Nursing research in Latin America: priorities and possible solutions to move it forward

Abstract

Nursing research has allowed for the evolution of the discipline in areas such as the study of the ontology of care, the organization of health services, the organization of schools and faculties, nursing education, and nursing interventions and practices. Although nursing research has been growing in Latin America, it does not compare with the research being conducted in other health disciplines, and the need for nursing research in the region is still great. This article is the result of a reflection on nursing research in Latin America and aims to identify some of the research priorities in this region and possible solutions. The main priorities for nursing research are related to nursing interventions and innovations. There is also a need for more research in partnership with vulnerable groups and further research on public policy needs, interprofessional collaboration and practice, and nursing human resource planning. To address these priorities, it will be necessary to facilitate the involvement of community stakeholders and clinical practice nurses as well as the development of collaborations between researchers from different Latin American countries. Considering the complexity and diversity of the contexts in which nurses in Latin America work, it will also be necessary to develop nursing theories specific to regional contexts. By implementing some of the solutions proposed in this article, it may be possible for nursing research to further develop its potential to address many health challenges in Latin America.