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Understanding the research process is an important step towards executing thorough research or study. Let us examine the different phases in research planning as well as the stages involved in a research process.

A deeper understanding of the process of research will help you identify the similar features that occur in the different fields, and the variety in the purpose and approaches to some studies.

Understanding the research process will help you understand the implication of deviating from a systematic approach to research, as well as the associating consequences of ineffective and ineffectual research.

The following steps outline a simple and effective strategy for writing a research paper. Depending on your familiarity with the topic and the challenges you encounter along the way, you may need to rearrange these steps.

Step 1: Identify and develop your topic

Selecting a topic can be the most challenging part of a research assignment. Since this is the very first step in writing a paper, it is vital that it be done correctly. So you identify a research problem by first selecting a general topic that’s interesting to you and to the interests and specialties of your research advisor. Once identified, you’ll need to narrow it. For example, if teenage pregnancy is your general topic area, your specific topic could be a comparison of how teenage pregnancy affects young fathers and mothers differently. Here are some tips for selecting a topic:

1. Select a topic within the parameters set by the assignment. Many times your instructor will give you clear guidelines as to what you can and cannot write about. Failure to work within these guidelines may result in your proposed paper being deemed unacceptable by your instructor.
2. Select a topic of personal interest to you and learn more about it. The research for and writing of a paper will be more enjoyable if you are writing about something that you find interesting.
3. Select a topic for which you can find a manageable amount of information. Do a preliminary search of information sources to determine whether existing sources will meet your needs. If you find too much information, you may need to narrow your topic; if you find too little, you may need to broaden your topic.
4. Be original. Your instructor reads hundreds of research papers every year, and many of them are on the same topics (topics in the news at the time, controversial issues, subjects for which there is ample and easily accessed information). Stand out from your classmates by selecting an interesting and off-the-beaten-path topic.
5. Still can’t come up with a topic to write about? See your instructor for advice.

Once you have identified your topic, it may help to state it as a question. For example, if you are interested in finding out about the epidemic of obesity in the American population, you might pose the question “What are the causes of obesity in America ?” By posing your subject as a question you can more easily identify the main concepts or keywords to be used in your research.

Step 2 : Do a preliminary search for information

Before beginning your research in earnest, do a preliminary search to determine whether there is enough information out there for your needs and to set the context of your research. Look up your keywords in the appropriate titles in the library’s Reference collection (such as encyclopedias and dictionaries) and in other sources such as our catalog of books, periodical databases, and Internet search engines. Additional background information may be found in your lecture notes, textbooks, and reserve readings. You may find it necessary to adjust the focus of your topic in light of the resources available to you.

Step 3: Review the Literature

Find out what’s being asked or what’s already been done in the area by doing some exploratory reading. Discuss the topic with your advisor to gain additional insights, explore novel approaches, and begin to develop your research question, purpose statement, and hypothesis, if applicable.

Step 4: Locate materials

With the direction of your research now clear to you, you can begin locating material on your topic. There are a number of places you can look for information:

If you are looking for books, do a subject search in the Alephcatalog. A Keyword search can be performed if the subject search doesn’t yield enough information. Print or write down the citation information (author, title, etc.) and the location (call number and collection) of the item(s). Note the circulation status. When you locate the book on the shelf, look at the books located nearby; similar items are always shelved in the same area. The Aleph catalog also indexes the library’s audio-visual holdings.

Use the library’s electronic periodical databases to find magazine and newspaper articles. Choose the databases and formats best suited to your particular topic; ask the librarian at the Reference Desk if you need help figuring out which database best meets your needs. Many of the articles in the databases are available in full-text format.

Use search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.) and subject directories to locate materials on the Internet. Check the Internet Resources section of the NHCC Library website for helpful subject links.

Step 5: Determine Research Question

A good research question is a question worth asking; one that poses a problem worth solving. A good question should:

• Be clear. It must be understandable to you and to others.
• Be researchable. It should be capable of developing into a manageable research design, so data may be collected in relation to it. Extremely abstract terms are unlikely to be suitable.
• Connect with established theory and research. There should be a literature on which you can draw to illuminate how your research question(s) should be approached.
• Be neither too broad nor too narrow. See Appendix A for a brief explanation of the narrowing process and how your research question, purpose statement, and hypothesis(es) are interconnected.

Step 6: Develop Research Methods

Once you’ve finalized your research question, purpose statement, and hypothesis(es), you’ll need to write your research proposal—a detailed management plan for your research project. The proposal is as essential to successful research as an architect’s plans are to the construction of a building.

