Is the framework clearly identified?
The theoretical framework of the study “Patient understanding of emergency department discharge instructions: where are knowledge deficits greatest?” is not clearly identified. The authors have not included the thesis statement or research problems to support their research study. The fact that they have reviewed related literature in their study, and have included proposition statements, does not guarantee the clarity of the framework. The researchers should have included a clear research problem statement and research questions to provide a meaningful flow to the context of the study.
Is the framework based on a nursing theory or a theory from another discipline?
The framework is based on a nursing theory called an interpersonal theory. This theory emphasizes the need for communication between caregivers (nurses) and patients. The authors have focused a lot of their attention on the need for communication between nurses and patients particularly in discharge instructions (Engel, Buckley, Forth, McCarthy, Ellison, Schmidt, Adams, 2012). This clearly indicates that the framework is based on interpersonal nursing theory.
Does the framework appear to be appropriate for the study?
The framework appears to be appropriate for the study. This is because the authors have linked their research to the relevant theories. For instance, they have linked the need for communication between nurses and patients, with interpersonal nursing theory. The framework demonstrates comprehension of theories that fit the research’s topic.
Are the concepts clearly defined?
The conceptual frameworks are clearly outlined. The study outlines the possible course of action. The authors have for instance, stated the impact on patients after they get discharged from the ED without understanding the information provided to them by the caregivers (Engel et al., 2012).
Are the relationships among the concepts clearly presented?
The relationships between the concepts are clearly presented. The relationships between different types of conceptual frameworks are clearly presented by the authors. It is through close collaboration of the conceptual framework that the researchers achieved what they wanted in the study. The flow and support of the conceptual frameworks is a clear indication that the relationship among the concepts is clearly presented.
Is (are) the propositional statements identified that will guide the research questions or hypothesis?
The authors have identified propositional statements to guide research questions or the hypothesis. They have for example hypothesized that poor communication and interaction between the caregivers and nurses result to misunderstanding of discharge instructions. They have also mentioned why the research was designed, what they intend to do and what they want to achieve.
Are operational definitions provided for the theoretical concepts that will be tested?
The operational definitions are provided for the theoretical concepts that will be tested. These have assisted the authors to link the theoretical concepts to the real world. For instance, the research study includes and describes the observable variables in patients, nurses and events that are relevant for the theoretical concepts.
Does the researcher relate the study findings back to the study framework?
The researchers relate the findings back to the study framework. In the study framework, the researcher noted that the lack of understanding information (discharge instructions) while leaving the emergency departments is instrumental to patients facing adverse consequences. After the analysis of the research findings, the researchers confirm that most patients get discharged by care givers from emergency departments without the proper understanding of the ED discharge instructions (Engel et al., 2012). The researchers have also mentioned that such patients are likely to have adverse impacts on the deficits. This is also discussed in the study framework. All these indicate that the researchers relate the study findings back to the framework.
Do the study findings provide support for the study framework?
Yes, the study findings provide support for the research framework. Most of the things that are discussed in the study framework are also identified in the study findings. The way the researcher relates the research findings to the study framework clearly shows that the former supports the latter.
Reference
Engel, K. G., Buckley, B. A., Forth, V. E., McCarthy, D. M., Ellison, E. P., Schmidt, M. J., & Adams, J. G. (2012). Patient understanding of emergency department discharge instructions: where are knowledge deficits greatest? Academic Emergency Medicine, 19(9), E1035-E1044.