Quantitative studies are necessary because they help researchers develop theories and ideas for evidence-based healthcare. Researchers should protect human participants whenever they conduct different studies. This is the best way to ensure that the research is ethically acceptable (Burns & Grove, 2011). This paper offers a critical analysis of a research study conducted to establish the quality of pain management and assessment in critical patient care.
Critical Appraisal: Quantitative Study
Protection of Human Participation
There are different codes of ethics that guide researchers to protect human participants whenever they undertake their studies (Burns & Grove, 2011). After reading the article “Pain Assessment and Management in Critically Ill Intubated Patients: A Retrospective Study”, it is notable that the authors identify some of the benefits of participating in such a study. Patients and participants can contribute a lot to research and healthcare knowledge whenever they participate in different studies. However, the authors fail to outline the major risks associated with participation in scientific studies. Researchers should have the consent of the participants. During the study, the researchers used different medical files from Quebec to execute their study. The researchers liaised with the relevant authorities for getting a permission to use the files. The article clearly indicates that the institutional review boards and human research committees offered their approval for the study. This was necessary to protect human participants. The nature of the study did not allow the subjects to participate voluntarily in this research.
Data Collection
The researchers used effective data collection methods to have a successful study. After getting permission from the respective authorities, the researchers reviewed different medical files from two healthcare institutions. The files included those of patients whose age was 18 years and above. The major variables included age and intubation resulting from trauma, surgery, or pulmonary disease. The dependent variables included pain management and assessment methods. The authors used “Melzack’s Framework” for the retrospective study. The files used were for patients admitted between 1999 and 2001. The researchers began with the identification of the files for patients whose age was 18 years and above. As well, the patients fulfilled the required criteria (Gelinas, Fortier, Viens, Fillion & Puntillo, 2004). The authors grouped the data into two categories. The first category included the patients’ general information and the second group included nurses’ records and notes. The use of identification codes increased the level of data confidentiality. They also used an effective data collection method.
Data Management and Analysis
After collecting the needed data, the researchers coded information to safeguard the rights of the patients. The authors divided this information into two categories as mentioned earlier. The use of proper documentation made it easier to group the data in a proper manner. The sections included age, gender, diagnosis, surgery type, and complications experienced by the patients. The data was analyzed using SPSS 10.0 software. Throughout the data collection and analysis process, the researchers kept accurate records of the collected information (Gelinas et al., 2004). The approach made it easier to analyse the data. This helped the researchers make appropriate decisions. As well, the researchers used statistical software to ensure that the analysis was accurate. The researchers included a Principal Researcher and an Assistant Researcher to ensure that the data was accurate and without bias. The independent comparisons presented by the researchers made it easier to have a better analysis. The approach helped reduce instances of bias throughout the study.
Interpretation of Findings
After completing the study, the researchers observed that there were inadequate procedures for pain documentation in many healthcare facilities. This occurred due to the lack of appropriate tools for pain assessment in the health care facilities. It is notable that the findings are valid because they offer a reflection of reality in many intensive care units today. Personally, I would state that the findings are valid because they give a clear picture of the situation experienced in many healthcare facilities. There is a more urgent need for new strategies and tools for pain management and assessment today than ever before. The authors also identified some of the study’s limitations. Some of the limitations included the nature of the research design and the use of improper indicators for pain. However, the study was successful and presented new ideas for better practice (Gelinas et al., 2004). It is also notable that the researchers presented the findings in a coherent and logic manner. Nurses and professionals can therefore use these findings to come up with new tools for pain management and assessment. The approach can be helpful for patients in intensive care or for those who are unable to communicate verbally.
As well, physicians and nurses can apply the findings to nursing practice in general. The ideas can help nurses identify and manage pain in a proper manner. With a proper coordination and the use of new tools, it can be easier to provide better health care and manage pain in different patients. The researchers recommended the encouragement for new studies whereby nurses and patients could provide their views and experiences of pain and management procedures. It is necessary to develop new tools that can identify new indicators of pain (Gelinas et al., 2004). This will enhance documentation for non-communicative patients and eventually promote the best pain management practices. Future researchers should consider these recommendations in order to help nurses provide the best care and support to thier patients in healthcare facilities.
Reference List
Burns, N. & Grove, S. (2011). Understanding Nursing Research. New York: Elsevier.
Gelinas, C., Fortier, M., Viens, C., Fillion, L. & Puntillo, K. (2004). Pain Assessment and Management in Critically Ill Intubated Patients: A Retrospective Study. American Journal of Critical Care, 13(2), 126-136.