RESEARCH ARTICLE CRITIQUE

Research Article Critique

Research Article Critique

The Problem

In health care ?it is important that the research data used to support clinical practices is legitimate. Women faced with an unwanted pregnancy have to make the decision whether to terminate the pregnancy or carry to pregnancy to term. Women base their decision to have an abortion on their current life setting ?even though having an abortion may conflict with their moral or religious beliefs. Regardless of their values and beliefs the decision is often difficult: many experience guilt ? anger ?anxiety ?and fear.

Importance to Nursing

Nurses are the first in line to advocate for patients and their rights to receive quality health care services and to have adequate education in order to make appropriate decisions regarding personal health care choices. Learning whether women are concerned about a more natural ?more private and less painful process for an abortion may assist providers to identify appropriate candidates for medical abortion. Also ? understanding the concerns women have towards medical abortion ? the clinicians are better prepared to assist the client with appropriate education to make informed decisions. The knowledge learned from this study may also help clinicians decrease women's anxiety related to the procedure and its long term effects.

Study Purpose

The study was conducted to determine specific needs and perceptions of patients undergoing medical abortion treatment versus the surgical abortion. The knowledge gained will provide clinicians with the ability to determine the criteria for candidates to choose this option.

Research Question

"A qualitative researcher ? believes that the world cannot be pinned down objective meanings ? but that all variables must be taken into account when conducting research ? including the past experiences and personalities of the researcher". Two open-ended questions were used in an interview of clients in order to develop a more detailed understanding of how patients ...