, including reduced medication errors and hospital-acquired infections. This research highlighted the importance of adequate nurse staffing and informed subsequent discussions about policy changes to address staffing issues.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides a more comprehensive description of the research question and the process of conducting the research. It demonstrates the candidate's analytical and critical thinking skills by discussing how they identified and addressed a specific issue in their practice. The answer also showcases their written and verbal communication skills by clearly presenting the research findings and their implications. Additionally, it highlights the candidate's experience in research methodology through the mention of literature review, data collection methods, and statistical analysis. However, it could be further improved by providing specific examples of how the candidate demonstrated their knowledge of healthcare studies during the research process.

An example of a exceptional answer:

Absolutely! During my nursing career, I formulated a research question that explored the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational intervention on self-care management in patients with chronic diseases. This question emerged from my frequent interactions with patients struggling to manage their conditions outside of the healthcare setting. To address this issue, I designed a randomized controlled trial, where participants were assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention included personalized education sessions, self-care management tools, and continuous follow-up support. I collected data through pre- and post-intervention surveys, as well as objective clinical indicators such as blood pressure and glucose levels. The results of the study demonstrated that the nurse-led educational intervention significantly improved self-care management behaviors and clinical outcomes in the intervention group compared to the control group. These findings not only added valuable evidence to the field of chronic disease management but also paved the way for the implementation of similar interventions in other healthcare settings.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer showcases a high level of analytical and critical thinking skills by designing and implementing a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention. It also demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills by effectively presenting the research process, data collection methods, and the significance of the findings. Furthermore, the answer highlights the candidate's deep knowledge of healthcare studies by clearly explaining how the research question addressed a gap in the field and how the results can impact clinical practice. The answer is exceptional because it goes above and beyond in providing specific details, such as the content of the intervention and the data collected, to illustrate the candidate's expertise in research methodology and their contribution to advancing nursing knowledge.

How to prepare for this question:

Familiarize yourself with the current research trends in nursing and healthcare studies. Stay updated on recent studies and their findings to gain a broader perspective.

Develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills by practicing evaluating and interpreting research articles. Analyze the methodologies used and identify the strengths and limitations of the studies.

Enhance your knowledge of research methodology by taking courses or attending workshops. Familiarize yourself with different study designs, data collection methods, and statistical analysis techniques.

Improve your written and verbal communication skills by regularly practicing summarizing research findings and presenting them in a clear and concise manner. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your communication skills.

Consider conducting a small research project or literature review independently to gain hands-on experience in formulating research questions, conducting literature searches, and critically analyzing research articles.

Be prepared to discuss how your research question aligns with the organization's goals and how you envision your research contributing to the advancement of nursing and healthcare knowledge.

What are interviewers evaluating with this question?