Understanding the Research Process

Designed for nurses and healthcare professionals, the session demystifies research by presenting it as a structured, practical approach to answering clinical questions that arise in everyday practice. Dr. Meredith Farmer introduces learners to essential research terminology, including research questions, hypotheses, variables, populations, samples, and common sources of error. She explains why research is critical to improving neonatal outcomes, advancing professional practice, and identifying gaps in NICU care.

The session walks learners step‑by‑step through the research process: defining a problem through literature review, selecting a study design, gathering and analyzing data, and disseminating findings. Key concepts related to ethical approval, informed consent, confidentiality, and working with vulnerable neonatal populations are emphasized. Learners also gain practical guidance on evaluating research articles, selecting appropriate data collection tools, and ensuring reliability and validity.

Learning Outcomes:
Describe the purpose of neonatal research in improving patient outcomes and advancing the profession
Identify key research terminology, including research questions, hypotheses, null hypotheses, variables, and bias
Conduct a basic literature review to identify existing evidence and gaps in knowledge
Understand ethical considerations in neonatal research, including informed consent, confidentiality, and IRB approval

Presenter Information:
Dr. Meredith Farmer, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC

Meredith L. Farmer, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC

Dr. Meredith Farmer is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Specialty at Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Systems Leadership from Emory University. 

She is both an academic leader and a practicing NNP, caring for infants through her work with Marietta Neonatology in Georgia as well as Locum Tenens practice across the United States. She serves as an incoming Member-at-Large on the NANN-AP Council and contributes to multiple national committees focused on APRN advocacy, workforce development, and professional mentorship. 

Her professional interests and scholarship center on the sustainability of the NNP workforce, including shift length, fatigue, recruitment, role transition, and diversity in the profession. Through her research, writing, and national leadership roles, she advocates for policies and innovations that strengthen the pipeline of NNPs and ensure safe, high-quality care for the most vulnerable infants and their families.