Module 1

SETTING THE SCENE: WRITING A

MANUSCRIPT
INTRODUCTION
Romeo Luis A. Macabasag, MAN, RN

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Research Development and Innovation Center

Introduction

The Introduction – which is placed at the beginning of the conventional IMRAD
(Introduction, Methods, Results, And Discussion) format – simply "introduces" the topic
of the study to the readers. Introductions play an important role in establishing interest
among the different cadre of readership (Peh & Ng, 2008). Prior to publication, an
Introduction “sells” the whole paper to journal editors and peer reviewers (Jha, 2014).
Annesley (2010) described that an Introduction is similar to “setting the scene” in
theatrical productions. To accomplish this, different information that will back-up the
study is presented. In this module, different recommendations are offered on how to
write an effective research manuscript Introduction that can capture the interest of the
readers.

Objectives

After taking this module, the learners are expected to practice the strategies
recommended in writing a manuscript Introduction. Specifically, the learners are
expected to:
1. Recognize the relevant parts of an Introduction;
2. Critique sample parts of an Introduction; and
3. Demonstrate the ability to write an Introduction.

In discussing how to write an Introduction, the learners might ask: (a) What are the
important parts of an Introduction? (b) What information must be included in an
Introduction? and (c) How de we begin and end an Introduction?

What is the place of Introduction in the IMRAD format?

To better grasp the manner in which an Introduction must be written, it is necessary to
understand first how a typical research manuscript is organized. The IMRAD
(Introduction, Methods, Results, And Discussion) format was adopted by research
journals around the 1940s. It has gained such prominence because of its organized
structure that focuses on key information. This in effect helped researchers to easily
locate needed information, and journal editors and reviewers to efficiently critique the
substantiality of the manuscript (Wu, 2011). The figure below shows the schematic
representation of the IMRAD format.

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Figure 1. Schematic Representation of the IMRAD Format. (Adopted from Wu, 2011)

In Figure 1, those in lined boxes are required sections of a manuscript, while those in
dotted-lined boxes are optional. The inverted trapezoid represents how an Introduction
should be structured. It also shows how the Introduction relates to other parts of the
manuscript. Based from the diagram, the Introduction gradually “narrows” as it
approaches the core section of the manuscript (Methodology and Results) and in
reverse, the diagram widens as it moves out of the core section (Glasman-Deal, 2009).
It can be deduced then, that an Introduction is written in a “deductive” manner (see
Figure 2), in which the researcher starts with general statements or information going
to focused statements.

Figure 2. Schematic Representation of the Introduction. (Adopted from Cargill &
O’Connor, 2012)

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Essential parts of an introduction

According to Jha (2014), an Introduction consists of three main parts, namely:
1. Background information,
2. Rationale of the study, and
3. Purpose or Hypothesis of the study

Background Information

The Background provides general information about the focus of the study
(Bavdekar, 2015). This part must present what others have done (Peh & Ng, 2008)
and the “shortcomings of the existing reports” (Shokeir, 2013, p. 72) regarding the
area of study. The researcher provides a review of related literature to support the
background information. Kotur (2002) suggested that literature must not be
reviewed and presented exhaustively, thus four to five relevant publications is
generally enough to provide background information. However, Kotur’s (2002)
suggestion must not limit the researchers in writing the background information.
According to Peh and Ng (2008), “the length of the Introduction and depth of
background information contained depend on the target audience and type of
paper” (p. 756), and thus it must be “succinct and focused” (p. 757).

To produce a “succinct and focused” introduction, the researcher must extract the
gist of the literature. Key points from the results and conclusions of the cited
literature can be derived (Bavdekar, 2015). Box 2 shows few examples of phrases
that show how to introduce the topic.

Sample Phrases to Present Literatures about the Study

There is a considerable / vast amount of literature on …
Previous studies show/demonstrate/ prove/ found/ represent …
Various approaches have proposed/put forward/ suggested/ hypothesized …

Previous studies represent older adulthood as a stage of life with enormous health challenges
linked to chronic health conditions and comorbidities because of declining body functions and
mental capacity (Demiris, Thompson, Reeder, Wilamowska, & Zaslavsk, 2013; cited in Diño &
De Guzman, 2015).


