看護に関する実験研究での測定機器をめぐる問題

The Issues of Using Instruments in Experimental Research on Nursing

はじめに

　看護研究を行なう時，研究者は関心のある事項を，観察し記録できるデータに置き換えなくてはならない。看護に関する実験研究において，そのデータは人間の生理的指標であることが多い。データを得るためには，特別な測定用具（機器）を用いたり，自己報告法や直接的観察法による測定を行なう。測定方法を選択する場合に問題となるのは，測定方法が不足していること，その有用性がはっきりしていないこと，ほかの方法との優劣がわからないことではないだろうか。ここでは，生理的指標とその測定方法，測定に用いる機器の問題点についてまとめる。

　The purpose of experimental research is to make clear the causality of variables. This causality is demonstrated by observation of the effects of intervention on subjects. In experimental research on nursing, researchers often assess the effects of nursing according to physical status. Therefore, researchers measure physiological index using instruments.

　However, there are many instruments available and the choice of instrument can lead to differences in performance and method, even if these instruments are used to measure the same physiological index. It can be difficult for researchers to select the most appropriate instrument for a particular study.

　In experimental research on nursing, the subjects are human. Researchers should therefore perform experiments with an understanding of the problems they may encounter with the character of the physiological index, the instruments, and influences these will have on the subjects.

　In this paper, we demonstrate the effect of the character and selection of instruments on experimental research and discussed some points of view given by the subjects and researchers.