Evidence-Based Investigate: the Understanding of the Experiences of Clinical Nurses - Assignment Example

Evidence-based Research Name: Institution: Evidence-based Research 1. Context of the paper 1.1 What were the aims of the study? The study investigates the perceptions and experiences of neonatal nurses in nurse-led clinical research with the aim establishing why many nurses have been reluctant in undertaking research or applying research in their practice. The research as well aims at promoting the understanding of the experiences of clinical nurses in undertaking clinical research (New & Bogossian, 2008). 2. Research design 2.1 What was the design of the study? The study is based on a basic phenomenology design that focuses on gathering information on the perspectives of research subjects (Groenewald, 2004). This form of research design entails selection of an area of interest or problems, and greatly emphasizes on the idea that effective research cannot be detached from the participants. The Phenomenology design is reflective of a qualitative research technique aimed at making explicit the implicit experiences of research participants. 2.2 Identify and clearly describe three key features of the research design? According to Therkleson (2010), the phenomenological studies involve exploration or description of the phenomenon, bracketing, and discussion of interpretive themes to expose the phenomenon. Bracketing represents a technique applied to eliminate personal bias that emanates from personal beliefs and assumptions, and which undermines the understanding of a particular personal experience. In this case, the study begins by exploring the common experiences and perceptions of neonatal nurses, creating the ground for understanding their experiences and views on research; and bracketing is applied to ensure that the study maintains a neutral approach without dragging their previous views and experiences into the ongoing study. Finally, the study combines all the different experiences and views expressed by the neonatal nurses to identify essential themes that give conclusive information on the study problem or interest. Regardless of the nature of the study or problem being investigated, any study based on the phenomenological design must depict all the described features. 2.3 Why is the research design appropriate for the study? The phenomenological design is contextually most appropriate for this study because it entails the investigation of a phenomenon, which in this case is the experience and perception of nurses on evidence-based service. Since the study aims at revealing the experiences and views of the neonatal nurse on research, the phenomenological design is essential in ensuring that individual beliefs and assumptions do not influence interpretation of the study findings. The bracketing phase of this design is particularly important in ensuring that personal bias does not interfere with the study findings as well as ensuring that the study dwells on the direct views as expressed by the nurses rather than allowing previous stances to affect the interpretation process (Therkleson, 2010). The design further allows the principle researcher to combine his experience with that of other clinical nurse researchers to establish a better understanding of study findings. 3. Sampling 3.1 Who were the study participants? The study involved five female nurse participants aged between the 38years and 50years, serving in two different neonatal nurseries located in the regional and metropolitan regions of South East Queensland. The selection of the participants ensured that four out of the five nurses who participated in the study undertook their training in the Australian Healthcare System, while the other nurse went through the British Hospital System in her pre-registration training. In addition, the participants in the study had attained the positions of senior clinical nurses as well as clinical nurse consultants and a minimum of at least 12 years in neonatal clinical nursing (New & Bogossian, 2008). The other criteria in selecting participants was past engagement in nurse pioneered clinical research in either as data collectors or recruitment of participants or other role in the research process. 3.2 How was the sample selected? The researchers employed a purposive sampling model in selecting the sample in that the participants had to have had undergone through a research activity to qualify them as participants (New & Bogossian, 2008). The sampling approach was consistent with the requirements of a phenomenological study design for participants in the study. 3.3 Was the sampling technique appropriate for the research design? Why/why not? The sampling technique applied in this study was satisfactory because it was underpinned by the tenets of phenomenological studies where the participants had to have had an experience in the field of clinical research. Since the aim of examining experiences and perspectives of neonatal nurses fell under the phenomenological studies, application of the purposive sampling approach was most appropriate for sampling. The criterion used in the selection process purposely met the requirements needed to foster a successful study the phenomenon in question. 4. Data collection 4.1 How was the data collected? The study employed a qualitative data collection method by administering semi-structured interviews through face-to-face encounters, and other means of communication such as emails. The semi-structured interview guideline enabled the researcher to ask participants open-ended questions that effectively allowed them to express their views and experiences without major limitations in their responses. This method of data collection was crucial in ensuring that the researchers did not sway from core objectives of the study and indulge in non-objective conversations. 4.2 Was the data collection method appropriate for the study question and the research design? Why/why not? The data collection method can be considered to have been appropriate for the study because it provided the interviewees with the opportunity to express their views with any limitation to what is said in answering the open-ended interview questions. The study aim of gathering the views and opinions of the participants regarding the research phenomenon was best accomplished by allowing the respondents freedom and flexibility in providing answers to the semi-open ended interview questions. According to Gerrish and Lacey (2010), phenomenological data collection methods require provision of participants with significant flexibility in responding to the study questions to allow free expression of views and experiences. In this context, the data collection technique ensured that every activity undertaken remained within the tenets of phenomenological study designs; and the data collected reflected the objectives of the research. In addition, this technique enhanced the reliability and authenticity of the data that is critical in its understanding. 