Introduction
The investigated research paper delves into the topical problem of cancer and attempts to improve patients states by using multiple approaches, tools, or devices. Precisely, the authors cogitate about the use of photographic art to distract individuals from their current states and problems. In this regard, the pivotal aim of the paper is to determine preferences of patients with cancer regarding photographic art in inpatient hospital setting and determine the impact this sort of images might have on their states (Hanson, Schroeter, Hanson, Asmus, & Grossman, 2013). At the same time, reviewing the given article, possible implications for the sphere of nursing can be acquired and analyzed. Thus, in the course of their study, the authors come to the conclusion that patients choices are preconditioned by their moods and specific qualities of demonstrated phonographs (Hanson et al., 2013). That is why the given information can be applied to real-life settings to attain better results.
Research Question
The paper offers several research questions such as:
- What kind of photographic art do patients prefer/reject? (Hanson et al., 2013)
- How patients prefer to view photographs? (Hanson et al., 2013)
- What are their general predispositions regarding photographic artwork? (Hanson et al., 2013)
Resting on these aspects, authors suggest a hypothesis stating that patients preferences regarding the category of photographic art are impacted by their mood and characteristics as well as by the psychophysical and psychological qualities of photographs (Hanson et al., 2013). The given research questions and hypothesis can be considered topical as today there are numerous attempts to find methods to assist patients with cancer in their recovery and promote the improvement of their states. Investigations evidence the positive impact of music on this category of patients (Potente et al., 2013). Photographs, as another type of art, might also have a beneficial effect on patients and assist them in recovery or pain alleviation.
Research Design
The authors utilize a mixed qualitative-quantitative method to collect data needed for the discussion that will help to prove or refute their hypothesis. They use quantitative methods to gather statistical data about patients preferences. At the same time, qualitative survey questions are introduced to understand participants attitudes to particular sorts of photographic art (Hanson et al., 2013). Additionally, a single group design is explored as there is no need for control groups to compare findings. The use of the given approach helps to investigate the suggested issue from different perspectives and collect data needed for the in-depth analysis of patients preferences and how they are shaped by psychological or physical aspects of their states. For this reason, the authors utilized this research design aiming at the comprehensive assessment of the effect photographs might have on participants and their moods.
Sample
The number of participants is 80. There are 44 men and 36 women who agreed to participate in the research. Their age ranges from 19 to 85 years (the average is 49) (Hanson et al., 2013). The primary criterion for the selection of individuals for the study is their hospitalization for cancer treatment. The authors did not try to find individuals with other particular qualities or attributes to ensure the credibility of findings. The given number of participants can be considered appropriate regarding the nature of the research questions and hypothesis. Answers provided by them might help to identify trends regarding the demonstration of photographic art to patients with cancer and figure out regularities related to this issue. At the same time, this sample size can help to determine the correlation between patients moods and their preferences concerning photographs.
Data Collection Methods
To collect data provided by patients, RNs were used as data collectors. The given choice is preconditioned by their personal contact with the participants and their objectivity regarding the purpose of the research and hypothesis. All participants viewed 60 photographs with different qualities (Hanson et al., 2013). After this stage, a data collector provided them with an opportunity to use a computer and complete a Visual Arts Research Survey to answer questions related to their choices and preferences (Hanson et al., 2013). A secured Internet survey site was used to guarantee the anonymity of findings and avoid confidentiality breaches (Hanson et al., 2013). The given data collection procedure helped to acquire the needed information efficiently not touching ethical issues as all interviewees were 18 or older and their participation was voluntary. The provided information was analyzed by the researchers to create the background for the discussion section.
Limitations
The existence of multiple laminations is a critical aspect of any paper as they impact final results and should be considered when analyzing them. Thus, the central limit of the given study is the inability to collect data from very ill patients because of their inability to move or to think critically (Hanson et al., 2013). In such a way, the level of acuteness is the barrier that prevented investigators from the in-depth evaluation of the problem. Additionally, the level of data collectors preparedness and problematic access to the Internet are two other barriers deteriorating results of the study (Hanson et al., 2013). Nurses impacted data collection and patients choices. In such a way, in subsequent studies, the given barriers can be overcome by using specially trained data collectors and well-equipped rooms to ensure a more efficient data collection procedure.
Findings
In the course of the investigation, the authors come to the conclusion that patients choices and preferences regarding a specific category of photographic art are impacted by their moods and characteristics and photographs psychophysical and psychological qualities (Hanson et al., 2013). This assumption is evidenced by data provided by participants. In such a way, the hypothesis is proven using the pieces of data gathered from participants. At the same time, the information is used to answer research questions formulated at the beginning of the paper as the authors state that the more pleasant images are more frequently chosen by patients (Hanson et al., 2013). The credibility of findings cannot be doubted as the authors used relevant data provided by patients with cancer. Despite the existing limitations, the researchers managed to conduct the study and acquire findings that can be used in other projects or papers.
Summary
Altogether, the paper delves into the topical problem of cancer and the ways to improve patients health by using diverse methods. The investigators assume that photographic art can be demonstrated to patients with cancer and its choice depends on their current states and moods. In the course of the research, they prove the given hypothesis as all participants selected images regarding their current moods and objects depicted. In such a way, the authors conclude that the use of photographic art can be a potent tool in struggling against depression and mood deterioration preconditioned by cancer. The given finding can be implemented in real-life settings as there is a significant need for new methods to assist patients in their recovery. That is why photographic art can be considered a potent tool to help patients.
References
Hanson, H., Schroeter, K., Hanson, A., Asmus, K., & Grossman, A. (2013). Preferences for photographic art among hospitalized patients with cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 40, 337-345. Web.
Potente, S., Rock, V., Mclver, J., Williams, M., Magee, C., & Chapman, K. (2013). Fighting skin cancer with a musical sound: The innovative Australian sun sound campaign. Social Marketing Quarterly, 19(4), 279-289. Web.