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by Rorry Zahourek PhD, PMHCNS-BC ,
AHN-BC
AHNA Leadership Council Coordinator for Research
Welcome to the second edition of research eNews,
Connections in Holistic Nursing Research. We
received a great deal of positive feedback about the
first issue. We welcome your comments at
info@ahna.org and encourage you to
start or join a discussion on the AHNA Web site.
It is time to start thinking about submitting an
AHNA research grant proposal. New this year:
Grant application now is extended to doctoral
students who wish to apply for funds to support
their research.
While we have a growing store of various kinds of
research in holistic nursing there is still a great
need for us to answer questions about our holistic
clinical work, holistic education and holistic
administration. Research in these areas is difficult
when one considers issues from a holistic
perspective. Often process and results of our work
are not crystal clear, or readily apparent in a
timely fashion. Increasingly these difficulties and
the importance of both qualitative and quantitative
findings are appreciated in the world of
evidence-based practice and by those who place
highest emphasis on the gold standard of the
randomized controlled trial.
This issue of Connections is focused on
helping people write proposals. I have asked several
people to submit words of advice to people who might
want to submit a proposal. Please also check out the
guidelines for qualitative and quantitative
proposals that are on the Web site. We also
recognize that combined, historical, aesthetic and
other more non- traditional approaches may be
valuable in studying holistic phenomena. The theme
we are adopting for holistic nursing research is " healing
through holistic nursing"; please consider
proposing your study within that frame.
Lynn Rew has coordinated the grant review process for
the past several years. We are relieving her with many
thanks and have asked Kim Stiles PhD, RN, AHN-BC to
coordinate the process. Kim is a nursing professor at
Ohlone College in California. Submit your research grant
proposal by e-mail to both Kim Stiles at
kstiles@ohlone.edu and Jeanne Crawford at
director@ahna.org by March 15, 2009.
Because our budget is small ($2500) we encourage you to
submit pilot studies, smaller projects or stand-alone
aspects of a larger project. Continuation, or
replication of former studies are also encouraged. |
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Our Name |
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Thank you to Julia Balzer Riley RN, MN,
AHN-BC, CET who sent in the winning name for the AHNA
research eNewsletter. Our new name is Connections in
Holistic Nursing Research. Thank you also to everyone
else who suggested a name. |
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AHNA Research Grant Proposals Due March 15, 2009 |
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Research Profile - Marlaine Smith RN,
PhD, AHN-BC, FAAN |
Marlaine Smith is an Associate Dean for Academic
Programs and a Helen K. Persson Eminent Scholar at
Florida Atlantic University where she teaches about
caring in nursing. Dr. Smith has researched a wide range
of topics including folk remedies, aromatherapy, massage
and other touch therapies.
Click here for a complete listing of Dr. Smith's
publications. 
Everyone knows that research takes
perseverance and passion, but not many will tell you
that it often involves serendipity...being at the right
place at the right time and being open to research
opportunities that present themselves. This was
certainly the case in my research career.
I've had an interest in holism and its place in nursing
since the mid-1970s. I pursued my doctoral studies at
New York University so that I could study unitary
science with Martha Rogers, and my doctoral dissertation
actually focused on the study of imagery in different
sound environments, a test of the principles of
integrality and resonancy. In 1988 I moved to the
University of Colorado where I became a Faculty
Associate in the Center for Human Caring. The Center
existed to advance holistic caring-healing practices.
One of the Center projects involved offering touch
therapies such as massage and therapeutic touch to the
patients at the University Hospital. We received
testimonies from the patients, families, nurses and
physicians about how these therapies were related to
healing. One day at a meeting we decided that we needed
to study these possible benefits more systematically. I
knew that touch was important...I had experienced this
caring for my patients so many times. So I embraced the
challenge to study outcomes of touch therapies and this
is how my 18 year research trajectory began.
