Increasing nursing research in cystic fibrosis

A pressing need exists for more research on the clinical, psychosocial, and genetic dimensions of cystic fibrosis (CF)(a broad spectrum of issues to which nursing research is well suited). The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is therefore seeking ways both to bring new nurse researchers into ongoing CF research and also to encourage those already engaged in nursing research in other areas to widen their focus to include CF. These goals were the focus of the NINR Spring Science Workgroup held on May 1-2, 2001, in Bethesda, Maryland. The NINR brought together an interdisciplinary workgroup of clinical scientists and practitioners in the fields of pediatric and adult cystic fibrosis as well as investigators with research expertise in telehealth, genetics, child development and family interactions, and ethics. The workgroup, chaired by Dr Patricia Grady and Dr Hilary Sigmon, was charged with identifying gaps in current knowledge and suggesting ways to increase the number of nurse researchers engaged in nursing research on CF.