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Learning Objective 1: identify and describe the status of nursing research in South Africa with reference to postgraduate student outputs, funding, publications
Learning Objective 2: describe the PLUME programme as intervention to develop and support researchers to meet the expeceted outcomes
BACKGROUND: The development of research programmes is a relative novel phenomenon amongst nurse researchers in developing countries. Academics and researchers are faced with the demands for postgraduate and publication outputs, but with little or no support. In South Africa benchmarks have been set for expected research output per university and per academic. How does nursing research output in the country compare to these set targets?
OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the status of nursing research in South Africa; and to describe an intervention that has been implemented to provide support for the development of nursing research and researchers.
METHODS: The data was collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire. The survey was distributed to all 22 university nursing schools in South Africa of which 17 completed surveys were returned (77% response rate). The nursing dean was expected to verify all information submitted. Data collected reflects the years 2008-2012.
RESULTS: It is evident form the results that there is an increase in the output of publications and funding for research, but that the throughput rate of postgraduate students has shown nominal improvement. The large number of contract appointments in academia raises concerns, as it seems there is not the same commitment to output targets. Support programmes have been established to support researchers, and this seems to have a positive impact.
CONCLUSIONS: The interventions to develop nursing research and researchers has been structured, intense, and time consuming, and the return on investment only visible over a longer period. However, we have learned valuable lessons that can be shared as we develop best practices.