4.3 How did the researchers determine the sample size? Why did they stop recruiting participants? Researchers in this study determined the size of the sample through evaluation of the contact required to gather adequate information on every issue being investigated in the study. In this case, the researchers used the number of themes targeted in the study as the benchmark for the sample size required for the study. The five nurse sample was arrive at after evaluation of the five participants to ensure that no new thematic issue would have come by to push for additional participants. In phenomenological studies, the sample size must be guided by the number of participants required to meet the objectives of the study comprehensively (Greenfield & Jensen, 2010). The selection of the participants was therefore terminated after the researchers had established that the five nurse sample was all was required for the study to be considered successful. Data analysis 5.1 Identify and describe the data analysis? Was this appropriate? Why/why not? Analysis of data in the study involved a unique phenomenological data analysis technique, Colaizzi’s, specifically applied in analyzing experiences of participants for more comprehensive understanding the context (New & Bogossian, 2008). During the data analysis process, the researchers went through all the information provided by the respondents while scrutinizing the notes taken during the interviewing process as well as listening to recorded information in order to have clear overview of the participants’ experiences and perspectives. This measure was particularly important in preparing the minds of the researchers for the different views and experiences they were to expect before indulging into evaluation and interpretation of the responses provided by the respondents. In addition, the process of listening to recorded interview responses and written notes from all the participants enabled the researcher to categorize the responses or experiences in the different themes targeted by the study. The Colaizzi’s technique was particularly crucial in identifying the experiences with different themes in the study. The data analysis process was finalized through an important step involving referring the interview findings to the participants for confirmation to ensure that the analysis reflected their views and not views of the researchers. This step played an important role in enhancing the study’s reliability and accuracy. 5.2 How did the researchers ensure rigor? (i.e. credibility, auditability, trustworthiness, fittingness) The concept of rigor in the study was achieved through proper recording of the information obtained the participants through mechanisms such as the audiotapes, and notes taken from the responses provided. The idea of recording the information, as obtained from the participants during the interviews, serves to boost the credibility of the study findings. The inclusion of reference of the information back to the participants for confirmation further served to enhance the credibility of the research activity. The auditability of the research was promoted through recording of the information as it came from the participants, particularly through inclusion of direct quotes in the interview notes. The data analysis technique in this context served to affirm the auditability of the research processes. Finally, fittingness in the research was ensured through thorough pre-research preparation, especially in sampling process. 5. Ethics 6.1 What ethical considerations apply for this study and how are they relevant? In your answer, address ethical principles such as consent, justice, beneficence, respect. The study observed several ethical issues in its execution including the principles of informed consent, respect, justice, and beneficence. Informed consent was sought from all the study participants before including them into the study sample. The research had to acquire permission from the clinical centers before starting their recruitment processes for the participants. The ethical principle of respect was observed through protecting the information provided by not tagging it by the names of the participants as well as confirming their views before using them in the study. On the other hand, the principle of justice was upheld by ensuring that the research process does to discriminate them in any way by providing a leveled ground for airing their opinions and experiences. Finally, the study was beneficence because it provided the nurse participants with an opportunity to air their concerns that could be reviewed in the course of implementing the research findings and recommendations. 6. Findings 7.1 What were the main findings of the study? The study revealed embryonic culture and current culture as the greatest obstacles in nurses’ efforts to pursue clinical research. The current culture was cited as a major setback in the ability to delineate the role of nurses in research as well as contributing to other negative aspects such as lack of proper guidance in research processes. Issues of unpreparedness and lack of adequate support were also expressed as the major pullbacks associated with the embryonic cultures. 7.2 Can the study findings be used in other settings? Why/why not? The rich information contained in this study can be applied in other areas of study especially on investigating issues affecting performance of workers as it meets all the criteria for phenomenological studies. 7. Summary Review of the information contained in this article shows important knowledge that can be applied in improving participation of nurses in evidence-based studies. The study entails one of the most reliable research designs in the study of phenomenon that could be employed in other related studies. The Colaizzi’s technique applied in the analysis of the data serves to advance the reliability and credibility of the data obtained in the study; and could be applied in other phenomenological studies. The research established feasible setbacks in the efforts by nurses to participate in evidence-based research activities. The results can be applied in plans to encourage neonatal nurses to participate in research actives through establishment of strategic way to resolve such limitations. The study further emphasizes on the need to uphold ethical principles in research as activities through implementing different ways of ensuring ethics in the entire research work. Finally, the study reflects importance issues in research such as high credibility, audibility, and authenticity. References Gerrish, K., & Lacey, A. (2010). The research process in nursing. (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Greenfield, B.H., & Jensen, G.M. (2010). Understanding the lived experiences of patients: Application of a phenomenological approach to ethics. Physical Therapy, 90 (8), 1185-1197. Groenewald, T. (2004). A phenomenological research design illustrated. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 3(1), 1-25. New, K., & Bogossian, F. (2008). Nurse led clinical research: Neonatal nurses’ perceptions and experiences. Neonatal, Paediatric, and Child Health Nursing, 11 (3), 13-18. Therkleson, T. (2010). A phenomenological study of ginger compress therapy for people with Osteoarthritis. Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology, 10 (1), 1-10. Read More