Pivoting Nursing Research and Scholarship During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The global COVID-19 pandemic has brought numerous challenges for conducting the human subjects research needed to advance science and improve health. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to discuss how a college of nursing at a large public university in the southeast United States has responded to the challenges of conducting research during the novel COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Seven faculty researchers at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing share their experiences in overcoming the unique challenges of conducting research because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19 are presented within the context of the research process, career implications, communication, and maintaining morale. RESULTS: Fears of COVID-19 and social distancing measures have hindered participant recruitment, enrollment, and involvement in ongoing studies. Increasing virtual technology use and enhancing safety precautions have assisted researchers to overcome barriers. Scholarly writing has increased for some faculty members whose studies have been stalled by the pandemic, yet others have seen a decline because of additional personal responsibilities. The careers of faculty members across all ranks have been uniquely affected by the pandemic. With most faculty working remotely, enhanced communication strategies at the university and college have supported the research enterprise. Morale has been adversely affected, but a variety of personal and collegial efforts have helped faculty cope and preserve a sense of normalcy during this devastating pandemic. DISCUSSION: Faculty and their ability to conduct the research needed to inform clinical and public health practice have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of conducting research during this unprecedented crisis, faculty and institutions are taking novel steps to ensure the continuity of scientific progress for improving the health and well-being of patients and populations.

Head and neck lymphoedema-research challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Management of secondary head and neck lymphoedema has undergone little research investigation. Its treatment is time and labour intensive and involves multiple therapeutic modalities without a clear understanding of which is most effective. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial comparing two therapeutic modalities to manage head and neck lymphoedema. The secondary objective was to evaluate the clinical effects of these treatments. Participants were randomised to receive treatment with manual lymphatic drainage or compression over 6 weeks, with the primary outcome-percentage tissue water-measured 12 weeks after treatment. Six participants were recruited until the study was ceased due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 86% of required attendances were completed. Percentage tissue water increased in all participants at 12 weeks. No consistent trends were identified between internal and external lymphoedema. The small number of people recruited to this study informs its feasibility outcomes but limits any conclusions about clinical implications.