The Development of the Healthcare Sector: Principles of Research and Evidence-Based Practice - Essay Example

Principles of Research & Evidence Based Practice Table of Contents Introduction 3 Critique of Article 4 Methodology Used 4 Research Design 5 Data Collection Tools 6 Sampling 6 Data Analysis 7 Critique of Article 2 8 Methodology Used 8 Research Design 9 Data Collection Tools 9 Sampling 10 Data Analysis 11 Conclusion 11 References 13 Bibliography 17 Appendix 19 Introduction In the present day context, the development of the healthcare sector has been seen in various domains of the operations owing to which better health related services are provided to the patients. Efficacy and professionalism from the end of the healthcare employees has certainly enhanced the overall quality of the healthcare sector globally. However, with the rapid transformation within the sector, evidence based practice within the healthcare domain has come into existence. Evidence based practice often refers to the approach of using the best available measures and suggestions that can be used for the purpose of determining a better decision making with regard to the health care needs of the patients. It involves the combination of systematic research and clinical intervention to develop a complete plan for the treatment of any patient. It has further been noted that evidence based practice is an integrated method of clinical intervention that includes the contribution of professional experts’ values for the patients, evidence gained from research and past cases relevant to patient care among others (Duke University. 2014). It is largely used for the purpose of determining as well as developing better decisions with regard to the care and treatment of the patients dealing with any sort of disease (Northwest College, n.d.). In this context, the essay intends to review two research articles that have extensive used evidence based practice for care and treatment of patients. The review will intend to highlight certain key aspects such as methodology of the research, data collection tools used in the research along with its results in a comprehensive manner altogether. Critique of Article 1 The article, “Nursing work environment and nurse caring: relationship among motivational factors” by Burtson & Stichler (2010) is reviewed. The article mainly intended to depict a better insight on the work environment for nursing professional along with identifying the factors that motivate them towards executing their activities. The research of Burtson & Stichler (2010) has clear and precise set of objectives, relevant to its aim and determine the relationship amid different nursing workplace factors which included nurse job satisfaction, stress and compassion fatigue among others (Burtson & Stichler, 2010). A systematic evaluation of the research study of the researchers has been provided hereunder. Methodology Used The research of Burtson & Stichler (2010) has been conducted with a co-relational study approach of nurses with a target population of around 126 nurses. A co-relational study primarily refers to the approach of researchers to determine the relationship between two variables on the basis of a set of acquired data. It determines the relation of increase or decrease in one variable with the change in another variable. It falls under the quantitative method of research (Gravetter & Forzano, 2011). Thus, the study of Burtson & Stichler (2010) can be identified as a quantitative research study. The research was further conducted with the use of certain reliable instruments which included the “Mueller McCloskey Satisfaction Scale”, “Professional Quality of Life Scale”, “Stress in General Scale” and “Caring Behaviours Inventory”. Mueller McCloskey Satisfaction Scale was used to analyse job satisfaction of the nurses on certain specific variable including scheduling, work balance, rewards and interpersonal relationship among others (APN, 2014). Similarly, “Professional Quality of Life Scale” was used by the researchers to identify the relationship amid various motivational factors of the nurses in the healthcare domain (Stamm, 2012). It can be determined that the methodology used by the researchers is appropriate with regard to the aim of the research, which was to identify the relationship of the motivating factors for the nurses within their profession. However, using different scales for analysis may result in increasing complexity during the research. Furthermore, a survey has been also conducted on the nurses to understand their perception about the challenges they need to tackle within the workplace for attaining motivation. This choice of the researchers can be justified owing to the aspect that the number of respondents was large in number and likewise, the interview may not have been appropriate in such scenario (Burtson & Stichler, 2010). Research Design Research design is the systematic process of conducting a particular research to solve a particular or a set of problems. Research design primarily includes numerous forms such as descriptive, semi-experimental, meta-analytic and co-relational among others with each one of them having its own significance and approaches (New York University, n.d.). The research of Burtson & Stichler (2010) implemented a co-relational approach towards depicting an appropriate answer to the research issue. The co-relational design used in the research was with the purpose of depicting statistical results with regard to the research topic, which enhances reliability and accuracy of the overall results obtained. The research design can be regarded as appropriate in