Clinical Nurse Professional in Palliative Care - Essay Example

A critique of a research article The paper involves annotated critiquing of an article to gather pertinent information. In order to analyze the article adequately, an annotated framework is utilized to show the nature of evidence based practice (EBP) and criticality (Pandiri 10). The framework assists in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the article. The rationale for choosing the article critiqued is based on its relevancy to area of study and career growth. It is also professionally and precisely written making it enjoyable to read and understand. “Bracken, Mairéad., McLoughlin, Kathleen., McGilloway, Sinéad and McMahon, Edith. Use of dependency and prioritization tools by clinical nurse specialists in palliative care: an exploratory study. International Journal of Palliative Nursing. 2011, Vol 17, No 12” Annotated Framework Purpose of the study The principal purpose of the article was to assess the applicability of three needs assessment and dependency instruments for use in community-oriented palliative care services. Research problem and research questions The research problem was how to use dependency and prioritization instruments by clinical nurse professional in palliative care. Research questions included; how the CNSs who SPC in the community form a part in caring for sick individuals and sustaining families after patients’ demise? How the prioritization and dependency tools assist CNSs (clinical nurse specialists) in SPC (specialist palliative care)? Literature search A broad review of the empirical findings was undertaken prior to this research to recognize any empirical patient reliance and workload evaluation tools for application by CNSs when providing community-oriented SPC. Sample selection The participants were ladies with a mean age of 41 years of range 21 years. The mean number of years labouring in palliative care was thirteen thus a range of 15, while the common figure of years as a CNS was 5. Research design and data collection Exploratory mixed techniques were used to undertake the research and analyze the three tools to a selection of patients receiving of SPC community care, to determine the predictive capacity of each tool. Results and analysis of findings The Vale prioritization instrument emerged the most helpful for prioritizing patient necessities and controlling workload. Statistical assessment pointed out minimal differences between selected dependency instruments. Conclusions, recommendations and limitations The Vale prioritization tool identified as the most useful. Further research is to develop, adapt, and assess appropriate, preparing-specific dependency instruments for use with identified population. Analysis and Discussion In this section, the article’ strengths and weaknesses are analyzed and critically evaluated. In order to do that, three main sections of the article is selected as follows: methodology/design; sample / subjects / participants; and data collection methods. These are the building points of a good article, more so, in an evidence based practice article. Strengths The strength of this research article is its methodology approach that incorporates mixed method research approach. This is because it is possible to enjoy the advantages of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Mixed methodology’s initial strength is that it is a practical solution to the apparently unending arguments between quantitative and qualitative purists (Johnson and Onwuegbuzie 14-26). Quantitative and qualitative techniques have their unique biases and restrictions as disconnect entities, but when two techniques are selected distinctly since their limitations and biases cancel one another out, the outcome is triangulation also a much more concrete research than if just single technique was applied. The integration nature of this technique is what makes this research article an intriguing substitute to a mono-technique study (Johnson and Onwuegbuzie 14-26). Unlike the dichotomies of quantitative and qualitative, mixed research method is both inductive and deductive; it is both subjective and objective; it is completely practical and appropriate to numerous researchers as it permit a researcher to learn what is significant to them, it permits the investigator to differ the methods utilized to study that significance, and it permits the researcher to employ the outcomes of the research to generate positive actions in the researcher’s own precise area of concentration (Johnson and Onwuegbuzie 14-26). These strengths are evident within the article since every subject of the study is given subjective and objective approach. This is evident in the way methodology/design; sample / subjects / participants; and data collection methods are selected and appropriately executed. In general, the article had its data based pertaining the participants’ own criteria of meaningful. It provided individual case data and conducted cross-case analysis and comparison. It had description of rich detail occurrence as they are positioned and embedded in local setting. There was use of the primarily qualitative technique of analyzed theory to inductively produce a tentative but descriptive theory about an observable fact. Weakness The weakness of the study is based on the methodology used to do the research and compile the findings. In regards to mixed method designs, it is imperative to comprehend that mixed method techniques are not at all times the suitable choice for all study. The question ought to choose which strategy is best. Besides the suitability for the research matter, mixed methods study is not simple and can be demanding for one investigator to implement both a quantitative and qualitative research, either at the same time as or in succession, as the investigator not only has to be