Step 7: Evaluate your sources

See the CARS Checklist for Information Quality for tips on evaluating the authority and quality of the information you have located. Your instructor expects that you will provide credible, truthful, and reliable information and you have every right to expect that the sources you use are providing the same. This step is especially important when using Internet resources, many of which are regarded as less than reliable.

Step 8: Make notes

Consult the resources you have chosen and note the information that will be useful in your paper. Be sure to document all the sources you consult, even if there is a chance you may not use that particular source. The author, title, publisher, URL, and other information will be needed later when creating a bibliography.

Step 9: Write your paper

Begin by organizing the information you have collected. The next step is the rough draft, wherein you get your ideas on paper in an unfinished fashion. This step will help you organize your ideas and determine the form your final paper will take. After this, you will revise the draft as many times as you think necessary to create a final product to turn in to your instructor.

Step 10: Cite your sources properly

Give credit where credit is due; cite your sources.

Citing or documenting the sources used in your research serves two purposes: it gives proper credit to the authors of the materials used, and it allows those who are reading your work to duplicate your research and locate the sources that you have listed as references. The MLA and the APA Styles are two popular citation formats.

Failure to cite your sources properly is plagiarism. Plagiarism is avoidable!

Step 11: Proofread

The final step in the process is to proofread the paper you have created. Read through the text and check for any errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Make sure the sources you used are cited properly. Make sure the message that you want to get across to the reader has been thoroughly stated.

Additional research tips:

• Work from the general to the specific — find background information first, then use more specific sources.
• Don’t forget print sources — many times print materials are more easily accessed and every bit as helpful as online resources.
• The library has books on the topic of writing research papers at call number area.
• If you have questions about the assignment, ask your instructor.
• If you have any questions about finding information in the library, ask the librarian.

Going green and sustainable in the Operating Room (OR) is a challenge for many surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals. In fact, based on recent research published at the National Institute of Health 30% to 40% of the materials that come into the hospitals are used by the OR and about 20% to 30% of the total hospital waste is caused by the Operating Room.

Some countries like the Netherlands aim at becoming CO2 neutral by 2030, while in the UK the National Health Service intends to be carbon neutral in its own operations by 2040. As the Academy of Royal colleges (AoMRC) highlighted:

“Sustainable healthcare involves ensuring the ability to provide good quality care for future generations by balancing the economic, environmental, and social constraints and demands within health care settings”.

If you are also interested in being an adherent of this mission here are 10 steps that we gathered to help you and your team get started…

Steps to Help Make Operating Room Sustainable

1. Use reusable products as a default. 

The first step towards leaving your environmental footprint is the usage of reusable products. These can vary from surgical linens such as gowns and drapes, to medical instruments (reusable laryngoscope, scissors) and other medical equipment (e.g. bowls, medication trays, sterilisation trays). Reusable products should be utilised when they are proved to be equal or superior in terms of infection prevention, hence Operating Room staff can mitigate climate change without jeopardising patients’ safety.

2. Optimise your pre-packs 

Pre-packs are an efficient way to use disposables in the OR. All disposables needed for a certain procedure are included in this pre-pack, making preparation for a procedure easy and simple. However, in almost every pre-pack, products are included that are not used during the procedure. These items have to be thrown out after the procedure is completed and end up in the waste bin without ever being touched by human hands. By removing these items at the manufacturer’s site, less waste is created in the Operating Room. 

3. Change your use of Anaesthetic gases as these are potent greenhouse gas emissions

Inhaled anesthetics harm the environment as a great percentage is vented into the atmosphere where they can affect global warming up to 2,500 times more than carbon dioxide. Hence, we would advise you to avoid desflurane in your OR and try to minimise the usage of Sevoflurane and isoflurane when it is only considered absolutely necessary. And if you are wondering what is the substitute of the above mentioned anesthetic gases, we recommend propofol.

4. Use optimised surgical trays

When operating a surgery, opt for optimised surgical trays that contain reusables. With this simple action you will minimise sterilisation emissions and once again contribute to a more green Operating Room. An optimised surgical tray means less water, less detergent, and less energy needed for cleaning and sterilisation.

5. Use medication as sustainably as possible

This step is as easy as it sounds. After using any medication, make sure that medication is thrown to the appropriate bin. Also, prevent medication waste by measuring the right amount of medication and be mindful when opening a new bottle or package.

6. Optimal energy use

Energy consumption varies between day and night. After all, most surgeries are performed during the day and only a small percentage during the night. The installation of automatic lights will help reduce energy usage. At the same time, medical staff or automatic systems could ensure that the airflow is switched off or on lower flow at night.

