NURSING AND EDUCATION PLATFORM

Stimulated by twitter debate, but we so knew it was coming--

Blogs are more valid than research which merely selects what people say to use towards confirming the results. Blogs say so much more; research topics are actually restricted. Hence delay in researching why poor care still exits until now- largely based on Mid Staffs evidence and work of Cure the NHS. What is published at all, is also restricted. Therefore comments that it has not been published in a "reputable journal, written by a renowned author", is no excuse for ignoring any comments. Blogs written by ordinary people with ordinary voices, are so much more valid. Yes you may get the odd saboteur, but so you may certainly do in research. In this way, research is being used as an excuse to ignore additional or new findings . Some may actually consider the use of blogs as  a form or qualitative research. Even classics such as Tom Brown's school days, may be considered by some as ethnographic research; just a means of acceptability and recognition.

Accounts of individuals have been used as excuses for disbelief by higher bodies and individuals, for many years. There is no need to wait for mega research projects and publications.

So to they who wish to blog; continue - you are being heard.

Carol Dimon. Lenin Nightingale.