context to the research owing to the aspect that it enhances the depth of the study conducted. The co-relational research design has ensured a meaningful observation of the targeted population, which add more depth to the findings. However, with the use of a co-relational design, the study failed to a certain extent in providing a succinct understanding about the relationship between nursing professionals and their motivation (Goodwin, 2009). In this context, the use of an experimental design may have been appropriate for the research (Burtson & Stichler, 2010). An experimental approach would have enabled the researchers to have more internal validity of the research result obtained (American Institute of Research, n.d.) Data Collection Tools Data collection for the research has been conducted with the use of both primary and secondary sources. Data collected from secondary sources includes the collection of information from journals, books and published articles among others. On the other hand, data collection of primary sources within the study includes accumulation of information through questionnaire survey with 126 nurses from a single academic medical centre. It took 2 weeks to compile all the data from primary sources i.e. the respondents. The approach of the research to collect data from a vast number of respondents can be considered appropriate with regard to the aim of the research (Burtson & Stichler, 2010). This can be justified by the fact that a survey method is able to present a wider data that further work towards enhancing the accuracy of the overall results obtained (Fowler, 2009). Sampling 126 respondents were selected for the research study from a sample of around 450 nurses belonging to different medical surgical units. A power analysis has been used to determine the right blend of sample to be used in the ultimate research. With the assistance of the power analysis, Burtson & Stichler (2010) were able to identify the most accurate number of respondents to be surveyed by further eliminating the prospect of any haphazard in the subsequent phases of the research. A multistage sampling method has been used to filter the sample size from 450 to 126. This was done with the help of power analysis in different stages (The University of Texas at Austin, 2009). The sampling approach of Burtson & Stichler (2010) within the study can be regarded as appropriate owing to the aspect that it ensured utmost accuracy in determining the target respondents to eliminate type II error in the latter scenario (Burtson & Stichler, 2010). Power analysis also enhanced the appropriateness and accuracy of the sample gathered to a considerable extent (Cohen, 2013). Data Analysis The data acquired from both primary and secondary sources were analysed in the research of Burtson & Stichler (2010) with the implementation of a quantitative approach. The statistics determined through co-relation depicted a strong relationship between nursing care and their level of satisfaction and motivation. The Pearson correlation tool has been used to analyse the data to obtain the appropriate answer for the research question. Furthermore, theoretical data relevant to the research aim were also extensively discussed by the authors to maintain a balance and alignment between the primary and secondary data. SPSS SP version 15.0.1 has been used to analyse and interpret the data acquired with relation to the subject (Burtson & Stichler, 2010). Proper flow has been also witnessed while presenting the data within the study (Foster, 1998). However, lack of graphical representation of the responses of the sample population was quite apparent in the study of Burtson & Stichler (2010). Critique of Article 2 The second research study was based on the article, “Obstacles to Shared Care for Patients with Dementia: A qualitative study” which was executed by Wilcock & et. al., (2006). The research mainly intended to evaluate the barriers that prevailed while providing shared care to the patients who were suffering from Dementia. The evaluation of the research is provided in detail hereunder. Methodology Used In order to evaluate the perceptions of specialists and medical professionals about the potential benefits of providing shared care to the patients of dementia, several key tools and techniques has been implemented by Wilcock & et. al., (2006). Notably, the study has been executed following a qualitative study approach. The qualitative research study primarily refers to the approach of analysing the data through theoretical perspectives with specific focus on data gathered from secondary sources such as journals and literatures (Klenke, 2008). The study has also implemented a semi-structured interviews approach to get primary data for the research. The interview was arranged as per the convenience of the participants. Additionally, the data that were acquired from the respondents were recorded in tapes to make appropriate use of the same in subsequent phases. The research study has also applied a thematic analysis where the gathered data were evaluated and examined through case and cross-case analysis. However, the methodological approach of the researchers can be criticised from the fact that very little has been discussed about the reliability and validity of the methods used for the research. Adding to that, the proper justification of the research was also not presented within the study (Wynsberghe, 2008). This has impacted the completeness of the study to an extent. Research Design Research design primarily depicts the approach of the researchers to conduct a particular study in a systematic manner by