My first study was an evaluation of the
massage therapy program at the University Hospital
funded by the Hospital Auxilliary & Gift Shop for
$30,000. These funds paid for massage therapists who
offered massage two days a week to patients on the
rehabilitation, organ transplant, and neuroscience
units. Patients in our study received two massages/week
for two weeks. Patients and therapists completed surveys
that measured several outcomes and included a
qualitative dimension. We found that that those who
received the massage therapy in the hospital identified
a variety of benefits such as pain relief, relaxation,
increased ability to function that they associated with
massage.
When I reported these findings at a local
meeting, one of the nurse administrators at the Denver
VA Medical Center explained that one of the nurses on
their oncology unit was a massage therapist and was
offering massage to the patients on the unit. "Could we
do a study on her unit?" she asked. "Absolutely!" I
seized this opportunity and a second study of massage
therapy was born. This study of massage therapy with
cancer patients revealed that those patients who
received massage therapy had less pain and distress from
symptoms as compared to the control group who received
verbal interaction without touch with the same nurse
massage therapist for the same amount of time. Sleep
quality stabilized in the hospital for those who
received massage while it deteriorated significantly for
those in the control group. Anxiety decreased for
patients who received both massage and the verbal nurse
interaction.
The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the
University Hospital offered to their patients both
massage and therapeutic touch as optional therapies. We
heard anecdotes about how those getting therapeutic
touch seemed to be engrafting much more quickly than
normal. This was a fascinating observation and one that
I decided to pursue with a colleague....another
opportunity! This study was funded by an intramural
grant. With each study I learned more, strengthening the
design and methods. In this study we compared the
effects of massage, therapeutic touch and the friendly
visit (control) on time for engraftment, complications
and perceived benefits of therapy for those undergoing
bone marrow transplantation. We found no differences in
the time for engraftment between those who received
therapeutic touch, massage therapy or the control of the
"friendly visit". But, we did find that those who
received massage therapy had fewer neurological
complications (anxiety, depression, insomnia,
restlessness, etc.) than the control group. In addition,
those who received massage or therapeutic touch
perceived greater benefits from their therapies than
those in the control group.
Shortly after the completion of this
study the National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine issued a call for proposals to
study complementary therapies in palliative care. I had
planned to submit a study of massage therapy, and a
physician specialist in palliative care wanted to submit
as well. We decided to combine our efforts. In our third
and final submission to NCCAM we were funded for $1.2
million to study the effects of massage therapy on pain,
symptom distress and quality of life on people with
advanced cancer enrolled in hospices across the country.
The results of this multisite randomized controlled
trial revealed immediate effects of massage therapy on
pain and mood. Those in the control group received a
treatment that consisted of simply touching at 10
different locations on the body. This simple touch
treatment was also beneficial to patients. Patients in
both groups showed improvements at the end of the two
weeks of receiving the touch therapies.
What's next? I have a list of questions
that I want to explore. As research questions are
answered, additional ones emerge. I've conceptualized
touch as therapy within Rogers' and Watsons' nursing
theories, and I've developed a middle range theory of
healing through touch based on these research findings.
This is how any science grows. Yes, research takes
passion and perseverance. But, it also takes
partnerships and seizing opportunities for research that
present themselves. I would advise holistic nurses to be
open to these opportunities and to seize take advantage
of them. If you are a novice, partner with an
experienced mentor. The questions that come from
practicing nurses will fuel the growth of the science
underpinning holistic nursing.
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If You Need Help, Ask
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by Ruth McCaffery DNP, ARNP-BC
Working with AHNA to obtain research grant funding was a
pleasant and fulfilling opportunity. As the interest and
funding for AHNA sponsored research grows I am sure many
in the organization will feel compelled to submit a
research grant.
Writing a grant is not as daunting as you might think.
This is especially true if you review the grant
requirements and complete them systematically. If there
are parts of the research plan or development that you
are unsure about seek help from a mentor. It is
important to thoroughly know the subject or area that
you wish to research and what work has already been done
in that area. Not only does the knowledge gained make
your proposal better but it may provide you with
wonderful ideas for the research you are planning in
terms of method and analysis of data.
