A Critical Appraisal of Qualitative and Quantitative Nursing Research Articles

MAIN BODY

Article -1

An analysis of delegation styles among newly qualified nurses, 2017 [Online] Available through < https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28198338/ >

Research approach

The research approach implemented for the conduction of research in above mentioned article was an ethnographic case study, which was qualitative in nature. Qualitative research approach was the prime research study as it employs the formation of themes and theories for the analysis of research aims. On the other hand, quantitative research approach involves the use of statistical analysis of data for drawing conclusions (Saunders & et. al., 2019).  Ethnographic case study review is a form of research approach which employs the use of building arguments about a particular cultural group through analysis of a sociocultural phenomena. The use of this study design ensures that researchers are able to use their knowledge to develop an understanding of importance of evidence based practices in the profession of nursing. The implementation of this research approach was valid and a good decision by the authors.

Study methods

The study method for the article was implementation of an ethnographic case study design. The use of this particular study design was a fair decision as it involves researchers to be fully involved in the conduction of ethnographic studies through observations. Similarly, ethnographic is an appropriate way to different kinds of evidences related to clinical practices, therefore, the use of this study design was justified (Rhudy  & et. al., 2019).

Title and aims

The title of the article is “An analysis of delegation styles among

 newly qualified nurses”. The title is somewhat confusing and should have involved the use of clinical terms for better understanding.

The aim of the article, on the other hand, is distinctly defined and clearly describes the aim of the research that was conducted in the study of the article. The aim is brief and clearly states the understanding about exploring ways through which newly qualified nurses can learn to organise and supervise care in healthcare settings (Lopez & Cleary, 2019).

Author credentials

The professions of the authors of article was lecturer, Professor in nursing, Middlesex University, Professor in nursing, University of Salford, Manchester, England and many more. Therefore, the authors were more than qualified enough for conducting the research (Park  & et. al., 2020).

Data collection methods

The data collection methods used for the research aim includes participants observations and semi- structured interviews with newly hired nurses. The use of the data collection method was justified as semi-structured interviews an excellent method for theoretical collection of data (Lam, Schubert & Herron, 2020).

Analysis and result findings

The analysis of the results and findings was done with the help of thematic analysis. It is justified for researchers to use thematic analysis for accurate analysis of data and themes related to aim of the research  (Yingling, 2021).

Ethical considerations

The ethical approval for the article was obtained from NHS research authority and each researchers made sure to comply by the research ethics. Therefore, the overall reliability, applicability and validity of the research are relatively high. Confidentiality of data and information was also maintained and informed consent was obtained in a writing. Therefore, the rights of the participants were not violated (Labrague  & et. al., 2019).

Qualitative

The rigour of the research was medium level as proper attention to detail was paid by researchers. The dependability of the overall research can be questioned as information was collected from only 3 hospital trusts. There sample sizing for the research should be wider, for example, data from NHS should have been analysed. The credibility and conformability is high as proper ethical considerations were taken into account for protecting the rights of the participants. The representation of identified were described through proper categorization and description of data (Labrague,  & et. al., 2020).

The critique of the article showcases that this article was successful in identification of evidence based practices for nursing professionals in health and social care settings. The methodology for this research involved the use of direct semi-structured interviews that helped researchers to gain insight about the mindset of nurses in care settings.

Article-2

A quantitative study on personnel’s experiences with patient handovers between the operating room and the postoperative anesthesia care unit before and after the implementation of a structured communication tool, 2019 [Online] Available through < https://www.pagepressjournals.org/index.php/nursing/article/view/8041 >

Research approach

The research approach implemented for the purpose of the study was quantitative research approach. Qualitative research approach employs the use of themes and theories for the analysis of data. However, on the other hand quantitative research involves the use of statistical methods for analysis and interpretation of data (Jun  & et. al., 2020). The specific approach used for the article study was a cross-sectional quantitative study design. Cross sectional study design is a form of observational study which measures the overall outcomes of the data collected from study participants. This study design was implemented this observational study design is inexpensive and easier to conduct compared to other specific approaches. The association of preliminary evidence is easily related to advanced study of future. The implementation of this research approach was appropriate as it enabled researchers to investigate the personal experiences of quality of patient handovers through transfer of critical information. The outcomes of the measures will be easier to assess with this study design research approach.

