Ever since 1950s, research in nursing has been recognised as an important part of the profession as in broadening the body of scientific knowledge, evaluating and improving nursing practice and achieving professional status. In spite of nursing research in Hong Kong is still young as compared with other countries, the development of nursing research is paramount in meeting the present and future challenges in the healthcare system as well as the economy turbulence in the society as a whole. To further promote nursing research in Hong Kong, the Research Committee of the College of Nursing was established in December 2000 and a Research Day was organised on 27 December 2001. In this issue, we have collected articles presented in the Research Day.
In the current era of scientific based practice in healthcare, yet with scarce health care resources, research is imperative of healthcare professions for its contributious to policy making. Dr. S. V. Lo, Head of the Research Office of the Health and Welfare Bureau of The Government of HKSAR, discussed the key issues for healthcare research in his paper, and the priorities of healthcare research in Hong Kong were also illustrated.
However, to advance the development of nursing research, systematic and effective strategic planning is utmost crucial. Professor A. Mackenzie reviewed the needs for clinical nursing research in Hong Kong, and highlighted education, prioritising, funding and infrastructure as the major areas on which successful research strategy should address.
The research has provided a forum for sharing and dissemination of research findings. Abstracts of three clinical studies on various aspects, the quality of life of bone marrow transplant survivors, the life experience of battered women and nurse telephone follow-up in A&E were collected in this issue.
Clinical research and case study are of equal importance in enhancing nursing knowledge and practice. Ms. Ho Sin Man's case study reviewed the community health services for elderly in the community setting and provided a clear picture for healthcare administrators in planning for the persistently increasing aging population.
Nevertheless, the College is endeavoured in advancing clinical research in Hong Kong. To encourage research activities, a nursing research fund has been set up and is now calling for application. Colleagues who are interested please refer to the announcement for details.
On behalf of the Journal, we wish you all the best in the Year of the Horse.
Issue Editors