Some suggest the use of broad statements, generally accepted as fact by the majority
of the readership. Depending on the focus of the research, the researcher may or may
not choose to include citations for such statements. The Introduction is usually written
in present tense since it expresses what has been reviewed in a certain period of time,
from the past up to the present

After identifying the current context behind the study, the researcher then must affirm
the presence of unexplored area. This can be done by presenting conflicting idea and
limitations of previous studies, and paucity or absence of scholarly works in the area of
interest (see Box 2).

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Excerpts from Researches Showing Presence of Unexplored Area

Absence: No study could be found showing adverse effects of moderate intensity exercise to
the mother or foetus during pregnancy (Lokey, Tran, Wells, Myers, & Tran, 1991; cited in
Rivero et al. 2015).

Showing Paucity: Many telemedicine services fail to sustain their implementation shortly after
initial funding or pilot phase (Broens, Huis in’t Veld, Vollenbroek-Hutten, Hermens, van
Halteren, & Nieuwenhuis, 2007, cited in Macabasag, Magtubo, & Fernandez-Marcelo, 2016).
Furthermore, there is a paucity of research surrounding effective implementation within
LMICs (Scott, Mars, & Hebert, 2012, cited in Macabasag, et al., 2016).

With Conflicting Idea: Access to HIV testing for youth poses similar challenges. Although
research has shown a high level of acceptability of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT)
among youth in SSA (Angotti et al., 2009; van Rooyen et al., 2012; cited in Hampanda, Ybarra,
& Bull, 2014), health workers may refuse to provide HIV testing to young persons. Even if
youth access an HIV-test, there are no consistent protections of their privacy rights
(Binagwaho et al., 2012; cited in Hampanda et al., 2014).

Presence of Limitation: Even if youth access an HIV-test, there are no consistent protections
of their privacy rights (Binagwaho et al., 2012; cited in Hampanda et al., 2014). Little is known
about how youths’ perceptions of respect and confidentiality at health centers will impact
their likelihood of seeking condoms or HIV testing.



Rationale of the Study

After discussing the background of the study, the researcher then convinces the
readers that it is indeed important to answer the problem implied in the
Background. The researcher must briefly show the potential relevance of addressing
the focus of the study in the development or advancement of a certain field or
practice. Also, the researchers may present the novel aspects of the study. This can
be done in reference to researcher’s experiences or thoughts, or from refereed
works. In this part, the researchers must establish the uniqueness of the study over
previous literature. Duplicate studies may not invite journal editors to publish such
scholarly works (Peh & Ng, 2008).

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Sample Study Rationale

In this article, we examine characteristics related to youth’ s perceptions of how they would
be treated at a health center and their ability to obtain condoms and an HIV test. We
hypothesize that youth perceptions are influenced by social support, self esteem, and sexual
activity. Similarly, obtaining condoms and HIV testing are likely to vary by exposure to sexual
education, social support, peer influence, and self esteem. Understanding the barriers that
prevent youth in SSA from accessing condoms and HIV testing is critical to informing effective
health service delivery programs for this high risk population (Hampanda et al., 2014).

With the emergence of gerotechnology (Chen & Chan, 2014) as an important and fertile
research area, this study aimed to ascertain specific UTAUT variables as potential predictors of
behavioral intention among seniors to use Telehealth using Partial Least Squares (PLS) method
of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This research work is substantial to rationalize the
technology adoption at the level of elderly user experience. Results of the paper aspire to
provide windows of opportunity in enhancing Telehealth practices, which may further direct
policy development and supplement knowledge frontiers on technology adoption among
seniors (Diño & De Guzman, 2015).

Purpose and Hypothesis

At the end of the inverted trapezoid that represents the Introduction (in Figure 1 & 2),
the specific purpose and hypothesis of the study is explicitly presented. In addition, main
and secondary objectives must be presented, using a maximum of two sentences.


Sample Phrases to Present Literatures about the Study

This paper examines / seeks to address / focuses on / discusses / investigates how to …
This paper calls into question / takes a new look at / re-examines / revisits / sheds new light
on …
In this report / paper / review / study we …

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the viability of applying motion-based exercise in decreasing
the anxiety and depression level among pregnant women in their last trimester. There is an
increasing need to advance our understanding on how technologies can function as an adjunct
to medical treatments in addressing perinatal distress (Rivero et al., 2015).