Study methods

The study method implemented for the purpose of this article was Cross sectional method with quantitative design. This study method was appropriate to be used as it enables researchers to effectively measure outcomes of the variables statistically. The measures taken into consideration were questionnaires, which is fairly appropriate (Jamieson  & et. al., 2019).

Title and aims

The title of the article is “A quantitative study on personnel’s experiences with patient handovers between the operating room and the postoperative anesthesia care unit before and after the implementation of a structured communication tool”. This title of the article could have been described better in a clear and systematic manner.

The aim of the article is to investigate whether or not patient handover quality was different through the implementation of a communication tool. It is important to highlight that the aim of the article does not clearly mention which field of personnel's are being referred to in health and social care setting (Grove & Cipher, 2019). The title and aim of the article are partially unclear. There are three different aims, which are somewhat confusing for readers to interpret. Therefore, a clear, conscious aim would have been better.

Author credentials

The author of the article was Ann-chatrin Leonardsen, and three more authors, belonging to the Ostfold Hospital Trust in Norway. Therefore, the authors are clearly qualified enough to conduct the quantitative research  (Gorsuch  & et. al.,2020).

Data collection methods

The data collection methods used were questionnaires that were printed and delivered to personnel's that were involved in the process of patient handover. The handing over of questionnaires does not comply by ethical standards of research as the anonymity of participants was not complied with. An anonymous questionnaire would have been better for the research.

Analysis and result findings

The findings of the questionnaire were appropriately and accurately recorded and collected. The interpretation of data was quantitative and was presented in a good and descriptive manner (Dang  & et. al., 2021). A table was used for the representation of data findings of the differences between pre and post implementation of communication tool for personnel's involved in patient handover.

Ethical considerations

Ethical considerations are a set of principles that are used for guide and navigating the course of research. For this article, proper ethical approval was obtained from Norwegian Social Sciences Data Services. The Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics In Norway judged the overall quality of the research, therefore, the applicability of the research seems very high and good  (Clarke  & et. al., 2021). It is important to highlight that consent was assumed from participants and not obtained. Therefore, this aspect might decrease the ethical aspect of the research. The rights of the research participants might been considered violated due to lack of informed consent.

Quantitative

For the purpose of this article, the effect of bias altering the results is very less as the study was an observational study design. However, there is presence the confounding bias was somewhat there as two groups were identified as samples, due to which there might be presence of mixed effect in the outcome measures. The validity of the research is very high due to accurate and descriptive representation of results. The representativeness of the data and results of article was good and very accurately described. The data was presented to highlight that significant differences between transferring and receiving personnel pre and post implementation (Alqahtani & et. al., 2020).  

This article was useful in providing insights how communication is helpful for personnel's patient handovers. Nursing professionals are usually involved in the handover of patients, therefore, it is important to analyse the significance of ability to ensure proper communication of relevant information for enhancing patient outcomes.

CONCLUSION

From the analysis of above research report, it can be assessed that a critical appraisal of both the articles was conducted and each article was assessed for its reliability, validity and applicability for nursing professionals. The study method, data collection strategies, ethical considerations, results and approach of the research were also critiqued for developing an understanding about the different range of approaches for the implementation of evidence based practices for nursing professionals in a clinical settings. A critical appraisal tool was used for the assessment of trustworthiness and relevance of results of article. The conclusion of the critique of the article highlights that evidence based practices are extremely important in empowering of nursing professionals for enhancing the quality of care given to the patients. It was also discussed that evidence based practices are employed in the implementation of drawing information from current scientific evidence for the formulation of care delivery strategies. It is also important to acknowledge that the implementation of evidence based practices ensures that a holistic approach is maintained for integration of aspects of excellent quality of care, according to the preferences of the patient. 

