AIM: To outline the main tenets of critical realism (CR), its use, and future application in nursing. BACKGROUND: Little work has been done to discuss how CR can be applied to nursing research. FINDINGS: The tenets of CR include recognition of reality independent of human perceptions, a generative view of causation in open systems, and a focus on explanations and methodological eclecticism using a postdisciplinary approach. Critical realism is useful for (1) understanding complex outcomes, (2) optimizing interventions, and (3) researching biopsychosocial pathways. Such questions are central to evidence-based practice, chronic disease management, and population health. CONCLUSIONS: Critical realism is philosophically strong and potentially useful for nursing research.
AIM: To outline the main tenets of critical realism (CR), its use, and future application in nursing. BACKGROUND: Little work has been done to discuss how CR can be applied to nursing research. FINDINGS: The tenets of CR include recognition of reality independent of human perceptions, a generative view of causation in open systems, and a focus on explanations and methodological eclecticism using a postdisciplinary approach. Critical realism is useful for (1) understanding complex outcomes, (2) optimizing interventions, and (3) researching biopsychosocial pathways. Such questions are central to evidence-based practice, chronic disease management, and population health. CONCLUSIONS: Critical realism is philosophically strong and potentially useful for nursing research.
Authors: Massirfufulay Kpehe Musa; Gizdem Akdur; Barbara Hanratty; Sarah Kelly; Adam Gordon; Guy Peryer; Karen Spilsbury; Anne Killett; Jennifer Burton; Julienne Meyer; Sue Fortescue; Ann-Marie Towers; Lisa Irvine; Claire Goodman Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2020-11-14 Impact factor: 2.692