Introduction
The authors used the method of observational study for their research, as they aimed to compare and contrast the specifics of diabetes treatment among different populations. Thus, the study provides qualitative evidence of the treatment process differences and similarities for three racial/ethnic groups: African Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Whites. By using the longitudinal approach, the authors developed a reliable and valid pool of evidence from interviewing and clinically testing participants 2 times within 5 years between observations. Thus, the study represents a high level of clinical results supported by a varied and sizeable sample pool.
Discussion
Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the evidence gathered from observing and testing the participants. The authors adjusted the analytical model for various biases, including potential confounding variables when modeling for treatment or outcomes in different ethnic groups. Moreover, several statistical tests were used to further ensure the study’s reliability.
The study design works well for the chosen research question. The authors aimed not only to observe the variety of treatment models and controls in different populations but also to determine the existing trends that affect the patient outcomes for each ethnic group. By ensuring that there is approximately equal representation of participants from each population, the study gathered an adequate amount of comparable data to analyze and draw conclusions from. Moreover, the authors designed strict criteria for participation that narrowed down the potential sample pool to fit the research question better. Thus, it can be concluded that the study is valid, and its design is appropriate for exploring this specific issue.
While the article indeed provides valuable insights into the racial specifics of diabetes treatment, it would not be relevant for answering the PICOT question. This is mostly because the study did not focus specifically on Black patients and aimed more at establishing various trends existing in the treatment of diabetes from an ethnic perspective. Moreover, the authors did not incorporate any evidence regarding electronic health records into their research which is the prime focus of the PICOT question.
Conclusion
The level of evidence presented in the article complements its value rather well, in my opinion. The authors offered both statistical and qualitative analysis of their findings and discussed in depth the possible reasons behind each trend. They observed real-life patients twice with a 5-year gap between interviews to assess the changes in their condition and treatment process. This approach provides significant validity and reliability to the study, as well as highlights the most important developments in the overall treatment process of diabetes among different populations.
Reference
Bonds, D. E., Zaccaro, D. J., Karter, A. J., Selby, J. V., Saad, M., & Goff, D. C. (2003). Ethnic and racial differences in diabetes care: The insulin resistance atherosclerosis study. Diabetes Care, 26, 1040–1046.