If you need a mentor for your research you should
contact Ruth McCaffery at
rmccaffr@fau.edu to get connected with an AHNA
research mentor. |
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Tips for Applying for a Research
Grant |
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by Lynn Rew EdD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN
1. Be sure the problem is significant and clearly stated
2. Provide convincing evidence from existing literature
and previous studies that there is a problem that your
study will help to solve. Just stating that something
has not been done is not enough to warrant doing a
study.
3. Include enough details about your method (e.g.,
design, setting, sample) and protocol (what will you do,
to whom, when, where, and by what means) that reviewers
know exactly what your plan is.
4. Include a conceptual or theoretical framework that is
apparent throughout the components of the proposal. It
also helps to have a simple figure that includes all the
variables you are addressing in the study.
5. Have you thought about using both a quantitative and
qualitative mixed methods approach to get a more rounded
idea of findings?
6. If you are doing a quantitative study, describe your
plan for data measurement, management, and analysis in
detail. Include reliability and validity of any
measurement tools you will use and include them in an
appendix.
7. If you are doing a qualitative study, describe your
plan for data collection, management and analysis in
detail.
8. State if an institutional review board (IRB) will be
involved and explain your plan for protection of human
subjects.
9. Give yourself plenty of time to have at least one
trusted colleague review and critique your proposal
prior to submission.
10. Remember that all good writing is re-writing, and
this goes for proposals too!
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AHNA 2009 Conference One-on-One Research
Consultation Sessions |
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 We
are offering a limited number of opportunities for attendees
to discuss their research ideas, topics, or concerns with
experienced researchers, published authors, and
grant-writers. In the "Research One-on-One Consultation
Sessions" interested attendees can dialogue with seasoned
holistic nurse researchers about such holistic research
topics as:
- grant writing,
- writing for publication,
- holistic cultural research,
- holistic theory development,
- holistic ethics,
- holistic education,
- holistic self-care,
- holistic environments,
- relationship-centered care,
- spirituality, and
- holistic interventions.
There is a $35 registration fee. This is a great
opportunity for both novice and experienced researchers.
When using a
"hard copy" registration form, the One-On-One Research
Consultation is an option. If you are already registered or
are registering online call (800) 278-2462 Ext. 10
to register for a consultation. Later, you will be asked to
complete a brief questionnaire about your goals so that the
process of joining you with a consultant will more likely be
successful. |
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Researchers Wanted |
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AHNA and the research committee are striving to build an
online bank of resources for our members to find other
researchers who are studying similar phenomenon. Such a
bank will provide opportunities for informal or formal
collaboration and/or consultation and mentorship. In
order to develop this data base of holistic nurse
researchers and holistic nursing research we need for
you to send us you name, credentials, where you are
located, e-mail if you like, and topics that you have
and/or are researching.
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Therapuetic Touch Affects In vitro Cells |
In two recent studies Gloria Gronowicz took a look at
how Therapuetic Touch affected the growth of cells
in petri dishes. The two studies were published in
Journal of Orthopaedic Research and
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
One of the studies was done on both healthy and
cancerous bone cells in vitro. Of that study
Gronowicz states, "Therapeutic touch appears to increase
DNA synthesis, differentiation, and mineralization in
normal bone cells, and decrease differentiation and
mineralization in a bone cancer derived cell line." Learn
more. |
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Resources for Researchers |
APF visionary and Weiss grants seek to seed
innovation through supporting research,
education, and intervention projects and
programs that use psychology to solve social
problems. Deadline for application is
March 15, 2009.
Click here to download application.
by Tae Sook
Kim ( Nursing Science Quarterly 21, 4
294-299, 2008) is a wonderful review of research
using Rogerian Theory from 2004-2007. Twenty four
studies were reviewed (15 quantitative and 9
qualitative). A variety of unique tools are
describes including Barrett's Power as Knowing
Participation in Change, Hastings-Tolsma's Diversity
of Human Field Pattern Scale and Smith and Broida's
Perceived Field Motion Scale. This is a very useful
paper for those interested in unitary approaches to
holistic nursing research.
