Methodological approach in nursing research for constructing and validating protocols

Abstract

Objective: to highlight the methodological approach used in thesis/dissertations for constructing and validating protocols in the Nursing area. Method: a literature review was performed online at the Library of the Center for Study and Research in Nursing, and at the Thesis Databank of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel. Eight theses and 16 dissertations were included in the final sample. Results: it was found that the most common steps in constructing protocols were reviewing the scientific literature and using professionals to assist in this process. In studies related to protocol validation, the presence of groups of specialists/judges on the subject matter ranging from three to 16 in quantity was found, with the majority presenting up to ten judges. Regarding analysis of the validation process, we noticed a higher prevalence of agreement between the judges and the Content Validity Index. Conclusion: development of this type of technology constitutes a complex and multifaceted area, adapted to researchers’ expectations and objectives.