7. Recycle! 

In the preparation room of the OR, clean waste (non-contaminated) can be divided between plastic and paper waste. How can you achieve this easily and efficiently? Use multiple waste bins with clear indication (poster, sticker) of contents belonging in the bin. Next to the ‘standard’ waste segregation of paper and mixed plastics, several other materials can also be separated in the preparation room, depending on your waste handler.

8. Sustainable sterilisation department

One of the most important procedures prior to surgery is sterilisation. A sustainable sterilisation department uses optimised processes using a minimal amount of water, energy, and cleaning products. Usage of eco-friendly washing machines and eco-friendly detergent also contribute to sustainable sterilisation.

9. Manage your stock

Organisation and smart planning are the keys to a more sustainable OR. Start by controlling your stockage and avoiding keeping an excessive number of sterile products that can expire, such as suture sets and pre-packs.

10. Be sustainable during your coffee and lunch breaks

In order to make a small (but yet significant!) impact on the environment, avoid offering food in excessive plastic food wrappers in the cafeteria. Served food for personnel could include reusable tableware and the use of no bottled water could be increased. Last but not least, cups – either disposable or reusable – could be used multiple times (by the same person) to limit waste creation/dishwasher activity. Curious to know how scrub nurses in The Netherlands apply these steps? In the second series of our blogs, we talk with Talitha Hoppe, scrub nurse at OLVG in Amsterdam. Click on the link below and find a useful guide to get the most out of recycling in the OR.

Going green and sustainable in the Operating Room (OR) is a challenge for many surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals. In fact, based on recent research published at the National Institute of Health 30% to 40% of the materials that come into the hospitals are used by the OR and about 20% to 30% of the total hospital waste is caused by the Operating Room.

Some countries like the Netherlands aim at becoming CO2 neutral by 2030, while in the UK the National Health Service intends to be carbon neutral in its own operations by 2040. As the Academy of Royal colleges (AoMRC) highlighted:

“Sustainable healthcare involves ensuring the ability to provide good quality care for future generations by balancing the economic, environmental, and social constraints and demands within health care settings”.

If you are also interested in being an adherent of this mission here are 10 steps that we gathered to help you and your team get started…

Steps to Help Make Operating Room Sustainable

1. Use reusable products as a default. 

The first step towards leaving your environmental footprint is the usage of reusable products. These can vary from surgical linens such as gowns and drapes, to medical instruments (reusable laryngoscope, scissors) and other medical equipment (e.g. bowls, medication trays, sterilisation trays). Reusable products should be utilised when they are proved to be equal or superior in terms of infection prevention, hence Operating Room staff can mitigate climate change without jeopardising patients’ safety.

2. Optimise your pre-packs 

Pre-packs are an efficient way to use disposables in the OR. All disposables needed for a certain procedure are included in this pre-pack, making preparation for a procedure easy and simple. However, in almost every pre-pack, products are included that are not used during the procedure. These items have to be thrown out after the procedure is completed and end up in the waste bin without ever being touched by human hands. By removing these items at the manufacturer’s site, less waste is created in the Operating Room. 

3. Change your use of Anaesthetic gases as these are potent greenhouse gas emissions

Inhaled anesthetics harm the environment as a great percentage is vented into the atmosphere where they can affect global warming up to 2,500 times more than carbon dioxide. Hence, we would advise you to avoid desflurane in your OR and try to minimise the usage of Sevoflurane and isoflurane when it is only considered absolutely necessary. And if you are wondering what is the substitute of the above mentioned anesthetic gases, we recommend propofol.

4. Use optimised surgical trays

When operating a surgery, opt for optimised surgical trays that contain reusables. With this simple action you will minimise sterilisation emissions and once again contribute to a more green Operating Room. An optimised surgical tray means less water, less detergent, and less energy needed for cleaning and sterilisation.

5. Use medication as sustainably as possible

This step is as easy as it sounds. After using any medication, make sure that medication is thrown to the appropriate bin. Also, prevent medication waste by measuring the right amount of medication and be mindful when opening a new bottle or package.

6. Optimal energy use

Energy consumption varies between day and night. After all, most surgeries are performed during the day and only a small percentage during the night. The installation of automatic lights will help reduce energy usage. At the same time, medical staff or automatic systems could ensure that the airflow is switched off or on lower flow at night.

7. Recycle! 

In the preparation room of the OR, clean waste (non-contaminated) can be divided between plastic and paper waste. How can you achieve this easily and efficiently? Use multiple waste bins with clear indication (poster, sticker) of contents belonging in the bin. Next to the ‘standard’ waste segregation of paper and mixed plastics, several other materials can also be separated in the preparation room, depending on your waste handler.

