Patients' Decisions About Whether or Not to Take Antihypertensive Drugs - Research Paper Example

PATIENTS DECISIONS ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT TO TAKE ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS: QUALITATIVE STUDY Introduction This particular qualitative study conducted byBenson and Britten on the “Patients’ decision about whether or not to take antihypertensive drugs” is aimed at understanding the reasons which influence the patients’ decision to use or abstain from using antihypertensive drugs. The key idea behind such a study was to understand what factors compel or persuades the patient to consume or not to consume a particular drug. Basic Theme The authors have argued, in this study, that a significant proportion of individuals who are diagnosed as suffering from hypertension , are often observed to be avoiding the consumption of hypertensive drugs, prescribed to them, despite the fact that such drugs may help them recover from their illness. It is on account of such an observation that this study regarding the patients’ perception / the factors influencing the patients’ decision to consumer or abstain from consuming hypertensive drugs was conducted. Summary of the author’s express or implied values The study is based on the implied facts that patients undergoing treatment for chronic illness more often than not display certain inhibitions with regard to consumption of hypertensive drugs prescribed to them and make active decisions regarding their continuous usage in the long term. Through this study the authors expressly state that the patients’ decision to consume (or not to consume) such drugs is based on their inherent hesitation or distrust about their effects but despite such reluctance, they make an attempt to reason it in ways which makes sense to them individually. Author’s conclusion / suggestions for action The author suggests that the patients perception may be an outcome of reasons which are unrelated to the pharmacology of the prescribed drug and that it can be better understood through review of individuals, who are known to be consuming such hypertensive drugs. CRITIQUE The basic purpose or objective of study is clearly defined by the author. However, the article seemed to be lacking an appropriate phenomenon of interest. According to Smith et al (2008): "the phenomenon of interest is a human health experience conceptualized as the central idea for research" (Pp. 35). Also, the article uses a qualitative research methodology, but the rationale behind adopting such a method is not clearly specified. The article merely states that a qualitative study using detailed interviews has been used, without specifying the reasons or organizational contexts which shaped their choice of such an approach. According to Silverman (2005) A research methodology is a "general approach to studying research topics which is concerned with the philosophy and theory that drives the research rather than the nuts and bolts of data collection and analysis, e.g., specific techniques such as observation, interviewing and audio recording (i.e. the methods)" (in Sines 2009, Pp. 83). Method: Although, the reasons for selecting the qualitative research methodology is not clearly mentioned it is appropriate for this particular study since the qualitative research methodologies are based on the theory that knowledge is factual and reliable and can be established through paying attention to what the participants / individuals have to say in a certain situations. Thus in this sense, qualitative research methodology is most appropriate as it is related to specific experiences of individuals. Also, the rationale behind selection of a qualitative study is that people are the best interpreters of their own experiences and methods such as questionnaires or direct personal interviews helps the interviewers in registering their actual experiences in a given context and hence is most appropriate (Taylor et al, 2006). Thus, in this sense, the method (qualitative) as well as the tools used (i.e. interviews) are appropriate and in accordance with the purpose of the research. Qualitative research methodologies facilitate researchers to deal with intricate problems, but they seldom offer responses with positive formulas for practice. They afford propositional testimonials from which they as well as their readers can deduce rational responses that should improve service to people in comparable situations as that of the participants (Courtney, 2004). The projected significance and relevance of such a study for the purpose of further research is not clearly stated by the researchers. The data was sought to be collected through personal interviews by the researcher and it was duly mentioned / incorporated within the study, thus giving an overview of the respondents’ perceptions to the readers. Sampling: The sampling methods helps the researchers in selecting the most appropriate subjects / participants for their study who can offer optimum information about the phenomenon, event or situation being investigated (Burns & Grove, 2005). In a similar study conducted by Thompson et al (2001) which aimed at investigating and analyzing the perceptions of the general practitioners on their attitudes towards illness, a qualitative methodology was used for measuring the outcomes of the study. However, unlike in the present study, this study a detailed section explaining the selection of participants as well as methods employed for their selection were included within the research. In the study under review, the methods used for selecting the participants / respondents for the interview was not described in detail. In this particular study, purposive sampling is used by the researchers. However, a detailed description of the samples chosen has not been mentioned, restricting the information disclosed to their brief backgrounds. The respondents chosen for the study were apt for the purpose of the research. Data Collection: Qualitative analysis of the data was completely left out in the study. The reliability and validity of the data collected; the manner in which it was analyzed, as well as the tools used for analyzing the data is not clearly mentioned in the research. The strategies used for analyzing the data collected were not discussed in detail. Data Analysis Analyzing