Using and Doing Research
Use this guide to find information resources about using and doing research including books, reports and journal articles.
Key Resources
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The RCN is committed to nurses, midwives, HCAs and APs using knowledge and innovation to transform patient care. This section includes information and resources for those looking to use or develop research to enhance their practice, including links to research funding and training opportunities.
View page
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Reporting guidance for health research: this contains a comprehensive searchable database of reporting guidelines and also links to other resources relevant to research reporting.
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The HRA was established in December 2011 to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health research, and to streamline the regulation of research. It also covers current health guidance on research ethics and informed consent.
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An international systematic review registry that aims to promote transparency and open science, reduce reporting bias and help prevent unintended duplication and research waste.
Books
Aveyard H (2023) Doing a literature review in health and social care: a practical guide. 5th edn. London: Open University Press.
Booth A, Sutton A, Clowes M and Martyn-St James M (2022) Systematic approaches to a successful literature review. 3rd edn. Los Angeles: SAGE.
Boswell C and Cannon S (2023) Introduction to ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ research: incorporating evidence-based practice. 6th edn. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Bowling A (2023) Research methods in health: investigating health and health services. 5th edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Ellis P (2022) Understanding research for ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ students. 5th edn. London: Learning Matters.
Greenhalgh T and Dijkstra P (2025) How to read a paper: the basics of evidence based healthcare. 7th edn. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.
Grove S and Cipher D (2020) Statistics for ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ research: a workbook for evidence-based practice. 3rd edn. St Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.
Holland K and Watson R (2021) Writing for publication in ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ and healthcare: getting it right. 2nd edn. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons.
Holloway I and Galvin K (2024) Qualitative research in ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ and healthcare. 5th edn. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Johnstone M J (2024) Effective writing for healthcare professionals : a pocket guide to getting published. 2nd edn. Abingdon: Routledge.
Polit D F and Beck C T (2021) Nursing research: generating and assessing evidence for ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ practice. 11th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
Salkind N (2020) Statistics for people who (think they) hate statistics. 7th edn. Los Angeles: Sage.
Schneider Z M and Fuller J (2018) Writing research proposals in the health sciences: a step-by-step guide. London: SAGE Publications. Book subject searches
Journal articles
Journals
Upcoming events relating to this subject guide
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05 Mar 2026
Online
Easy referencing ... in 45 minutes
Learn how to generate quick references and citations using a free, easy to use, online tool.
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10 Mar 2026
Online
Introduction to RCN Library Services
Discover the library service for RCN members.
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18 Mar 2026
Online
Know How to Search CINAHL
Learn about using the CINAHL database for literature searches at this event for RCN members.
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19 Mar 2026
London
Winifred Raphael Memorial Lecture: Health Justice
In this Winifred Raphael Memorial public lecture, Professor Anne Whittaker will explore the concept of health justice, why it is important, and how it can inform the ethics of care and research practice.
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24 Mar 2026 Online
Preparing for Congress: Finding and Evaluating Evidence and Critical Thinking
Get ready for Congress by learning how to find and evaluate evidence, and sharpen your critical thinking skills!
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26 Mar 2026
Online
Referencing Essentials: How to Cite Sources and Avoid Plagiarism
Build your referencing confidence at this event for RCN members.
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26 Mar 2026
Online
Preparing for Congress: Criticality and Effective Presentation Skills
Get ready for Congress with tips on critical thinking and effective communication.
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28 Apr 2026 Online
Preparing for Congress: Finding and Evaluating Evidence and Critical Thinking
Get ready for Congress by learning how to find and evaluate evidence, and sharpen your critical thinking skills!
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01 May 2026
Online
Preparing for Congress: Criticality and Effective Presentation Skills
Get ready for Congress with tips on critical thinking and effective communication.
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15 Sep 2026 - 17 Sep 2026
Glasgow
RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2026
Call for abstracts now open!
Page last updated - 15/11/2025