Difference Approaches in Writing the Introduction

Writing the Introduction (Peh & Ng, 2008)

Peh and Ng (2008) reported that an Introduction consists of only two basic parts,
namely: Background information and purpose of the study. The background information
must show what has been already conducted in the area of study through literature
review. Relevant literature must be included to support the claim, whether there are
conflicting, absence, or paucity of research studies about the topic. Consequently, in
presenting the purpose of the study, the following must be answered: Why undertake
the research? How does it relate to what has already been written? What is so different
or special about your research? The Introduction must: (a) focused and concise; (b) with

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sufficient background information; and (c) with clear purpose and relation to previous
studies.

Table 1. Writing an introduction, according to Peh and Ng (2008)
Excerpt from “Implementation of Telemedicine in Lower-Middle Remarks
Income Countries: Lessons for the Philippines” (Macabasag,
Magtubo, & Fernandez-Marcelo, 2016)
The potential of telemedicine is being realised globally.
Telemedicine has already demonstrated its potential in enhancing The Background
delivery of healthcare services by improving access, cost- Information, show what
effectiveness, quality and efficiency of health services. Researchers has been already
foresaw that delivery of health services especially in industrialised conducted in the area of
nations will be transformed through telemedicine by gradually interest.
shifting the delivery of health services away from clinics and
1
hospitals into homes. As such, highly industrialised countries had
already initiated the integration of telemedicine into their
healthcare system in an attempt to deliver better healthcare
services especially in rural or isolated areas where specialists are at
2
a distance.

Due to the recognised positive influence of telemedicine in
bridging gaps and inequities in healthcare (e.g. improving access to
healthcare services, especially in isolated areas), low and middle
income countries (LMICs) have similarly engaged in the use of
telemedicine. Projects and programmes on telemedicine in low
resource settings allow distant health workers to diagnose,
3
manage patient care, follow-up, evaluate care to patients, and
4
improve access to tertiary level care advice. Outcomes of such
programmes have demonstrated the capacity of telemedicine to
improve healthcare service delivery and even patient health
5
outcomes (i.e. quality of life of patients with chronic conditions).
However, regardless of the promising potential of telemedicine in The author presented
addressing healthcare problems, its success rate has been the gaps or issues
unsatisfactory. Many telemedicine services fail to sustain their around which the study
6
implementation shortly after initial funding or after a pilot phase. has been based.
Furthermore, there is a paucity of research surrounding effective
7
implementation within LMICs. Available literatures on eHealth in
LMICs mostly consist of articles that depict single uses of
8
technology in the delivery of healthcare services with no
documentation on their implementation process. The identified
gaps affirmed the need for further research to document existing
models of telemedicine implementation in LMICs to identify
commonalities and extract experiences which would be useful for
implementers in LMICs.

This study reviews and describes the experiences of LMICs, Purpose of the Study
excluding the Philippines, in implementing telemedicine services.
In particular, the study characterises how telemedicine services are Specific Objectives
being implemented within LMICs in terms of type of use modality,
financing, and channel, and identifies lessons for sustainable
implementation of telemedicine services in LMICs. The specific
objective was to develop recommendations for implementing
sustainable telemedicine services in the Philippines.

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Advice from an Editor (Shokeir, 2013)

Shokeir (2013) suggested a basic content of an Introduction. An introduction must
consist of a short review of the literature, gaps or shortcomings of the existing report,
aim(s) and scope of the study. In reviewing the Introduction, the researcher may ask:
Are the objectives clear? Is the importance of the study adequately emphasized? Is the
subject matter of the study new? Is previous work on the subject adequately cited?

Table 2. Writing an introduction, according to Shokeir (2013)
Excerpt from “Using partial Least Squares (PLS) in Predicting Remarks
Behavioral Intention for Telehealth Using among Filipino Elderly”
(Diño & De Guzman, 2015)
Reinventing healthcare services that foster equal access is crucial
to addressing the increasing needs of the aging population. Previous work on the
Previous studies represent older adulthood as a stage of life with area was cited
enormous health challenges linked to chronic health conditions appropriately.
and comorbidities because of declining body functions and mental
capacity (Demiris, Thompson, Reeder, Wilamowska, & Zaslavsk,
2013). In such case, constructive integration of information and
communication technologies (ICT) like Telehealth to public health
informatics (PHI) is seen as an effective and favorable solution to
the most pressing healthcare issues and demands of health
promotion among the elderly. Telehealth systems hold the
premise of helping older adults to live an independent life
(Pountney, 2009; Milligan, Roberts, & Mort, 2011); empower
patients; and promote self-management (Suter, Suter, &
Johnston, 2011) across geographical distance (Demiris et al., 2013;
Sorrells-Jones, Tschirch, & Liong, 2006). Moreover, the increasing
healthcare cost associated with aging creates diverse market
opportunities for Telehealth (DelliFraine, & Dansky, 2008). While
Telehealth has attracted considerable attention from healthcare
providers in developed counties (Milligan et al., 2011; Brownsell,
2009), the ‘‘least developed countries’’ could perhaps benefit
most from such technologies (Chanda & Shaw, 2010). Much of the
world’s elderly population (70%) resides in developing countries,
and continues to rise at a rapid pace (WHO, 2002).