following a particular process or a set of different approaches (Laurel, 2003). The research design for this particular study included a qualitative study along with a semi structured interview approach. Qualitative research has been used to determine theoretical understanding of the issues relevant to the research, while the data or the understanding gained from the primary data will act as a supporting element and work towards strengthening or contradicting the results of the theoretical study. In this context, it can be affirmed that the research design is in alignment with the research topic and it has contributed towards getting appropriate responses for the research aim of the study. This aspect can be justified by the fact that with the use of qualitative research, Wilcock & et. al., (2006) explored the perceptions of generalists and specialists in the domain of Dementia care in a succinct manner. Furthermore, with the implementation of a qualitative research within the study, Wilcock & et. al., (2006) dealt with complex phenomena like Dementia in an in-depth manner. This also further justifies the use of the methods in the research study (University of South Alabama, 2014). However, it can be criticised that in the absence of a quantitative analysis method, the accuracy of the result would be considered as highly uncertain (Goertz & Mahoney, 2012). Data Collection Tools Data collection is one of the most important processes of conducting any particular research since, it directly influences the overall result of the study (Goodwin & Goodwin, 1996). For the research of Wilcock & et. al., (2006) both primary as well as secondary data were taken into consideration to ensure completion of the research study with the desired timeline. Data collection of primary sources included journal, articles and literature among others. However, the approach of researchers while collecting data from secondary resources was not justified on the basis of reliability and validity of the sources used. Throughout the research, little has been mentioned about the about the reliability and validity of the data acquired, which may again impact the overall acceptability of the study. The importance of reliability and validity of sources used in researches can further be comprehended from the fact that it directly affects the acceptability of the research in a wider dimension. While collecting data from the primary source, the authors used a semi structured interview method. There were no predetermined or specific set of questions, which were asked to the respondents rather an open ended interaction took place. This approach has enabled the researchers to remove any sort of barrier that can hinder them from acquiring abundant data. However, the approach can be criticised on grounds that it may not accumulate data in a systematic manner, which may cause problems while analysing and interpreting the same (Tappen, 2010). Sampling The research study of Wilcock & et. al., (2006) has been conducted with a systematic approach through the implementation of a structured and systematic sampling technique. Overall, the researchers invited 114 GPs and 53 specialists from the healthcare domain of the UK. The sample was filtered with the help of certain predetermined criteria of selection, which comprised age, gender, profession and qualification among others. This approach of the researchers was intended towards selecting the right number of respondents for the research. This approach of the researchers can further be appreciated for the fact that it has helped the research from making any sort of error during the study. However, it can be criticised that in the absence of a structured questionnaire during the study, the validity of the responses of the target question may be at stake (Thompson, 2012). Data Analysis Data analysis is important for this particular research owing to the aspect that the overall presentation of the study is entirely dependent on it. It involves interpretation of the data gathered from primary and secondary sources in alignment with the objectives of the research. In the research of Wilcock & et. al., (2006), a thematic analysis has been implemented. Specific themes were determined prior to the process of data interpretation and likewise, the gathered data were presented on the basis of the same, so that an appropriate balance can be created. With the use of the thematic analysis approach, the researchers have been able to acquire and present large set of data, which is less possible with other forms of analysis within qualitative research. It has also enabled Wilcock & et. al., (2006) to have flexibility while conducting the study and accordingly, the authors were able to describe a broader dimension of the research topic. However, selection of thematic analysis can be criticised on grounds that the accuracy of the data presented through such approaches is quite less (The University of Auckland, n.d.). Conclusion From the overall analysis of the paper, several key aspects can be concluded and comprehended. It can be said that researches are mainly conducted with the intention of developing a better understanding about a particular subject matter on the basis of certain predetermined aims, objectives and research questions. Contextually, it has been learnt that any particular research study conducted with the aim of presenting a better comprehension about a particular subject matter that is further accepted universally by people across diverse disciplines. In this regard, it becomes important that a research is conducted in a systematic manner with due adherence to some of the