Introduction
Currently, the online medium, digital libraries, and printed publications provide medical professionals with abundant information related to innovative treatment methods, advancements in health care, solutions to issues in nursing, and so forth. Nevertheless, even peer-reviewed publications sometimes involve controversial findings and unverified data due to the application of irrelevant research methodology. Examining the article “Person-Centred Care: An Approach That Improves the Discharge Process” written by Ulin, Olsson, Wolf, and Ekman, this paper will discuss the research methods utilised by the authors of the publication.
Research Methodology Applied in the Study
Problem Statement
High rates of hospital readmissions of patients with heart failure necessitate further research of this health care issue (Ulin et al., 2016). The study conducted by Ulin et al. (2016) seeks to explore prospects for improving outcomes associated with the implementation of the Gothenburg person-centered care (GPCC) model in planning the discharge of patients with chronic heart failure. Referring to findings of previously conducted studies, Ulin et al. (2016) state that the application of the GPCC model reduces the heart failure readmission rates through patients’ involvement in planning care and discharge process.
Research Methods Implemented in the Study
In conformity with quantitative research methodology, Ulin et al. (2016) undertook a controlled before-and-after study in order to examine the effectiveness of the GPCC approach by comparing it with a usual care model. The quantitative design provides credible data through the statistical analysis of correlations between the dependent and independent variables. Participants that were treated in accordance with the GPCC model were identified as the dependent variable. Specifically, Ulin et al. (2016) described and assessed the variables by “using means, SDs, and medians, and comparisons between groups were performed using the Mann–Whitney U-test” (p. 22).
Data Collection and Management
Processes of the participants’ enrollment, data collection, and data analysis were conducted in accordance with the quantitative design. Data collection and data management procedures were computer-generated; it allowed avoiding prejudicial attitudes and minimizing biases. Quantitative design requires a relevant number of participants so that research findings can be generalized. The larger the sample is, the more accurate data research provides. There were 248 participants in the study; therefore, the researchers obtained credible data. The fact that the two-tailed significance level was less than 0.05 testifies to the research reliability. Thus, procedures and methods grounded on quantitative methodology minimized the probability of the researchers’ biases. According to the results obtained, the strong point of the GPCC model is the identification of patients’ needs, concerns, and resources at admission that allows health care providers to develop a relevant discharge care plan, educate family members about postdischarge care, and ensure the safer transition to home care (Ulin et al., 2016, p. 25).
Conclusion
Summing up, the research conducted by Ulin et al. (2016) can be evaluated as a reliable evidence-based approach to research studies. All obtained findings were verified statistically, corresponding to the requirements for methods of quantitative research. Specifically, the study design, stages, procedures, and methods are explained in great depth; retrieved data is accurately represented; research findings and limitations are discussed. Although the research involved only Swedish participants, its findings can be disseminated as hands-on recommendations for decreasing heart failure rehospitalizations. Taking into consideration the significance of the issue of heart failure readmissions, the findings of the research pursued by Ulin et al. (2016) are topical.
Reference
Ulin, K., Olsson, L. E., Wolf, A., & Ekman, I. (2016). Person-centred care: An approach that improves the discharge process. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 15(3), 19-26.