Wk 3 Assgn (6052)

NURSING STANDARD june 26 :: vol 27 no 43 :: 2013 59

Learning zone practice profile

Quantitative research A learning zone article has helped to widen Lyn Norkett’s range of source materials for evidence-based practice

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This practice profile is based on NS673 Hoe J, Hoare Z (2012) Understanding quantitative research: part 1. Nursing Standard. 27, 15-17, 52-57.

As an occupational therapy advanced practitioner, it is part of my role within the community rehabilitation team to emphasise the importance of evidence-based practice to therapy staff.

Although I am confident dealing with numbers and statistics, I had not sourced quantitative research articles in my area. This was mainly because of a lack of understanding of what good quality research is and how to interpret the results. Previously, I had tended to use qualitative research articles only.

Before reading the learning zone article, I had little understanding of quantitative research and how studies varied, the different methods used or how reliable and useful they would be. The article was easy to read and understand. It emphasised the importance of appraising quantitative research and using it appropriately to underpin existing knowledge and clinical decision making. I would like to encourage and guide colleagues to read more quantitative research articles.

The quality of a research study can be assessed by examining what the authors of the research article were aiming to find out, the type of quantitative research used, and whether the design of the research was appropriate for its aims. I am now more informed about participant recruitment and the suitability and performance of various statistical methods.

It is vital to assess the ethical implications of research to ensure that the dignity, safety, rights and wellbeing of the participants are protected. Having completed training in this area, I found the link with the Mental Capacity Act

and the implications for patients that do not have the capacity to consent thought provoking.

The multidisciplinary team I work with includes therapy staff, rehabilitation nurses and support staff, and is part of a complex care team that includes social care staff, based at a community hospital. I have identified a need to set up a journal club for therapy staff, and I think this would be of interest to many others within the hospital environment.

Starting point Reading the article and completing the time out activities has given me the confidence to begin organising a journal club to encourage all staff to search for, read and share relevant articles to provide up-to-date evidence to inform skills, treatments and practice. I am considering using the article as a starting point to increase colleagues’ awareness of how to critique research studies and assess their validity and reliability.

I now have a much greater understanding and appreciation of quantitative research and what it can offer to enhance my practice. My ability to appraise research critically has increased, and I intend to continue to read quantitative research articles and share this information with colleagues NS

Lyn Norkett is an occupational therapy advanced practitioner in the Ilfracombe Community Rehabilitation Team at Tyrrell Hospital, Devon

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