Caregiving for Patients with Heart Failure: Impact On Patients' Families - Essay Example

Critique: “Caregiving for Patients with Heart Failure: Impact On Patients Families.” Critique: “Caregiving for Patients with Heart Failure: Impact On Patients Families” Title The title of the research does not present all variables as in included study itself. Importantly, the title represents the dependent variable that in this case if the impacts of caregiving for patients with heart failure on their families. The impacts depend on other factors; hence, a baseline for assumption would have been provided in the title. Additionally, the car giving process takes place in both hospitals and patients homes. The title should have clarified the main location where the research process is taking place due to differences in the variables. Abstract Not included Introduction Statement of the problem Not included Research aims, questions, hypotheses The study only formulated a single objective that is not explicitly stated. It resembles the title of the research rather than justifying other aspects of the study. The aim deals with the identity of the factors; however, the research should have added other variables that are related to the study population. An analysis of research questions would have increased the main objectives of the study; leading to enhanced results in the long-run. Literature review The research has provided a detailed background of the study based on various approaches. However, it lacks theories that provide a conceptual framework for the study. Based on the topic, the study should have provided theories on a behavioral perspective that are bound to occur in such situations such as caregiving. Additionally, the study would have provided a brief background on caregiving and heart conditions in order to present the reader with forms of conditions, their seriousness and level of impact to the caregiver and patient. As a result, basing the study on other similar works would have presented the reader with an opportunity to understand some of the concepts and words used in the study. Conceptual/theoretical framework Not included Method Protection of participants’ rights The information gathering method was not appropriate for the study design. Research requires that the participant’s rights have been protected in the required manner. The study has also not stressed on the security of the data gathered from the two subjects (caregivers and patients). The rights include privacy and console while carrying out the study. Most studies that deal with individual data are required to collect the data in ways that it is not accessible by a third party. The present research has incorporated mail as a medium of data transportation rather than questionnaires and oral interview that would prevent the data from getting into insecure hands. Consequently, the study has not included the main assumptions and regulations that are supposed to be followed when dealing with such medical research. A face to face interview with an already set questionnaire would have been used as the data collection approach. It would have ensured privacy among the participants and also gather accurate information. Research design The study has employed a cross-sectional descriptive design in its data collection. The sample population includes 76 patients based on convenience. Notably, before the data gathering, the sample was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Diversity and equity were emphasized through the selection of caregivers from different learning institutions. The subjects were issued prior to the notice of the research to ensure preparedness. Comfort was emphasized by offering the patients a choice to choose their favorite caregiver. Population and sample The populations were clearly identified and described in the study. Moreover, the interviewers were judiciously chosen to ensure competency in the final result of the study. Their ages and levels of education were clearly stated. However, the sample was not adequate compared to the size of the study. 76 patients and caregivers would not sufficiently represent the aim and objectives of the study in the chosen region. Despite being a preferred number from the original population of 116 participants, the researcher should have chosen a larger number. The sampling design approach was not correct and should have used participants from different counties in the state of California in order to reduce the probability of errors. Notably, the sampling biases were not minimized as compared to other successful researches. Data collection methods/instruments The data collection instruments were not also clearly described. The study does not stipulate clearly the different approached that were used. It has stated the amount of time used for the different subjects and has matched it with the value of data being collected. However, when there is the utilization of more than one data instrument, the study should differentiate the questions and strategies. There were questionnaires that would be filled individually or through phone interviews. The 45-minute questionnaire that was issued to the caregivers would be hard to take place through the phone as an interview since they were obligated with the role of taking care of the patients. As a result, the best instrument was a face to face interview in the patients home since it would help in reducing errors. Consequently, the key variables were not utilized in the best way possible for the research. Data collection procedures The data gathering procedure ensured professionalism in the study and there was no intervention during the study. Data was collected and based on different factors such as social-demographic, the severity of the heart failure, comorbid conditions, care activities provide and caregivers perceived control. Remarkably, the staff involved in the collection processes was well trained despite its age. They were young and knowledgeable from known universities in the State. RESULTS Data analysis The study used the SPSS software to analyze. According to the size of the sample and data collected, the appropriate analytical procedure was used. Each hypothesis was tested through the use of descriptive statistics. Notably, all variables of the study were included in the analysis. They include characteristics of the patients and caregivers and factors there were observed in the study. The presence of two groups being interviewed led to the analysis of data using the intention-to-treat approach. ITT was used avoid any misleading data that would come up due to interventions. Nevertheless, there were no interventions during the study. Type on and two errors were minimized during the regression analysis whereby there were no null hypotheses. The control of extraneous variables was ensured in the analysis through the use of the SPSS approach. The analysis report provides accurate data that can be relied on based on the variables and factors of the study. The final results are valid due to the efficiency of the data collection methods. Findings The study has presented adequately summarized data that has been portrayed in tables. The use of tables in the study has provided a summarized view of the study based on variables and measures of analysis. Additionally, the tabulation of data also simplifies approaches of analysis using the employed method. However, the findings in the table do not present sufficient information that is needed for the evidence practices. For example, there is the presence of data missing on the households annual income. The information would lead to erroneous results because it directly contributes to impacts of caregivers. DISCUSSION Interpretation of the findings Major findings that are related to the main variables have been discussed within the context. The main objective has been met in the findings whereby all impacts have been analyzed based on the level of influence. The interpretations are consistent with the limitations of the study. The setbacks show the study’s research range. For example, the missing data in the table would have been due to the small number of participants and lack of enough training in the staff. Consequently, there has been generalization of results that may cause errors in the final results. Implications/ recommendations The researchers have offered the suggestions based on their findings on the impacts of patients with heart failure on the patients’ families. The implications are offered in the conclusion whereby the researchers have provided ways of reducing the impacts while improving care on the heart patients. SUMMARY ASSESSMENT The study is valid and can be rated ‘7’ in a rating of 1-10. The rating is based on the confidence and efficiency of the results presented in the findings. Additionally, the study has provided evidence in the nursing field since the impacts can be used in the enhancement of care provision in heart patients. Consequently, the results can be used in the planning and management of various activities in the health department. The article can be recommended for a variety of health group projects that need to comprehend impacts of caregiving activities in the society. However, the commendation requires a change of some of the setbacks that contribute to the 3/10 of the rating. The research should plan for future studies in the same filed that can be used to support the findings. However, a larger population should be involved to increase cater for the developing trends. Reference Hwang, B., Fleischmann, K., Howie-Esquivel, J., Stotts, N. and Dracup, K. (2011). Caregiving for Patients With Heart Failure: Impact on Patients Families. American Journal of Critical Care, 20(6), pp.431-442. Read More