recognizable with both categories of research but must also be expert to merge them appropriately (Johnson and Onwuegbuzie, 14-26). This was a challenge since mixed method meant limited implementation of either qualitative or quantitative approach that could be preferably extensive separately. Methodology and design: Mixed method is evident in the article since literature review, quantitative and qualitative technique and statistical analysis are evidently applied. Efficient and effective labour force planning in society nursing is crucial for guaranteeing adequate, timely service availability for patients and their relatives (Bracken 600). In addition, recent years have observed an increasing necessity for professional palliative care and maintain to be offered to patients in the society in the UK. This consideration confirmed the search of good range of literature comprising Birch et al (1997) and Graves and Payne (2007) dependency tools (Bracken 600). The measures of the research provided a check for balanced review and literature was critically appraised. Vale prioritization tool was initially developed for cancer patients (Elteren 40); however, was applicable in this study to provide dependency profile’ of each patient. The CNSs completed tools on the patients they visited and treated in the study period (Fulton 50). The patients presented with various malignant and non-malignant diseases such as motor neurone disease, end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiac failure, renal failure, and Parkinson’s disease (Bracken 601). Sample / subjects / participants: The entire CNSs in the palliative care centre group were requested to participate, and everyone did participate in filling the instruments as this was an initiative incorporated by the research team as a whole (Fulton 50). This is a conviction that there was no coercion in recruiting participants. The participants were ladies with a mean age of 41 years of range 21 years. The mean number of years labouring in palliative care was thirteen thus a range of 15, while the common figure of years as a CNS was 5 (Bracken 600). It is appropriate to say the sampling strategy was appropriate since participants were knowledgeable about research problem. However, the sampling was biased since it only comprises females. Even male can do professional palliative care. There was a quantitative study of targeted population that led to breakdown of research portfolio into levels. By completing the tool the participants indicated their consent to participate. The study was carried in accordance with the ethical principles of conduct of the Psychological Society of Ireland and the British Psychological Society. The end result provided accountability of all participants. Data collection methods: The CNSs completed tools on the patients they visited and treated in the study period (Fulton 50). The patients presented with various malignant and non-malignant diseases such as motor neurone disease, end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiac failure, renal failure, and Parkinson’s disease (Bracken 601). The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 15 with the aim of exploring the relationship between each of the dependency tools and the Vale prioritization tool. The CNSs are appropriate people that this research needed. The tools that participants used to collect data were appropriate to help curb unreliability and invalidity of the process. The two assessing or measuring tools plus SPSS provided data authentication analysis process. The qualitative data were recorded, edited for objectives of clarity only, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to a regular thematic analysis in order to recognize and discover key themes and issues pertinent to the research question. Conclusion and Implications In conclusion, the findings indicate that CNS managers in SPC should carefully consider the use of an appropriate tool that includes assessing the extent to which the patient lives alone and is in receipt of other services (Bracken 605). This is an indication that conclusion was based on the outcome of the research. However, further research is required to establish the applicability of these categories to other patient groups and to develop alternative tools for which reliability and validity can be properly tested. The research was adopted by DHELCS (Department of Health’s End of Life Care Strategy); the HHT (Hospice at Home Toolkit); and the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Toolkit, indicating it was supported by local / national policy or practice. The GSF has been created lately in the UK for GPs and is premeditated to maximize patient care for those nearing death. Implication that can be drawn from this is that the research was viable and acceptable and challenges identified can be used for future enhancement of the study. Works Cited Bracken, Mairéad., McLoughlin, Kathleen., McGilloway, Sinéad and McMahon, Edith. Use of dependency and prioritization tools by clinical nurse specialists in palliative care: an exploratory study. International Journal of Palliative Nursing. 2011, Vol 17, No 12 Elteren, M.C.M . Labor and the American Left: An Analytical History. Jefferson, NC [etc.: McFarland, 2011. Print. Fulton, Janet S, Brenda L. Lyon, and Kelly A. Goudreau. Foundations of Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice. New York: Springer, 2010. Print. Johnson, R. Burke, and Onwuegbuzie, Anthony J. Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has come. Educational Researcher, 33 (7), 14-26. 2004. Ling, Julie, and Liam OSíoráin. Palliative Care in Ireland. Maidenhead, Berkshire, England: Open University Press, 2005. Internet resource. Pandiri, Ananda M, and Dennis Dalton. A Comprehensive, Annotated Bibliography on Mahatma Gandhi. Westport, Conn: Praeger, 2007. Print. Read More