Communication of Research Findings

The communication of research findings is often considered to be the last formal step in the research process. However, it is merely the beginning of the most crucial phase of research - the utilization of research findings. A research project cannot be considered complete unless its findings have been effectively disseminated to various stakeholders. These stakeholders include not only other researchers who may use the research to advance their studies, but also those who may benefit from it, those who may use it, and those who have a stake in it. Even if a research project is well-designed and implemented, it is not successful if its results cannot be effectively communicated to the client.

Unfortunately, many research reports never reach beyond the desks of those involved in the study and those funding it. Even publishing the results in a journal does not guarantee that the appropriate community, professionals, or the public will hear about the research. This raises the question - how can we ensure that research findings are optimally communicated to healthcare professionals, users of healthcare, and the wider public? This issue has been acknowledged by the Department of Health and Research Councils in the UK.

The dissemination of research findings can take many different forms, depending on the audience and the purpose of the research. Firstly, a report is typically written as a permanent record of the research and to meet the needs of those who commissioned, funded, and supported the study. If the research was conducted as part of an education program, the report may take the form of a dissertation or thesis.

The research may also be reported as an article in a prestigious academic journal, which is likely to be read by nurses and other healthcare professionals in academic roles, as well as some students and advanced practitioners. Additionally, the research findings should be disseminated to those who participated in the study.

To reach a wider audience, a succinct summary of the research in a suitable language may need to be prepared for patients and the wider public, and disseminated via dedicated websites that allow for more visual and interactive communication. Finally, the research may be communicated verbally or as a poster at international, national, and local conferences, workshops, and seminars, as well as research interest groups in the workplace.

DEFINITION

Communicating research findings is the final step in the research process. It  involves developing a research report and disseminating it through presentations and publications to audiences like nurses, healthcare professionals, policy makers, and healthcare consumers.

NEED OF COMMUNICATION OF RESEARCH

• Communication of research findings is essential for effective utilization of the study.
• Dissemination of research findings allows other researchers to critique and build upon the study, promoting scientific progress and innovation.
• Effective communication of research leads to the replication or development of similar studies, which can further our understanding of the subject matter.
• Recognition, advancement, a psychological boost, and financial compensation are all rewards for the researcher that come with effective communication of research.
• Recognition of their work is vital for researchers to continue their research endeavors and secure future funding opportunities.
• Advancement in their field of research and a psychological boost from positive feedback and recognition are also crucial for their continued motivation and success.
• Effective communication of research can lead to financial compensation, such as royalties from publications or intellectual property rights.

THE CRITERIA FOR COMMUNICATING RESEARCH

Communicating research findings effectively is essential for the success of any research project. Here are the criteria that researchers should consider while communicating their research.

1. Selecting the proper channel for communication: The researcher must choose the appropriate channel for communicating their research findings. For instance, student researchers may write theses and dissertations, while professional academicians generally need to publish research articles in professional journals, books, or present their research orally in conferences through papers or slides.
2. Knowing the consumers: The researcher should consider who they want to communicate their research findings to and choose the right method, mode, and content of research to be communicated.
3. Developing an effective plan for writing a research report: The researcher must carefully plan the report's authorship, content, and outline to make it clear and effective.
4. Careful selection of a journal for publication of the report: While selecting a journal for publication, some factors must be kept in mind, such as the journal's goal, audience, its prestige, acceptance rate, and frequency of publication.
5. Careful review of the author's manuscript guidelines: Each journal has its own guidelines for submitting a manuscript, and the researcher should carefully review these guidelines before submitting their work.

METHODS OF COMMUNICATION OF RESEARCH

There are several methods available for researchers to communicate their findings to their audience. The most common methods are through written reports, oral reports, and poster presentations.

Written Reports:

• Theses and dissertations are typically more detailed and comprehensive than published scientific articles.
• Published scientific articles are often shorter and focus on specific aspects of the research.
• Journals and periodicals typically have guidelines and formatting requirements that must be followed.

Oral Reports:

• Oral reports are often presented at conferences, workshops, and seminars.
• Presenters may use computer slide presentations to enhance their talk.
• Presenters may read from a written manuscript or speak extemporaneously.

Poster Presentations:

• Posters are typically displayed at conferences and other academic events.
• Posters should be visually appealing and highlight key aspects of the research.
• Presenters should be available to answer questions and provide additional information.

The communication of research findings is not only the last formal step in the research process but also the beginning of the most important phase of research, which is the utilization of the research findings. It is essential to disseminate research findings not only to other researchers who may build upon them to advance the study but also to those who may benefit from them, use them, and have a stake in them. Effective communication of research findings is necessary for the success of any research project, and failure to communicate the results can result in the project being considered a failure regardless of its design and implementation.

REFERENCES

1. Sharma SK. Nursing research and statistics. 2018.
2. Practical Manual-2 Nursing Education and Research-Section-3, IGNOU, New Delhi, available at - http://egyankosh.ac.in//handle/123456789/32424
3. Maltby J, editor. Research methods for nursing and healthcare. Harlow: Pearson; 2010. 383 p.
4. Camiah S. Utilization of nursing research in practice and application strategies to raise research awareness amongst nurse practitioners: a model for success. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 1997;26(6):1193–202.
5. Thompson CJ. The meaning of research utilization. A preliminary typology. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2001 Dec;13(4):475–85.
6. Cormack DFS, Gerrish K. The research process in nursing. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell; 2011.
7. Original Research: Staff Nurses’ Use of Research to Facilitate Evidence-Based Practice | CE Article | NursingCenter [Internet]. [cited 2019 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.nursingcenter.com/cearticle?an=00000446-201409000-00025&Journal_ID=54030&Issue_ID=2563608
8. Zhou F, Maier M, Hao Y, Tang L, Guo H, Liu H, et al. Barriers to Research Utilization among Registered Nurses in Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Survey in China [Internet]. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015 [cited 2019 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/475340/