8. Sustainable sterilisation department

One of the most important procedures prior to surgery is sterilisation. A sustainable sterilisation department uses optimised processes using a minimal amount of water, energy, and cleaning products. Usage of eco-friendly washing machines and eco-friendly detergent also contribute to sustainable sterilisation.

9. Manage your stock

Organisation and smart planning are the keys to a more sustainable OR. Start by controlling your stockage and avoiding keeping an excessive number of sterile products that can expire, such as suture sets and pre-packs.

10. Be sustainable during your coffee and lunch breaks

In order to make a small (but yet significant!) impact on the environment, avoid offering food in excessive plastic food wrappers in the cafeteria. Served food for personnel could include reusable tableware and the use of no bottled water could be increased. Last but not least, cups – either disposable or reusable – could be used multiple times (by the same person) to limit waste creation/dishwasher activity. Curious to know how scrub nurses in The Netherlands apply these steps? In the second series of our blogs, we talk with Talitha Hoppe, scrub nurse at OLVG in Amsterdam. Click on the link below and find a useful guide to get the most out of recycling in the OR.

Am I certain to lose my teeth?

No. With the right home care and help from your dental team, it is possible to keep your teeth for life. Gum disease and tooth decay can be prevented whatever your age.

What problems may older people have?

Your gums may recede (shrink back) as you get older, and your teeth may become a little more sensitive as a result. Your dental team will be able to show you the best brushing methods to keep any gum problems under control, and may suggest a mouthwash to deal with the sensitivity.

You may find it more difficult to clean your teeth properly if you have problems with your hands or arms, or if your eyesight is poor. Your dental team can give you help and advice on the best aids to use. A magnifying mirror and a good light are often helpful.

If you have lost some teeth in the past, and have bridges or dentures, you may have particular cleaning needs and problems. Your dental team can help you with these.

Some people take regular medication which makes their mouth dry. Saliva helps to protect your teeth against decay, so if you have less saliva than usual ask your dental team for advice. Or you can buy special products, including artificial saliva, in most pharmacies without a prescription.

Should I expect to have problems with my gums?

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of bacteria called ‘plaque’. Plaque forms constantly on your teeth. It is important to remove this plaque to avoid gum inflammation (swelling and soreness). If the plaque is not removed, the gum disease will, in time, affect the bone under the gums. This bone supports the tooth roots, so your teeth may gradually become loose.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

As it is often painless, many people may not know that they have gum disease. Some common signs are:

• Gums that bleed when brushed.
• Loose teeth.
• Receding gums.
• Bad breath.

Not everyone has all these signs. You may have only one.

Can I still get tooth decay?

Yes. The same dental plaque that causes gum inflammation can cause decay, particularly if you have sugary foods and drinks often. There is a particular risk of decay at the gum edge when the gum has receded, as the ‘neck’ of the tooth is not protected by enamel (the hard coating that covers most of the tooth).

How can I prevent gum disease and tooth decay?

• Thoroughly remove plaque from your teeth (and dentures if you have them) last thing at night and at least one other time during the day.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 to 1500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. There are many special toothpastes on the market, including tartar control and total care toothpastes. Your dentist may prescribe a higher-fluoride toothpaste if they think you need it.
• You should clean in between your teeth at least once a day using interdental brushes or dental floss.
• Cut down on how often you have food and drinks containing sugar – especially sweets that last longer in the mouth such as boiled sweets or mints.
• Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.

What do I need to clean my teeth properly?

You need a small-headed, soft- to medium-textured toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. To help clean between your teeth you could use an ‘interdental brush’, floss or tape. If you have arthritis you may find it difficult to grip a toothbrush handle, but you can get handle adapters.

Electric or ‘power’ toothbrushes are also ideal for people with limited movement. The handles are thicker and easier to hold and the oscillating head does most of the work.

Power toothbrushes have been proven to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes, so everyone can benefit from using them. There are many products available, and your dental team can help you decide which are best for you.

How do I know if I have removed all the plaque?

Plaque can be stained with a special dye painted on your teeth with a cotton bud, or with special ‘disclosing tablets’ from the dentist.

This stain is harmless and will show any areas of your mouth which need closer attention. Look particularly where the teeth and gums meet. A further brushing will remove the stained plaque.

Dentures, bridges or implants replace lost or missing teeth so that you can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence.

What causes mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers can be caused by broken teeth, poorly fitting dentures or sharp pieces of food. Once the cause is removed, ulcers should heal within 3 weeks. If you notice an ulcer which does not heal, see your dental team straight away. Many serious conditions, such as mouth cancer, can be better treated if diagnosed early at a routine check-up.