Dealing with data: optimizing data consistency to demonstrate the value of nurse practitioner service

Abstract

Introduction: Other authors in this volume have argued for the need to undertake audit and research related to nurse practitioner practice. Audit and research require skills in competently reviewing literature on a topic, developing an answerable question and devising an appropriate design and methodology. However, these are not the only aspects that need consideration before commencing the data collection phase. Too often clinicians successfully review the literature, identify the question, design and methods and then launch into the ‘doing’ of the project without also planning how data will be managed and analysed. The organising and processing of data are just as important as any other phase of the project, but these components of a successful project are often overlooked in the planning stages.