Summative Assignment Critique Of Research Articles ✓ Solved

Summative Assignment Critique Of Research Articles

Critique of a research article demonstrating your ability to critically analyze an investigative study related to nursing or medicine. The critique should include the research problem/purpose, review of the literature, theoretical framework, variables/hypotheses/questions/assumptions, methodology, data analysis, and summary/conclusions, implications, and recommendations. It must be 4–6 double-spaced pages plus a cover page and a reference page, follow APA guidelines, and include a critique attached to the article.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Nursing research plays a vital role in advancing healthcare by providing evidence-based knowledge that informs clinical practice, policy formulation, and patient care improvements. Critically analyzing research articles enhances nurses' understanding of scientific methodologies, the validity of findings, and their relevance to practice. This essay presents an in-depth critique of a selected original research article related to nursing, focusing on various components to assess its rigor, validity, and applicability.

Research Problem/Purpose

The identified research problem in the article was the increasing prevalence of medication errors among hospital nurses, which adversely affected patient safety. The authors articulated the problem within the context of existing literature, citing recent studies indicating a rise in medication mistakes due to staffing shortages and workload. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between nurses' workload, communication practices, and medication error rates. Clearly defining this purpose aligns with the need to improve patient safety and reduce medication errors, affirming its relevance to nursing practice.

Review of the Literature

The literature review explored concepts such as nurses' workload, communication strategies, and medication safety. The references included recent studies from the past five years, reflecting current understanding; however, some older foundational theories from over a decade ago were also cited to provide context. The authors effectively linked previous research to their study, emphasizing gaps about the interplay of workload and communication in error prevention. The concepts were well-defined, and the literature supported the study's rationale.

Theoretical Framework

The study was grounded in the Human Factors Theory, which emphasizes the influence of environmental and systemic factors on human performance. The framework was explicitly stated and related to the variables under study: workload (independent variable) and medication errors (dependent variable). The application of nursing theory was evident, yet the authors also integrated constructs from communication theory from other disciplines, enhancing the comprehensive approach. A suitable alternative framework might include the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS), which could expand understanding of systemic influences.

Variables/Hypotheses/Questions/Assumptions

The primary independent variables were nurses' workload levels and communication practices, operationally defined through validated scales and observational checklists. The dependent variable was the rate of medication errors, quantitatively measured through incident reports. The measures were concrete, measurable, and operationally defined. The research question was explicitly stated: "How do workload and communication practices influence medication error rates among hospital nurses?" The hypothesis proposed that higher workload and poorer communication would lead to increased errors.

Methodology

The study employed a quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional design. Deductive reasoning was used, based on existing literature and theory. The sample consisted of 200 registered nurses from two hospitals, selected via stratified random sampling, ensuring representation across units. The setting was urban hospitals in the United States. Data collection tools included validated survey instruments for workload and communication, and incident reports for errors. Reliability coefficients exceeded 0.80, and validity was established through pilot testing. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly adhered to.

Data Analysis

Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses conducted using SPSS. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between workload and medication errors (r = 0.45, p

Summary, Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations

The study's strengths included a robust sample size, validated measures, and comprehensive statistical analysis. Limitations involved potential self-report bias and the cross-sectional design, which limited causal inferences. The authors suggested that addressing workload and communication could reduce medication errors, implying that nurse managers should focus on staffing adequacy and communication training. The findings have significant implications for nursing practice, emphasizing systemic approaches to patient safety. Generalizability is somewhat limited to similar hospital settings, but the core concepts are applicable broadly.

Conclusion

This critique underscores the importance of rigorous research methodologies in nursing and the utility of theoretical frameworks in structuring investigations. The examined article provided valuable insights into factors influencing medication safety, reinforcing the role of systemic interventions. As the healthcare landscape evolves, continued research of this nature is essential for evidence-based improvements in nursing practice and patient outcomes.

References

• Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V., & Day, L. (2010). Educating nurses: A call for radical transformation. Jossey-Bass.
• Fitzgerald, A., & Gilmour, J. (2019). Human factors and patient safety. Journal of Nursing Management, 27(8), 1660-1667.
• Manojlovich, M. (2010). Nurse managers’ contribution to staff nurse communication and patient safety. Nursing Outlook, 58(3), 132-137.
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Improving Diagnosis in Healthcare. The National Academies Press.
• Rosenfeld, G. E., & Gehring, D. (2018). Communication and error prevention in nursing. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 33(2), 141-147.
• Sutcliffe, K. M., &Weick, K. E. (2010). Managing the unexpected: Resilient performance in an age of uncertainty. Jossey-Bass.
• Westbrook, J. I., et al. (2019). Computerized provider order entry and medication errors. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 26(7), 541-546.
• World Health Organization. (2017). Medication errors: Technical series on safer primary care. WHO Press.
• Zhou, Q., et al. (2020). Impact of nurse staffing levels on medication errors. BMC Nursing, 19(1), 95.
• Author et al. (Year). Title of the research article critiqued. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.