Biophysilogic methods

Dr.G.Malarvizhi
PSGCN
 Introduction
• Most nursing research studies involves collection
of data through self-reports or observation.
The trend in nursing research has been toward
increased use of measures to assess the
physiologic status of study participants and to
evaluate clinical outcomes.
The National Institute for Nursing
Research(NINR) emphasize the need for more
physiologically based nursing research.
 BIOPHYSIOLOGIC MEASURES
• Focuses on biophysiologic phenomena that
are measured through specialized technical
equipments
 Biophysilogic measures

• Use of biophysiologic measures in nursing

research: Study of biophysiologic processes
• Effect of nursing intervention on human
physiological process
• Correlate physiologic functioning with health
outcomes
 MAJOR TYPES
• INVIVO MEASURES
Measurements performed directly with in or
on living organisms themselves
May use complex instrumentation system with
computers
May be simple – thermometer and
stethoscope.
 IN VITRO MEASURES
• Measurements performed outside the
organism’s body Specimens collected and
tested outside body
Blood chemistry, micro biologic, cytological
specimens
 CONSIDERATIONS FOR PHYSIOLOGIC
MEASUREMENTS
• Will measure yield good information? Does it fit
research
questions/hypothesis and variables of study?
What other methods of measurement could be
used? Invasive &
Non-invasive
Equipment and supply costs; reliability of
equipment and complexity of operation
Training of personnel
 Advantages
– Are relatively accurate and precise
– Are objective
– Provide valid measures of targeted variables
– Equipment is readily available
 DISADVANTAGES
• Interferences that create artifacts in
Biophysiologic measures
High degree of interaction among the major
Biophysiologic system.
 Projective techniques

• Rorschach inkblot test; thematic apperception

test
• (tell a story based on a picture)
• Eg The associative imagery technique is a
qualitative tool with which researchers use
carefully selected
• photographs or images to trigger participants’
responses to explain difficult behavioral and
social concepts.
• Researchers describe the development and
implementation of the associative imagery
method in focus groups to understand the
complex relationships between homecare
workers and their clients as part of a larger
health and safety intervention project.
• 116 homecare workers and clients were
recruited They found that participants used
images mainly in two ways.
• The images served to remind participants of
specific persons, events, and/or objects. The
images facilitated recollections and reflections
that participants to metaphorically describe
their experiences, feelings, and emotions.
• Both usages of imagery generated comments
that
• answered the research question in a more
relevant,
• descriptive, and vivid way.