qualitative data is often perceived as the basis of the qualitative research in general, while collection of data is viewed as the preliminary step (Gibbs, 2008). In another similar study conducted by Marshall (1998) on for studying the educational interaction between general practitioners and specialists, the research design clearly mentioned content analysis, as a method used for analysis of data. Despite its relative significance for the study, the data analysis is not included as a part of the research. However, the data collected has been clearly mentioned within the study and agrees with the objectives and rationale of the study. Credibility of the data used: Credibility of the data refers to the outcomes of the study. According to Lincoln and Guba (1985) the credibility of a qualitative data can be sustained by a researcher by performing numerous actions, such as collecting feedback from participants about the findings and analysis as well as approaching participants whose views differ greatly from those already being interviewed in the study. Such a method is known as member checks which means that the data as well as the outcomes of the data analysis both, are once again brought back to the participants with a view to obtain their input regarding its accuracy, wholeness, and explanation of the data. It can also be ensured by adopting and implementing strategies which ensures and encourages trustworthiness among the participants such as spending time with them and through phenomenon-focused observations (in Macnee, McCabe, 2008). Neither of the methods discussed, have been adopted by the authors in this research. Findings: The findings of the study are very well presented by the researchers, i.e., in the form of theoretical explanation as well as depicted in statistical formats, which can be easily interpreted and comprehended by the readers. The data is very well explained through notes as well as in tabular formats with appropriate titles, which makes it easier for the readers to understand the points being put across by the authors. The primary concept of the study was to ascertain the manner in which patients taking antihypertensive drugs balance their reluctance to consume them against the reasons for consuming such drugs. The study revealed through interviews and presented in tabular format as well as by means of explanation, hardly justifies such a conceptualization. The data presented is somewhat ambiguous and random. This is because the data is presented in a scattered format rather than as a collective format or in the form of a comparison, which would have been easier to compare and contrast, for the readers. Literature Review: The literature review section must be written with a view to persuade the readers as well as others concerned that the study is indeed valuable. It must include a brief critique of previous research illustrating the manner in which the study under review would seek to elucidate or balance the limitations of the previous research and the manner in which the current study would help in improving the existing knowledge in the particular field (Caldwell, Henshaw, Taylor, 2005). In the current study, no literature review has been included, which acts as a major setback. Furthermore, the literature review must also include a separate section where the implications of the study conducted are clearly specified discussing in detail, its relevance and contributions. In the study critiqued in this paper, neither literature review nor such implications are mentioned. Also, it is proposed by the authors, that such an approach is especially important in studies where the contribution to knowledge is relatively obscure (Morse, Field, 1998). The research briefly describes basic information about related studies conducted in the past as well as their outcomes which gives the readers adequate information about what can be expected from this study. Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations The conclusion is well defined although the recommendations of the study are not mentioned in the study, hence, making it impossible for the readers to use this study for future research. The conclusions derived are, however, in consistence with the research objectives and clearly reflect the research findings. The study could have been complete had the authors included a well defined model, that includes a critical analysis of the study in the form of a separate section for literature review, as well as sections which discussed the implications and significance of the study to nursing practice and for consumption of hypertensive drugs in general. Overall, the findings of the study had considerable value to the study and provided meaningful insight into the patients’ perceptions and the factors that influence their decisions with regard to consumption of particular drugs. Reference List Burns, N., Grove, S. K. (2005). The Practice of Nursing Research: Conduct, Critique, and Utlization, Elseiver Health Sciences, Pp. 353 - 354 Caldwell, K., Henshaw, L., Taylor, G., (2005). Developing a Framework for Critiquing Health Research, Journal of Health, Social and Environmental Issues, Vol.6, no., 1, Pp.49 Courtney, M (2004). Evidence for Nursing Practice, Elsevier Australia, Pp. 65 Gibbs, G., (2008). Analyzing Qualitative Data, SAGE Publication, Pp. 3 Lincoln & Guba (1985) in Macnee, C. L., McCabe, S., (2008). Understanding Nursing Research: Using Research in Evidence-Based Practice, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Pp. 172 Marshall, M. N., (1998). Qualitative Study of Educational Interaction between General Practitioners and Specialists, BMJ, Vol. 316, Pp. 442 - 445 Morse. J. M.,. Field, P. A., (1998). Nursing Research: The Application of Qualitative Approaches, Nelson Thornes Publication, Pp. 41 Silverman (2005) in Sines, D.,(2009). Community Health Care Nursing, Wiley Publishers, Pp. 83 Smith, M. J., Liehr, P. R (2008). Middle Range Theory for Nursing, Springer Publishing Company Taylor, B. J., Roberts, K., Kermode, S. (2006). Research in Nursing and Health Care: Evidence for Practice, Pp.396 – 399 Thompson, W. T., Cupples, M. E., Sibbet, C. H., Skan, D. I., Bradley, T., (2001). Challenge of Culture, Conscience, and Contract to General Practitioners Care of their Own Health: Qualitative Study, BMJ journal, Vol. 323, Pp. 728 - 730 Read More