Despite the benefits of Telehealth and the acceptance of its Importance of the study
technologies among healthcare providers, a digital divide among adequately emphasized.
seniors as client-end users remains prevalent. It has been reported
that usage rates of recent technological innovations are lower for
older people than for their younger counterparts (Olson, O’Brien,
Rogers, & Charness, 2011). The identification of the factors that
predict the use of technology, as a primordial step in analyzing the
acceptance and adoption of Telehealth, became an area of
considerable interest among scholars in the technology sector.
Previous researchers (Chigona, Mbhele, & Kabanda, 2008) further
noted that being able to profit from technology does not depend
on their availability, but more on people’s preparation and
capacity and intention to use such in new and creative ways.
Verdegem and De Marez (2011) believed that ‘‘utilization failure’’
of technology programs could be attributed to the less attention
given to user acceptance.

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 Previous work on the
A number of scholars have attempted to explain the enigma of area was cited
technology acceptance. Said efforts have led to the wealth of appropriately.
models explaining the users’ intention to use technology. The
most prominent example is the Unified Theory of Acceptance and
Use of Technology (UTAUT) by Venkatesh et al. (2003), which
advances the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Davis,
Baggozi, and Warshaw (1989). The UTAUT model was utilized
extensively in a number of studies in commerce (e.g., Escobar-
Rodriguez & Carvajal-Trujillo, 2014; Lescevica, Ginters, & Mazza,
2013; McKenna, Tuunanen, & Gardner, 2013; Chong, 2013);
education (e.g., Ersoy & Akbulut, 2014; Ho, Hung & Chen, 2013;
Huang, Hood, & Yoo, 2013; Teo, 2011); and mobile computing
(e.g., Nikou & Bouwman, 2014; Shafinah, Sahari, Sulaiman, Yusoff,
& Ikram, 2013; Fuksa, 2013), among others. While there are a
growing number of UTAUT researches in the healthcare field,
most, if not all, have focused on healthcare providers’ technology
acceptance (e.g., Anderson, Henner, & Burkey, 2013; Gagnon et
al., 2013) with lesser attention on the arena of client acceptance
as end-users of technology, specifically among the digitally Purpose of the Study
deprived senior users. With the emergence of gerotechnology
(Chen & Chan, 2014) as an important and fertile research area, this
study aimed to ascertain specific UTAUT variables as potential
predictors of behavioral intention among seniors to use Significance of the Study
Telehealth using Partial Least Squares (PLS) method of Structural
Equation Modeling (SEM). This research work is substantial to
rationalize the technology adoption at the level of elderly user
experience. Results of the paper aspire to provide windows of
opportunity in enhancing Telehealth practices, which may further
direct policy development and supplement knowledge frontiers
on technology adoption among seniors.

Introduction as the Foundation of the Research Paper (Bavdekar, 2015)

For Bavdekar (2015), an introduction must consist of a background information,
description of the rationale of the study, and statement of hypothesis and purpose. The
background must inform the readers about the focus of the whole research paper. It
must include studies conducted in the area of interest, then a synthesis must be
presented showing the gaps in the existing literature. In the description of study
rationale, the authors then convince the readers why it is important to find solutions to
the unanswered questions. The authors may also use this portion as an opportunity to
emphasize new and special aspects of the study. In the purpose and hypothesis, the
readers are informed of the actual intention of conducting the study. This will allow the
readers to know the research question to be addressed and its nature.