The CFH goals include:
1. To alert you that these references are available
and searchable.
2. To invite anyone who has contributed a study to
the literature and who can provide an abstract to
forward that to us to post on the site. This will
provide more information and help to those who are
seeking/ needing this information.
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AHNA Research Grant Recipient Completes Study |
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Use of the Color Breathwork Relaxation Method to
Reduce Anxiety
Kari Sand-Jecklin EdD, MSN, RN, AHN-BC
recently finished her study: "Use of the Color
Breathwork Relaxation Method to Reduce Anxiety During
Gynecologic Exam: A Feasibility Study." This study was
funded by a research grant from AHNA. Gynecologic exams
are often anxiety producing, and emotional stress can
translate to muscular tension, resulting in an
uncomfortable exam. The CBM technique is a relatively
simple relaxation method combining breathing and
visualization that individuals may be able to use
independently after a brief instruction session.
A sample of 30 women scheduled for gynecologic exams at
a University Student Health Services were instructed in
the CBM technique, and encouraged to use the technique
during their exams. Anxiety levels and vital signs were
measured before and after the instruction and
anxiety/discomfort during the exam was also measured.
Almost 90% of participants rated the CBM method as
helpful. In addition, participant anxiety ratings as
well as diastolic blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
measures were significantly lower after CBM
instruction.
The CBM technique is a potentially feasible holistic
practice method for addressing anxiety in patients
undergoing gynecologic exams.
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AHNA Researchers in Action |
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Some papers recently published by AHNA members:
" Energy
Psychology: A Review of the Preliminary Evidence" by
David Feinstein PhD was published in
Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice,
Training 45 (2), 199-213, 2008. The paper can be found
at the ACEP ( The
Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology) Web
site. Feinstein's article reviews the preliminary
research evidence on a growing technique in mental
health. More than 2 dozen energy psychology techniques
now are practiced but most well know are EFT, (Emotional
Freedom Technique) TFT (Thought field therapy) and TAT
(Tapas Acupressure Technique). The results that are
anticipated with these techniques include: immediate
reduction of elevated affect and hyperarousal,
extinguishing conditioned responses, addressing complex
psychological problems, and promoting optimal
functioning or peak performance. Feinstein summarizes 23
studies. Additional research references on Energy
Psychology and Energy Medicine can be found at
www.tapintofreedom.com/research/other.html
Rorry Zahourek APRN, PhD, BC,
AHN-BC and Dorothy Larkin RN,
CS, MA, PhD published " Consciousness,
Intentionality and Community: Unitary Perspectives
and Research" in Nursing Science Quarterly.
The paper reviews research and theoretical
perspectives of the relationship of consciousness
and intentionality. Nursing research is reviewed and
then these concepts are related to a non-local
concept of community.
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Wanted: Your Words Here |
Connections in Holistic Nursing
Research is for and about AHNA members and we want
your input and help in creating it. Do you have a great
research technique, advice for would-be-researchers or
access to a great resource? Would you like to write a
micro article (5 paragraphs or less) for Connections? Send
submissions to Amber at
info@ahna.org
We would also be happy to let others know what you
are doing. If you have you recently presented,
started a new study, or are seeking volunteers or
collaborators send your "News and Notes" to
info@ahna.org
We also welcome your opinions on how we are doing
and what you would like to see in future issues.
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AHNA Adopts Policy on Research on AHNA
Members |
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AHNA is an association comprised of skilled nurses with
various educational and experiential backgrounds. Thus AHNA
offers a rich source of data for individuals who wish to
learn more about this group of nurses. The AHNA Research
Committee has a developed a policy on how such research may
be conducted. Click
here to view policy. |
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