Quantitative Research Appraisal

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION3

RESEARCH STUDY APPRAISAL4

Rational of the study4

Aim and Objective5

Research Design6

Review of the Literature6

Discussion of Methodology7

Sample8

Instrument9

The Interpretive, Quantitative Advantages9

Limitations of the Study10

Ethical Issues11

DISCUSSION AND APPLICATIONS OF RESEARCH STUDY12

CONCLUSION15

Quantitative Research Appraisal

Introduction

Evidence-based practice is defined as the incorporation of data and conclusions of documented research studies into clinical practice (Thomas 2002). Ongoing research studies in many diverse areas of clinical research may inform standards of practice in ways that reflect new developments in medicine and patient care. In this way, the practice of medicine and patient care is continually updated and subject to evaluation by accepted research standards. It is important to evaluate research pertinent to one's area of clinical practice as the findings relate to specific care practices in regard to their relevance and potential to improvements in standard of care. The following appraisal evaluates a clinical research study and its potential applications to nursing practice (AbuAlRub, 2004).

Evidence based practice (EBP) as an extension of research utilization, has become the main theme in nursing today. This concept is broader in scope as the nurse incorporates theory, clinical judgment, expertise, research knowledge, cost-effectiveness and patient preference in evaluating and implementing research evidence. The literature abounds with studies indicating positive patient outcomes from research-based nursing interventions (Melnyk, 2005). Many in the nursing community have been unwilling to embrace EBP, citing concerns which it is a "cookie cutter approach" (i.e., by rote or by a preset formula) plus overlooks the art of nursing practice. Yet, a key factor of EBP is the personalization of the evidence to fit the patient circumstances (Titler, 2001). Nursing models of care highlight the significance of using EBP in a patient-centered model, to give high quality care, in a supportive, mutual decision-making atmosphere. The nursing model of care and EBP are tremendously compatible -- their conceptual frameworks both encourage integration of evidence plus patient preferences into practice decisions. Because of the compatibility between the nursing model of care and EBP, NPs are in an outstanding position to take leadership of EBP initiatives (Dontje, 2004).

Research Study Appraisal

Rational of the study

The rationale for this research study involving nursing students' perceptions of hand hygiene compliance which was demonstrated throught an association between poor healthcare worker hygiene practices in patient care and the widespread occurrence of healthcare worker associated infections (HCAIs). HCAIs are defined as infections that are contracted by patients in a healthcare setting, during the course of diagnosis, treatment or recovery that are not associated with the patient's primary medical condition (Polit & Beck 2004). The mechanism of infectious disease transmission under these circumstances may involve endogenous or exogenous spread, both of which may occur via healthcare worker contact with the patient.

Moreover, the HCW's hands are the primary vehicle of disease transmission under these circumstances (Polit & Beck 2004). For this reason, it is essential that hand hygiene practices of the highest standards be maintained at all times by healthcare personnel. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that millions of cases of HCAI occur each year ...