core rules of a research. To have a better comprehension in this regard, this study has reviewed two evidence based research articles to assess the same on the basis of key research criteria with regard to flow and structure of executing the work. Notably, the first article was a quantitative research study that has been conducted with the data collected from both primary and secondary sources. The gathered data were further analysed with the help of highly regarded statistical tools and techniques such as SPSS and Pearson correlation. However, the research paid little heed on depicting the reliability and validity of the data acquired, which is one of its major limitations of the study. On the other hand the second evidence based research article was executed following a qualitative approach through thematic analysis wherein the acquired data were analyzed based on predetermined themes to obtain a better set of responses in alignment with the research objectives. However, accuracy and reliability of the data presented were not widely discussed within the study. Hence, it can be concluded that both the research were conducted in a systematic manner but at the same time it had certain key limitation of its own, which could not be overlooked. References American Institute of Research, No Date. Experimental Study Design. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/index.php/products/at-research-matters/experimental-study-design/ [Accessed November 07, 2014]. APN, 2014. Mueller and McCloskey Satisfaction Scale (MMSS). Home. [Online] Available at: http://apntoolkit.mcmaster.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=123:mueller-and-mccloskey-satisfaction-scale-mmss&Itemid=57 [Accessed November 07, 2014]. Burtson, P. L. & Stichler, J. F., 2010. Nursing Work Environment and Nurse Caring: Relationship among Motivational Factors. Journal of Advanced Nursing, pp. 1819-1831. Cohen, J., 2013. Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioural Sciences. Routledge. Duke University, 2014. What is Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)? Home. [Online] Available at: http://guides.mclibrary.duke.edu/content.php?pid=431451&sid=3529499 [Accessed November 07, 2014]. Foster, J. J., 1998. Data Analysis Using SPSS for Windows - Version 6: A Beginners Guide. SAGE. Fowler, F. J., 2009. Survey Research Methods. SAGE. Goodwin, W. L. & Goodwin, L. D., 1996. Understanding Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Education. Teachers College Press. Goertz, G. & Mahoney, J., 2012. A Tale of Two Cultures: Qualitative and Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences. Princeton University Press. Goodwin, C. J., 2009. Research in Psychology: Methods and Design. John Wiley & Sons. Gravetter, F. & Forzano, L-A., 2011. Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. Cengage Learning. Klenke, K., 2008. Qualitative Research in the Study of Leadership. Emerald Group Publishing. Laurel, B., 2003. Design Research: Methods and Perspectives. MIT Press. New York University, No Date. The Context of Design. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.nyu.edu/classes/bkg/methods/005847ch1.pdf [Accessed November 07, 2014]. Northwest College, No Date. What is Evidence-Based Research? Home. [Online] Available at: http://libguides.northwestcollege.edu/content.php?pid=123551&sid=1061627 [Accessed November 07, 2014]. Stamm, B. H., 2012. Professional Quality Of Life Scale (PROQOL). Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.proqol.org/uploads/ProQOL_5_English_Self-Score_3-2012.pdf [Accessed November 07, 2014]. The University of Auckland, No Date. About thematic analysis. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.psych.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/our-research/research-groups/thematic-analysis/about-thematic-analysis.html [Accessed November 07, 2014]. Thompson, S. K., 2012. Sampling. John Wiley & Sons. The University of Texas at Austin, 2009. Types of Sampling. Home. [Online] Available at: https://www.ma.utexas.edu/users/parker/sampling/srs.htm [Accessed November 07, 2014]. Tappen, R., 2010. Advanced Nursing Research. Jones & Bartlett Learning. University of South Alabama, 2014. Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Research. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/bset/johnson/oh_master/Ch14/Tab14-02.pdf [Accessed November 07, 2014]. Wynsberghe, R. V., 2008. Cultivating the Under-Mined: Cross-Case Analysis as Knowledge Mobilization. Qualitative Social Research, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 1-26. Wilcock, L. S. & et. al., 2006. Obstacles to Shared Care for Patients with Dementia: A Qualitative Study. Oxford University Press, pp. 353-363. Bibliography Hollis, M. & et. al., 2014. Do Practice Nurses Have The Knowledge To Provide Diabetes Self-Management Education? eContent Management Pty Ltd, Vol. 46, No. 2, pp. 234-241 Kamberelis, G. & Dimitriadis, G., 2013. Focus Groups: From Structured Interviews to Collective Conversations. Routledge. Lichtman, M., 2012. Qualitative Research in Education: A Users Guide. SAGE. Morgan, D. L., 1997. Focus Groups as Qualitative Research. Planning and Research Design For Focus Groups. [Online] Available at: http://www.uk.sagepub.com/gray3e/study/chapter18/Book%20chapters/Planning_and_designing_focus_groups.pdf [Accessed November 07, 2014]. Newman, I., 1998. Qualitative-quantitative Research Methodology: Exploring the Interactive Continuum. SIU Press. Oxford University Press, 2014. Frameworks for Critiquing Research Articles. Home. [Online] Available at: http://global.oup.com/uk/orc/nursing/holland/01student/chapters/ch07/frameworks/ [Accessed November 07, 2014]. Panter, A. T. & Sterba, S. K., 2011. Handbook of Ethics in Quantitative Methodology. Taylor & Francis. Appendix Activity 1: Article 1 Description Critique Key refs to support Research Approach Is it quantitative or qualitative or mixed? Is this appropriate for the research purpose? The study was conducted through Quantitative approach It was effective but the aspect of validity and reliability were not mentioned Burtson & Stichler (2010) Sampling What type of sampling has been used? E.g. purposive, convenience, random etc. Is this appropriate for the study? Systematic Sampling The sampling was approiate and it was justified through power analysis Cohen (2013) Methods of data collection What did they use to collect data? Interviews, focus groups, observation, questionnaires, measurement etc. Was this appropriate for the research approach used? Primary and Secondary Wide range of data were collected but the aspect of reliability was not depicted Gravetter & Forzano (2011) Validity & reliability OR Trustworthiness & credibility How did the researchers ensure these? What were the limitations (if any)? Not mentioned Realibility and validity were not apparently mentioned within the study Gravetter & Forzano (2011) Ethical considerations Was the study granted ethical approval? What about other issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, fairness etc? The study was conducted through ethical approval Ethical approval was duly adhered Gravetter & Forzano (2011) Analysis How were the data analysed? Was the technique appropriate for the research approach / data? The data were analysed through correlation and SPSS software Though the approach can determine highly reliable results, the aspect of complexity could not be ignored Foster (1998) Results How were results presented? Were they clear? Did they answer the research question? The results were presented through tabular form and systematic interpretation The results were apparently highlighted Foster (1998) Discussion Did the authors discuss the results in the context of previous findings? Through discussion with regard to the research has been ensured The results were extensively discussed in alignment with the research aim and objectives Foster (1998) Limitations of the study Did the authors identify limitations? If not, did you pick up any significant limitations? Social acceptance of the research may be uncertain The study may lack wider acceptance Foster (1998) Strengths Overall what was good about this article? The article was presented simplistically, but with the required knowledge The results obtained ensured utmost accuracy and reliability Implications of the study for practice What are the key implications for practice that arise from the study? It might be effective in future researches relevant to similar subject It can be used owing to its generalizability Activity 2: Article 2 Description Critique Key refs to support Research Approach Is it quantitative or qualitative or mixed? Is this appropriate for the research purpose? The study was conducted through qualitative approach It was effective, but the aspect of validity and reliability were not mentioned Klenke (2008) Sampling What type of sampling has been used? E.g. purposive, convenience, random etc. Is this appropriate for the study? Systematic sampling The sampling was conducted in an effective manner but method of evalution were not mentioned Thompson (2012) Methods of data collection What did they use to collect data? Interviews, focus groups, observation, questionnaires, measurement etc. Was this appropriate for the research approach used? Primary and secondary Wider data were collected from both the means of data sources Wynsberghe (2008) Validity & reliability OR Trustworthiness & credibility How did the researchers ensure these? What were the limitations (if any)? Not mentioned Aspect of reliability and validity were not mentioned Wynsberghe (2008) Ethical considerations Was the study granted ethical approval? What about other issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, fairness etc? The study was conducted through ethical approval The study was conducted by following the ethical or legal principles Thompson (2012) Analysis How were the data analysed? Was the technique appropriate for the research approach / data? The data were analysed through thematic analysis The analysis process was simplistic but it may lack accuracy Thompson (2012) Results How were results presented? Were they clear? Did they answer the research question? The results were presented through narrative analysis The results were presented theoritically Wilcock & et. al., (2006) Discussion Did the authors discuss the results in the context of previous findings? Through discussion with regard to the research has been ensured The results were discussed with little precision Wilcock & et. al., (2006) Limitations of the study Did the authors identify limitations? If not, did you pick up any significant limitations? Social acceptance of the research may be uncertain The study may not be considered as effective on grounds of its accuracy Wilcock & et. al., (2006) Strengths Overall what was good about this article? The article discussed extensively about the research topic It is simplistic in nature and thus, provide a better comprehension of the subject matter Implications of the study for practice What are the key implications for practice that arise from the study? It may be effective in future researches relevant to similar subject The study can be extensively applied in various researches owing to its generalizability. Read More