A mentored cooperative group pilot study: atrophic vaginitis

Abstract

Objectives: To review nursing research initiatives from two cooperative groups and outline a pilot study performed by a junior nurse researcher mentored by cooperative group nurse researchers and institutional physicians.

Data sources: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, World Wide Web.

Conclusion: Nursing research can be initiated and led by nurses in the cooperative group setting. The team approach model of research includes several disciplines to examine multiple facets of the same problem, or of multiple problems that a cancer patient may face. This new model will enable a greater number of nurse researchers to investigate symptom management, survivorship, and quality-of-life issues.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurse researchers should be included in every cooperative group study to investigate nurse-sensitive outcomes and issues related to symptom management, survivorship, and quality of life.

Keywords: Atrophic vaginitis; cooperative group; dyspareunia; mentor; mentorship; pilot study; vaginal dryness.