Critique of Research titled,” Tragedy into Policy: A Quantitative Survey of Nurses Attitude towards Patient Advocacy Activities”.

Name

Institution

Writer’s Choice

Critique of the ethical aspects of the study:

From the above study, many ethical issues are noted fro the study. The study was approved by the institutional body of the University of Nevada. The subjects under study in this case were the nurse’s actions and they participated in the study willingly meaning those who responded to the questionnaires did so voluntarily meaning they consented. There were others who did not respond to the study questions and this led to the assumptions that they willingly did not want to participate in the study. The respondents were not allowed to disclose their names but numbers were used to describe and present their views relating to the study. The subjects used in the case were not vulnerable but qualified subjects whose data was able to be traced in the national data that documents all registered nurses asserting their authenticity and merit regarding the study and the information they provided. The benefits of the study was great than the risks involved as it would improve the general welfare of nurses and more so whistle blowers and hence improve the entire profession of nursing and patients (Nieswiadomy, 2012). It reinforces moral and ethics in the profession improving responsibility and accountability by all stakeholders. However, the subjects were not given the opportunity to contact the researcher if other questions rose and how they could obtain the results of the study apart from lacking the opportunity to ask questions.

Critique of problem statement, purpose statement or research question:

The research question is clear as it advocates for concerns that affects the whole of nursing profession not only in the state of Nevada, but across many other places worldwide presented in a purpose statement. The study variables are including in the statement as it points out the primary people affected that include the patients and actions from the nurses. There is inclusion of study variables and the population that is directly affected by study goals and purpose that is the nurses and the reasons leading to failure into taking actions towards patient protection. The study was a quantitative study even though if it would have been conducted as a qualitative study it would still suit because of the challenge in quantifying the attitude of people relating to the main purpose of the study. Empirical data was gathered on the topic of interest as people directly involved and concerned with the purpose of the study gave out their positions and opinions regarding varied issue that proved relevant in relation to the study. The ethics and moral questions and concerns that the study tries to unravel are equally important that aims to improve the standards and levels of professionalism by nurse and all stakeholders as well as patient’s interest. The feasibility of the study is evident as interested parties that include the local leadership and administration showed interest in funding the study improving the likeliness of success of the study. It also is designed to protect all parties involved improving the support for the study.

Critique of the literature review:

The literature review used was comprehensive as it presented varied reasons that many scholars have noted down as reasons as to why nurses fail to report the malpractices noted in their professions. The literature reviewed targeted information that relate to the main question and purpose under study giving examples of previously related scenarios that have presented mixed views and results. The flow of the literature reviewed flows logically presenting points and positions that relate making it easier for the audience to follow and note the concepts with ease. The literature reviewed has concentrated mostly on the supporting theory with less opposing theory. However, in relation to the diversified reasons given, it has extensively covered most of the reasons noted earlier on prior to the study. The sources used for the literature are mostly from secondary sources and a few primary sources from previous studies and results by various institutions. The literature materials are also cited at the end of the study project making it easy for readers to further consult the material for additional information.

Critique of the study framework:

The theoretical framework is clearly identified even though it lacks the drawing and structure. The study indicates the methodology used as well as discussion and interpretation of the results and starts by presenting the background of the concern that prompted the study. Conclusions are made at the end in relation to the study findings that support the hypotheses and theories discussed and presented in the study (Black, 2008). Key words are noted and defined that form the basis for the study. At the end, the researcher relates the study finding with the study framework justifying the findings as well as presenting the limitations that the findings are applicable.

Critique of the hypothesis and research Questions:

The study contains various hypotheses as it tries to unearth many issues concerning the study problem that is clearly worded and concise. The hypotheses are derived from the framework established for the study. The hypothesis in the study contains variables and the population affected that include nurse and the patients. The hypothesis stated gives the direction in which the study takes. Most of the hypotheses lead only to one prediction that indicates the limitations causing lack of advocacy in patient’s activities. In this case, it is not apparent that each hypothesis is empirically tested as the hypothesis leads to the same objectives and goals. The objectives studied under each hypothesis would lead to the same results as noted through the study framework and objectives.

Critique of Quantitative Research Design:

The research design is clearly identified and described in the report that test the hypothesis stated in the research study. The study did not use experimental design and therefore there was no need for controlling both internal and external variables. The assignment of the subjects to be studied were clearly described and allocated scientifically. The research design allowed the researchers to draw a cause and effects relationship that indicated and pointed out the obstacles and barriers that made many nurses not to report challenges facing patients. To control extraneous variables in the subjects, scientific methods were used in selection of the subjects that participated in the study. Limitations also relating to application of the study and findings were also noted with results getting compared to other similar studies done in the past from different areas.

Critique of qualitative designs:

The study would have used a qualitative approach as it would present more appropriate results. It focuses on the subjective nature of human experience that relates to the nursing profession in relation to patients and the management. The research findings have proved to be very significance for nursing profession as well as patients as it empowers them positively by raising the standards and levels of professionalism without any fear. It led to passing of important legislation that has impacted the profession positively in the state of Nevada. Selection of participants is described but it present various unclear means such as sampling strategy used that presents room for bias. The study limitations are properly acknowledged and findings properly presented. The data collection was fully availed form the single approach used. However it would have availed more information had it incorporated more than one method to collect data. No further suggestions are made in relation to the study findings. Data analysis is consistent with the approach and purpose of the study that intends to get the generalized version in the findings regarding the matter at interest.

References

Black, L. M. (2008). Tragedy into policy: A Quantitative Study of Nurses’ Attitude Toward Patient Advocacy Activities. AJN Article.

Nieswiadomy, R. M. (2012). Foundations of Nursing Research (6th ed.), Pearson Prentice Hall.