APPENDIX

Data extraction sheet

REFERENCES 

Books and Journals

Alqahtani, N., Oh, K. M., Kitsantas, P., & Rodan, M. (2020). Nurses' evidence‐based practice knowledge, attitudes and implementation: A cross‐sectional study. Journal of clinical nursing, 29(1-2), 274-283.

Clarke, V., Lehane, E., Mulcahy, H., & Cotter, P. (2021). Nurse Practitioners’ Implementation of Evidence‐Based Practice Into Routine Care: A Scoping Review. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 18(3), 180-189.

Dang, D., Dearholt, S. L., Bissett, K., Ascenzi, J., & Whalen, M. (2021). Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals: Model and guidelines. Sigma Theta Tau.

Gorsuch, C. R. P. F., Gallagher Ford, L., Koshy Thomas, B., Melnyk, B. M., & Connor, L. (2020). Impact of a formal educational skill‐building program based on the ARCC model to enhance evidence‐based practice competency in nurse teams. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 17(4), 258-268.

Grove, S. K., & Cipher, D. J. (2019). Statistics for nursing research-e-book: a workbook for evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Jamieson, E., Whyte, L. A., & McCall, J. M. (2019). Clinical Nursing Practices: Guidelines for Evidence-Based Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Jun, J., Kovner, C. T., Dickson, V. V., Stimpfel, A. W., & Rosenfeld, P. (2020). Does unit culture matter? The association between unit culture and the use of evidence-based practice among hospital nurses. Applied nursing research: ANR, 53, 151251.

Labrague, L. J., McEnroe-Petitte, D., D'Souza, M. S., Cecily, H. S. J., Edet, O. B., Ibebuike, J. E., & Venkatesan, L. (2020). Capability beliefs and the intention to adopt evidence-based practices in the future among nursing students: An international study. Journal of Professional Nursing, 36(5), 301-307.

Labrague, L. J., McEnroe‐Pettite, D., Tsaras, K., D’Souza, M. S., Fronda, D. C., Mirafuentes, E. C., ... & Graham, M. M. (2019, April). Predictors of evidence‐based practice knowledge, skills, and attitudes among nursing students. In Nursing forum (Vol. 54, No. 2, pp. 238-245).

Lam, C. K., Schubert, C. F., & Herron, E. K. (2020). Evidence‐based practice competence in nursing students preparing to transition to practice. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 17(6), 418-426.

Lopez, V., & Cleary, M. (2019). Integrating evidence-based practice in the nursing curriculum. Issues in mental health nursing, 40(4), 365-368.

Park, M., Jeong, M., Lee, M., & Cullen, L. (2020). Web-based experiential learning strategies to enhance the evidence-based-practice competence of undergraduate nursing students. Nurse education today, 91, 104466.

Rhudy, L. M., Johnson, M. R., Krecke, C. A., Keigley, D. S., Schnell, S. J., Maxson, P. M., ... & Warfield, K. T. (2019). Change‐of‐Shift Nursing Handoff Interruptions: Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 16(5), 362-370.

Saunders, H., Gallagher‐Ford, L., Kvist, T., & Vehviläinen‐Julkunen, K. (2019). Practicing healthcare professionals’ evidence‐based practice competencies: An overview of systematic reviews. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 16(3), 176-185.

Shayan, S. J., Kiwanuka, F., & Nakaye, Z. (2019). Barriers associated with evidence‐based practice among nurses in low‐and middle‐income countries: A systematic review. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 16(1), 12-20.

Smith, S. B., & Kennedy, S. (2020). Authentic teaching to promote active learning: Redesign of an online RN to BSN evidence-based practice nursing course. Journal of Professional Nursing, 36(2), 56-61.

Tumala, R. B., & Alshehri, A. S. (2019). Perceptions of competence about evidence-based practice among Saudi Baccalaureate nursing students: a cross-sectional survey. Nursing science quarterly, 32(2), 101-105.

Yingling, J. K. (2021). Rationing Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Considering a Resource-Based Approach. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 26(1).

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