Observations and outcomes: a comment on "seasonal variation in AF-related admissions to a coronary care unit in a 'hot' climate: fact or fiction?".

Observations about patients made by nurses and other healthcare professionals are important and may lead to new knowledge about patient outcomes and the development of interventions to improve outcomes. However, observations need careful study and validation before any conclusions can be drawn. The importance of the research process and building solid evidence is discussed, using an article from this issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing as an example.