Research for Evidence Based Practice

Research for Evidence Based Practice 

DISCUSSION: response

LEVELS OF MEASUREMENT

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses to two of your colleagues by noting any discrepancies and/or suggesting alternatives in the levels of measurement and statistical analyses described.

PEER #1

Okikiola Oluwabunmi Ogunbunmi

Research Question

How will timely recognition of time zero help increase the adherence to sepsis protocol to produce positive patient outcome?

 

Level of Measurement

Measurement scale is an important part of data collection, analysis, and presentation. In the data collection and data analysis, statistical tools differ from one data type to another. There are four types of variables, namely nominal, ordinal, discrete, and continuous, and their nature and application are different (Mishra et al., 2018). When it comes to data presentation, it helps to give meaningful information to the audience through graphs and tabulations.

 

In measuring data for my research question, I will be looking into different types of measurement, with some falling under the qualitative and quantitative variable. An ordinal variable is like nominal variable. The difference between the two is that there is clear ordering in the data (Mishra et al., 2018). The ordinal variable will be used to measure the quality of care that was provided after the identification of time zero.

 

Discrete variable is the quantitative data, but its value cannot be expressed or presented in the form of decimal. When trying to present the amount of patient that the research investigated, it must be a whole number. Whereas in continuous data, it is measured in values and can be quantified and presented in decimal (Mishra et al., 2018). When looking into the markers that triggered the time zero, those data needed will be considered continuous data.

 

Independent and Dependent Variable

In research, the independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect, while the dependent variable is the measured outcome. Essentially, the independent variable is the presumed cause, and the dependent variable is the observed effect (Mcleod, 2023). In this case, the independent variable will be the timely recognition of time zero, while the dependent variable will be positive patient outcome. In sepsis management, patient’s outcome can be positive or negative, depending on how early time zero is recognized.

 

Statistical Analysis

Statistical methods involved in carrying out a study include planning, designing, collecting data, analyzing, drawing meaningful interpretation, and reporting of the research findings. The statistical analysis gives meaning to the meaningless numbers, thereby breathing life into a lifeless data (Z. Ali & Bhaskar, 2016). For the development of a proper study, and adequate amount of knowledge about statistics is necessary, if not it can result in error in one’s conclusion which can lead to unethical practice according to Z. Ali and Bhaskar (2016). With the use of statistical analysis, it helps to give detailed information through interpretation out of complex data. It also reduces the chances of being biased, which will make it more reliable with the findings.

One of the primary strengths of statistical analysis is its ability to generalize research findings from a sample to the entire data population, thereby enhancing the external validity of research studies (Villegas, 2023). It will also make it easier to simplify the large data sets to work with thereby allowing effective communication of the results. It will also allow to compare between the positive and negative outcome of early and late identification of time zero.

 

 

 

Reference

Mishra, P., Pandey, C. K., Singh, U., & Gupta, A. (2018). Scales of measurement and presentation of statistical data.  Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia,  21(4), 419.  https://doi.org/10.4103/aca.aca_131_18Links to an external site.

Mcleod, S., PhD. (2023). Independent and dependent variables.  Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/variables.html

Ali, Z., & Bhaskar, S. B. (2016). Basic statistical tools in research and data analysis.  Indian Journal of Anaesthesia,  60(9), 662. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5049.190623

Villegas, F. (2023, October 17).  Statistical analysis: What It Is, Types, Uses & How to Do It. QuestionPro. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/statistical-analysis/

PEER #2

Kendra Kendrick

Main Post

Research Question

It is a well-documented fact that certain minority groups face significant racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access and quality. However, it is crucial to note that research on disparities in palliative care is limited compared to other areas of healthcare, such as disease prevention, early detection, and curative care. More attention must be paid to this issue to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity, have equal access to quality palliative care services.

Problems Statement

People from minority communities who suffer from terminal illnesses may encounter various challenges that can harm their overall health. These barriers could include restricted availability of healthcare resources, insufficient knowledge about the available healthcare options, and misunderstandings about end-of-life care. Healthcare providers and researchers should protect vulnerable populations.

Description of independent and dependent variables

The study considered several independent variables, including the patient's diagnosis, age, sex, race, and hospice use. The certification of a physician stating an individual's prognosis of a life expectancy of six months or less if the terminal illness runs its ordinary course is the dependent variable of hospice care. Among Medicare beneficiaries who died in 2010, 45.8% of whites used hospice compared to 34% of African Americans, 37% of Hispanics, 28.1% of Asian Americans, and 30.6% of Native North Americans.

It is often thought that palliative and hospice care is only for elderly people. However, Life Choice Hospice & Palliative Care provides medical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits to various individuals, regardless of age or diagnosis. The five priorities for end-of-life care are recognizing when someone is dying, communicating sensitively with them and their family, involving them in decisions, supporting them and their family, and creating an individualized plan of care that includes adequate nutrition and hydration.

Analyzing Data and Variables

Hospice care is provided by a collaborative team focusing on the patient's overall well-being, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The primary goal of hospice care is to keep the patient as pain-free as possible while being surrounded by their loved ones. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive assessment must be conducted to identify the patient's physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual needs related to the terminal illness. This assessment helps maintain the hospice patient's comfort, dignity, and well-being throughout the dying process.

However, caring for a loved one in hospice care can be emotionally and mentally challenging for caregivers. They may experience anticipatory grief, guilt, anger, anxiety, and sadness as they witness their loved one's decline. Additionally, as the person in hospice care becomes weaker, caregiving responsibilities may increase, and caregivers may find that they have less time to care for their own mental and physical health.

Advantages & Challenges

Quality measures in primary care should be designed to encourage accountable performance and motivate clinicians. Such measures should reward doctors for managing complex cases, solving problems, and thinking creatively when addressing each patient's unique needs. This includes providing end-of-life care and support.

The study aimed to evaluate the timing of hospice referrals in patients/families enrolled in hospice for at least two weeks. Previously, surveys measuring satisfaction with hospice referrals were conducted only for patients who died in hospice. The study found that approximately one-third of patients/families believed starting hospice earlier would have been better. The primary barriers to early hospice access were related to limitations in healthcare system access.

Participants who may be frail and burdened by symptoms and concerns may have difficulty completing study requirements related to research at the end of life.

Summary

A lack of research on disparities in knowledge, cultural beliefs, and treatment preferences among different racial and ethnic groups often hinders the practical implementation of palliative care. Additionally, there needs to be more studies investigating interventions to address these disparities. To provide minorities with adequate health literacy and peer support, it is crucial to develop culturally sensitive hospice educational resources.

 

Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.

Kristjanson, L. J., Meyers, J. L., & Gray, L. N. (2001). FAMCARE Scale. Oncology Nursing Forum, 28(1), 73–82

Pelon, S. B. (2017). Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction in Hospice Social Work. Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life & Palliative Care, 13(2/3), 134–150. https://doi.org/10.1080/15524256.2017.1314232

Robinson, B. C., Meyers, J. L., & Gray, L. N. (2001). Caregiver Strain Index. Oncology Nursing Forum, 28(1), 73–82

Su-Jeong Lee, & Yeom, H.-E. (2022). Influence of Spirituality and Job Satisfaction on the Compassion Competence of Hospice Nurses. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care, 25(4), 169–177.  https://doi.org/10.14475/jhpc.2022.25.4.169 Links to an external site.