Research in Nursing

Critiquing research

As a central feature of national research and development strategies, clinical effectiveness emphasizes the importance of rigorous experimental research in nursing (Gillibrand et al, 2002). Research in its broadest sense is an attempt to gain solutions to problems (Clark, 1987). More precisely, it is a collection of data in a rigorously controlled situation for the purpose of prediction or exploration. Nurses must be able to understand the accumulating quantities of research literature in order to apply the results to health promotion and care (Martin & Thompson, 2000).

Evidence-based practice has now become a key phase in nursing and is an issue that requires attention. In the United Kingdom, a recent National Health Service review identifies the need for research to address local clinical practice gaps, which are derived from patients’ needs and perspectives (Department of Health, 1999). Good, robust research is required in order to raise standards of nursing care. Close collaboration between research and practice is vital to the future success of nursing research. Nursing practice is becoming increasingly more evidenced based, it is important that care has its foundations in sound research. It is therefore important that all nurses have the ability to critically appraise research in order to identify what is best practice.

This assignment will appraise the published quantitative research conducted by Grice, Picton and Deakin, 2003); “Study examining attitudes of staff, patients and relatives to witnessed resuscitation in adult intensive care units”. The aimed of this study was to describe perception of medical and nursing staff and patients and relatives in relation to inclusion of rel...

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...ke generalisations. Some clinical complications in A&E is discussed from the findings. Study suggests that patients and relatives views should be sought and their views should be respected. The authors also discussed other clinical ethical issues and the gap between patients’ knowledge.

This study suggests the need of support network such as a trained staff nurse or a chaplain for patient’s family during witnessed resuscitation to provide explanation, prevent interference and to provide emotional support during the process.

The main recommendation this study reviewed emphasises the need for further research into family witnessed resuscitation, Overall, the study approaches appeared to be orientated towards qualitative methods rather than quantitative, and appeared to be critiquing the study according to qualitative rather than quantitative criteria.