Qualitative Article
Gask, L., Ludman, E., & Schaefer, J. (2012). Qualitative study of an intervention for depression among patients with diabetes: How can we optimize patient-professional interaction? Chronic Illness, 2(3), 231-42.
Title of the Article
The article in question entitled “Qualitative study of an intervention for depression among patients with diabetes: How can we optimize patient-professional interaction?” dwells upon treatment of depression in patients with diabetes. The article is used, as it can be seen as a good example of the use of the qualitative research method.
Problem Statement
Treatment of diabetes involves numerous key components. Development of the care plan, self-management and the corresponding training, psychological support are central components of this kind of treatment. Healthcare professionals often employ the collaborative approach that is based on extensive communication with the patient. However, Gask, Ludman and Schaefer (2006) state that it is still unclear whether this communication is effective. More so, there only scarce information on techniques used by healthcare professionals (especially nurses).
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the research in question is to examine the communication patterns used by depression care specialist nurses when communicating with patients suffering from diabetes. The authors also identify a design for future care intervention studies.
Research Questions
Although the research questions are not explicitly stated, it is possible to formulate some of them. Hence, the researchers explored the communication techniques used by the nursing professionals. It was also important to identify particular problems patients face. The researchers also wanted to find out whether the interventions were effective.
Method
As has been mentioned above, qualitative research method is employed in the article. The researchers ran consultations in 9 primary care clinics. Qualitative content analysis was then employed.
Key Findings
Gask et al. (2006) note that patients face physical, psychological and social issues. It is noteworthy that nursing professionals utilize problem-solving as well as management skills when developing their interventions. At the same time, it is found that patients had certain difficulties, as they could not understand the treatment. Therefore, the researchers argue that nursing professionals have to provide guidance and training to help patients to understand the benefits of treatment and to be able to follow all the prescriptions and tips. Apart from that, according to Gask et al. (2006) nursing professionals also need certain training to be able to develop efficient models of care that would combine motivational interviewing with problem-solving treatment.
Quantitative Article
Pal, K., Eastwood, S.V., Michie, S., Farmer, A.J., Barnard, M.L., Peacock, R., … Murray, E. (2013). Computer-based diabetes self-management interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Cochrane Library, 3, 1-148.
Title of the Article
The article in question entitled “Computer-based diabetes self-management interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus” dwells upon the use of technology in self-management interventions in people suffering from diabetes mellitus type 2. The article is chosen as it is a good example of the use of the quantitative research method.
Problem Statement
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most serious disorders in the world and the number of people suffering from this chronic health condition has reached 347 million people (Pal et al., 2013). It has been estimated that this number will be more than 550 million people in 2030. 90% of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus have type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is crucial to address the issue and develop proper treatment strategies. Computer-based self-management treatment has proved to be effective and many patients benefit from the use of this type of technology. However, Pal et al. (2013) argue that it is unclear which components of the strategy are effective.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the research in question is to evaluate the impact computer-based management strategies have on health conditions and patients’ health-related quality of life. There was a specific focus on particular components of the strategy (computer-based and mobile applications and services).
Research Questions
Major research questions are formulated as follows:
- Are the computer-based intervention strategies effective?
- How do particular components of the strategies work?
- Are these strategies cost-effective?
- Which populations benefit from the use of the strategies?
Method
The researchers analyzed 6 electronic (focusing on articles as well as conference proceedings) and 3 online databases (focusing on theses). Mainly abstracts were analyzed. The sources selected were based on randomized controlled trials of the use of computer-based self-management tools.
Key Findings
The researchers analyzed 16 trials where 3578 participants took part. The average age of samples was between 47 and 67. The interventions lasted between 1 and 12 months. One of the participants withdrew from the study due to anxiety. There were also three deaths reported. Pal et al. (2013) report that effectiveness of computer-based self-management interventions is still doubtful, as there were no considerable improvements in patients’ psychological condition, weight management or quality of life. It is necessary to note that many people feel anxiety and depression, as they are unable to use the computer-based interventions due to their limited knowledge and experience in using computers. However, it is also clear that mobile phone applications and services have proved to be effective as the patients’ health conditions improved. The researchers conclude that there is no evidence that patients’ psychological, cognitive or physical conditions improve after the use of computer-based intervention strategies.