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Grey Literature in Nursing: Government Documents

What are government documents?

Government Documents are resources and information published and disseminated by a government agency.  Examples include:

  • Evidence-based Practice Reports
  • Fact Sheets
  • Agency/Research Reports
  • Guidelines
  • Handbooks & Manuals
  • Budgets
  • Maps & Atlases
  • Pamphlets
  • Statistics & Data

What is the value of government documents?

  • Reflects current law, data, and public policy.
  • Existence may depend upon executive direction, legislative process, judicial interpretation, and a practical implementation of government agencies through regulations and policies.

Example:  An Executive Order from the president of the United States, House and Senate Hearings, or Congressional Research Service reports can provide valuable information for evidence-based nursing research focused on health policy change.

Consider these questions:

  1. What is the geographic area or areas of my research question? (e.g., Do you need national, state, regional, county, or city government information?)
  2. What government agency or agencies publish information related to my research question?  Tip:  Look at what government agencies are cited in scholarly articles.
  3. What type of government information will help answer my research question?  (e.g., Do you need statistics?  Technical reports?  Cases?  Hearings?  Regulations?  Maps?  Scientific records?  Educational materials?)

Clinical Registries

Clinical registries are databases that systematically collect health-related information within an overall governance and management structure on individuals who are:

  • treated with a particular surgical procedure, device or drug, e.g., joint replacement;
  • diagnosed with a particular illness, e.g., stroke; or
  • managed via a specific healthcare resource, e.g., treated in an intensive care unit.

Source: Monash University