Advancing Science, Improving Lives: NINR's New Strategic Plan and the Future of Nursing Science.

Abstract

The future of nursing science has never been brighter. Because of nursing science, individuals and caregivers have a higher quality of life in spite of chronic conditions; we have a better fundamental understanding of symptoms such as fatigue, disordered sleep, and pain; people are learning better ways to keep themselves healthy and better manage their own health; and more of those with advanced illness are receiving the palliative care they need. At the same time, we recognize the many challenges that persist; we cannot rest on our laurels. Nursing science must be vigilant in looking toward the future to identify areas of science where we can continue to make major contributions to health and the research enterprise.The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) recently commemorated its 30th anniversary at the National Institutes of Health. This anniversary was an opportunity to recognize past achievements in NINR-supported science, to examine the current state of NINR-supported research, and to carefully consider the next frontiers in nursing science. In September 2016, NINR released its new Strategic Plan: Advancing Science, Improving Lives: A Vision for Nursing Science (2016). Developed with input from interdisciplinary scientists, clinicians, other experts across the nation, and the general public, the Strategic Plan details a blueprint for NINR-supported research that we believe will lead to new, significant advancements in nursing science. The Plan also incorporates feedback from the NINR Innovative Questions Initiative, in which members of the scientific community and the public were asked to contribute their ideas for new research questions that could lead to rapid improvements in health and quality of life over the next ten years (Grady, 2014, 2015).The new Strategic Plan describes four areas of scientific focus:1.Symptom science: promoting personalized health strategies. As people live longer, they are also more likely to develop chronic conditions, many of which are accompanied by symptoms that lead to poor quality of life. Research is needed to better understand the underlying biological and genetic factors that contribute to adverse symptoms, as well as develop and test new interventions to reduce the disabling effects of symptoms and improve health outcomes.2. Wellness: promoting health and preventing illness. The most effective way to overcome an illness is to prevent illness from occurring in the first place. NINR supports research to promote long-term health, including healthy behaviors, and to prevent illness and comorbidities across health conditions, settings, and the lifespan. Research supported in this area focuses on the physical, social, behavioral, and environmental causes of illness, determinants of health, and assessment of behaviors that lead to healthy lifestyle choices.3. Self-management: improving quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions. Effective self-management programs engage individuals and families as active participants in maintaining and improving quality of life while living with a chronic condition or multiple chronic conditions. Self-management research encompasses health strategies that allow individuals and their healthcare provider to adapt treatments to distinct circumstances by accounting for social, cultural, economic, and emotional factors that can influence their health and quality of life.4. End-of-life and palliative care: the science of compassion. There is a critical need to assist individuals, families, and healthcare professionals in managing the symptoms of advanced, serious illness, and planning for end-of-life decisions. In addition, high-quality, evidence-based palliative care is an important component of maintaining quality of life at any stage of illness, not just at the end of life. …