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Table 3. Writing an introduction, according to Shokeir (2013)

Excerpt from “Antenatal Exercise Program Using Motion-based Remarks
Games: A Pilot Study among Expectant Mother in Selected Areas in the
Philippines” (Rivero et al., 2015)
Physiological and structural adaptations during pregnancy are Short Review of
natural yet challenging episodes, as they are accompanied by serious Literature
health concerns and complications that can lead to changes in the mental
state of some women. It has been reported that up to 19% of women
1
experience depressive symptoms at some point during pregnancy, while
2
17.7% manifest anxiety symptoms. Pregnant women may be particularly
disadvantaged, as these symptoms may interfere with their ability to self-
care during pregnancy. Previous literature also emphasises that these
3-6
symptoms may have detrimental effects on the foetus and newborn.

There is substantial literature showing that exercise serves as a Shortcoming or
commendable solution to ease, if not totally eradicate, several health gaps of the existing
concerns during pregnancy. However, there are few studies about the literature
amount and type of exercise appropriate for pregnant women.
Traditionally, pregnant women have been advised to restrict intense
exercise due to concerns for the health of the mother and her foetus,
which include overheating, impaired delivery of oxygen and nutrients to
the foetus, and premature labour. A recent study showed that many
women opt to continue exercise programmes during pregnancy due to
7
awareness of its beneficial effects on health.

The increasing impact of technological advances is evident in several Description of the
aspects of exercise programmes. Presently, the new trend in exercise rationale of the study
involves the use of motion-based gaming consoles like Xbox Kinect. As
this applies information and communication technologies (ICT) for
Health this is an example of eHealth. The Xbox Kinect provides an
interesting way to exercise as it tracks the person’s movement and allows
their actions to be translated to an on-screen avatar.

No study could be found showing adverse effects of moderate
8
intensity exercise to the mother or foetus during pregnancy. This
supports investigation of the effect of motion-based game exercise on
anxiety and depression levels among pregnant women, which is yet to be
explored. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the viability of applying Purpose of the
motion-based exercise in decreasing the anxiety and depression level Study
among pregnant women in their last trimester. There is an increasing
need to advance our understanding on how technologies can function as
an adjunct to medical treatments in addressing perinatal distress.

Conclusion

This section suggests methods how one can best write Introduction for a research paper
intended for scientific journal publication. The literature highlights the necessity of
manuscript introduction in providing the readers with idea about the focus of the study,
purpose or goal, and justification for conducting such scholarly undertaking (Bavdekar,
2015); Shokeir, 2013; Peh & Ng, 2008). Evidently, in writing the manuscript introduction,
the researchers must be able to show the context behind the study, to establish and
maintain the attention of the readers, and also to allow full understanding of the study.

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Activity 1: Recognizing the Important Parts of an Introduction

Instructions: Read the excerpts below and identify which part of the Introduction was
presented.
A. Background information
B. Gaps or Shortcomings
C. Purpose of the Study
D. Rationale or Significance of the Study

____ 1. Although the topics of educational management and leadership have
generated a great deal of scholarly interest internationally over the
years, reviewers have generally suggested it has not been an area given
to rigorous empirical investigation and knowledge accumulation
(Bridges, 1982; Erickson, 1967; cited in Heck & Hallinger, 2005).
____ 2. These and other previous studies have shown that climate change
associated with increasing levels of carbon dioxide is likely to affect
developed and developing countries differentially, with major
vulnerabilities occurring in low-latitude regions (e.g., Reilly et al., 2001;
Darwin and Kennedy, 2000; cited in Parry, Rosenzweig, Iglesias,
Livermore, & Fischer, 2004).
____ 3. Primary Health Care is viewed by the Commonwealth government as a
means of reducing the burden of chronic disease, reducing demand on
hospital services and increasing equity of access to health services
(Department of Health & Ageing 2009; cited in Henderson, Koehne,
Verrall, Gebbie, & Fuller, 2014).
____ 4. The purpose of this article is to comment on educational leadership
and management as a field of study, focusing especially on the past 10
years (Heck & Hallinger, 2005).
____ 5. However, little is known about the combined effect of these processes
and variables and about the direct and indirect impact of the complex
interplay of teacher thinking processes (i.e., teacher beliefs, teacher
efficacy, teacher attitudes toward ICT, etc.) on ICT integration (Sang,
Valcke, van Braak, & Tondeur, 2010)
____ 6. Recently, blogs begun to emerge as a useful type of educational
technology. The literature discusses a number of interesting
possibilities for the use of blogs (eg, Flatley, 2005; Huffaker, 2006;
Perschbach, 2006; Quible, 2005; Richardson, 2006; Selingo, 2004; cited
in Churchill, 2009).
____ 7. The study is intended to contribute to the interesting phenomenon of
health literacy, gaming, and sustainable health among preschoolers, as
well as to offer good foundation for future endeavors and studies (Del
Rosario, Diño, & Rivero, 2013).
____ 8. In recent years, teacher education institutes have made efforts
preparing pre-service teachers to integrate technology into their future
teaching practices (e.g., Krueger, Hansen, & Smaldino, 2000; cited in
Sang, Valcke, van Braak, & Tondeur, 2010).
____ 9. There is little knowledge of why clinicians leave the professions, nor
why they choose to stay (Gaynor et al., 2006; Leurer et al., 2007; cited
in McAllister & McKinnon, 2009). Within this context, research into
resilience in health professionals is vital and learning about and

