Evidence-based practice (EBP) has elevated the quality of both nursing and healthcare. The focus of EBP in nursing is on applying the best available evidence in practice. The Journal of Nursing Research continuously contributes to the common body of evidence in order to fulfil nursing practice and the translation of knowledge. The ten original articles in this issue of the Journal of Nursing Research focus on specific research problems and give current evidence in the fields of chronic disease, aging, depression, and stress. Study populations include patients, aging patients and other elderly seniors, family caregivers, immigrants, nurses, and nursing students.
Chronic diseases such as chronic respiratory diseases, chronic kidney disease, and cancer are currently responsible for over 60% of deaths worldwide. This has become a critical worldwide health concern because the majority of premature chronic disease deaths are preventable. As healthcare professionals, we should pay attention to these causes of death and move forward with our implementation in clinical practice and education. The findings of studies on this issue evidence the importance of empowering patients, particularly elderly patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease and those who have received renal transplant based on a randomized controlled trial (Hsiao, Lin, Su, Yeh, Lee, and Tsai) and of requiring patient education in the process of self-managing their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in order to live with their disease (Chen, Liu, Shyu, and Yeh). A checklist was developed and validated for nurses and caregivers to quickly assess the common physiological problems and basic needs of patients with advanced dementia (Yang, Wang, and Wang). Furthermore, four cross-sectional studies indicate that (1) the affiliated stigma model may be a resource for developing practical strategies for the relatives of patients with schizophrenia (Huang, Li, and Shu), (2) coping and reassurance strategies are used by caregivers who fear cancer recurrence in family members (Lin, Chen, Chang, Fang, and Lai), (3) through the view of ageism, nursing students hold generally positive attitudes toward aging (Ozdemir and Bilgili), and (4) perceptions and expectations toward the social responsibility of hospitals vary among nurses, with stronger perceptions associated with stronger organizational commitment (Hsieh, Chiu, Hsieh, Ho, Chen, and Chang).
Additionally, the environment and life circumstances of immigrants are often a source of stress in this population. Recognizing migrants' stressors in the realms of duty (Bhandari and Kim) and pregnancy (Tsao, Creedy, and Gamble) may help healthcare workers intervene effectively in order to improve health status. Moreover, prenatal depression may be a crucial potential stressor that is experienced by Taiwanese pregnant women during pregnancy (Chang, Chen, and Chen).
The empirical evidence provided in these ten primary studies anticipates further advanced study of these issues. The Journal of Nursing Research welcomes submissions of randomized controlled trials that test interventions in a diverse range of practice and education environments and that encourage the successful transfer of knowledge into beneficial nursing strategies. Disseminating the latest available, best evidence to support nursing development is the primary goal of the Journal of Nursing Research.