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applying strategies for resilience should be a relevant, indeed key
component of all the curricula for health professions (McAllister &
McKinnon, 2009).
____ 10. Findings from this study would help us to identify the health-promoting
lifestyles of our nursing students, and better prepare us to critically
evaluate the weak point of the nursing education programs (Hong,
Sermsri, & Keiwkarnka, 2007).

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Activity 2: Critiquing Sample Parts of an Introduction

Instructions: Read the excerpts (Del Rosario, Diño, & Rivero, 2013b) below and arrange
the parts of the Introduction in such a way that the idea flows smoothly. Write the
letters A to J, to ascertain the appropriate arrangement.

____ 1. Several nutrition agendas and plans were delivered to eradicate
malnutrition, but the problem still subsists. Studies have shown that
the decline in health literacy is considered the real cause of the
problem (Azim, Shafi, Qureshi, Sheikh, Azim, & Hayat, 2005).
____ 2. Therefore, experts started searching for new ways to provide health
information to children.
____ 3. Despite the advancements in the medical industry, there are still
unresolved gaps that needs to be bridged, specifically on malnutrition
and health literacy among children.
____ 4. Researches have been looking for the potentials of computer gaming as
a way to provide health information to children. With the immense
community of gamers existing Entertainment Software Association
(2011), utilizing games as a method of health teaching must really be
taken into consideration.
____ 5. A number of serious health games, or games intended to educate,
produced positive results in providing health knowledge on children.
One example is the eBug project that incorporated elements of a
platform game in order to raise awareness of children on antibiotic
resistance and respiratory hygiene (Kostkova, Farell, de Quincey,
Weinburg, Lecky & McNulty, 2010).
____ 6. In line with this fact and the various improvements in the methods of
learning, the present study argues that computer gaming can be a
potential tool to provide health information to the younger population
and later help solve the issue on malnutrition.
____ 7. The health game is entitled “Health Hunt”, a point-and-click adventure
game that provides children information about the basic food groups.
____ 8. Such undertaking would be beneficial in providing a guiding light for
the utilization of games in the academic environment that will directly
affect didactic knowledge, as well as providing empirical evidence that
would help researchers in their future undertakings.
____ 9. The latest conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute
(FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 2008
has revealed that there is increasing occurrence of malnutrition among
children in the Philippines.
____ 10. This paper intended to determine the effectiveness of a researcher-
made computer game in providing health information to preschoolers
in a selected preschool institution.

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Our Lady of Fatima University
Research Development and Innovation Center

Activity 3: Demonstrating Ability to Write an Introduction

Instructions: Read the excerpts (Macabasag et al., 2016) below and use them to create
a publishable Introduction. The Exhibit will serve as your guide. Use the all the
information provided. Please add other literature or statement, to further strengthen
your Introduction.

Information Resource Exhibit

• Competency on teamwork is important among nurses (Satu, Leena, Mikko, Riitta, &
Helena, 2013).
• Teamwork competencies are expressed explicitly in the the undergraduate nursing
curriculum in the Philippines, through the Core Competency Standards for Nursing
Practice (Professional Regulations Commissions, 2012).
• This warrants the conduct of this study, in which we assessed the teamwork
competencies of Filipino nursing students.
• Most of the studies conducted in the Philippines for undergraduate students mainly
focuses on general core competencies (Lazarte, 2016), caring competencies
(Labrague, 2012), and leadership competencies (Motio, Caranto, & David, 2015).

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