Research Critique on: Complementary Therapy Use Among Older Rural Adults - Essay Example

The researchers are all eminently qualified in the fields of research, nursing, education and management. Their vast combined experience and the geographical position from which they operate suggests a thorough knowledge of the topic. Both Shreffler-Grant and Weinart have researched and published in the areas of Holistic Nursing, Hospices, (Shreffler-Grant) Small Rural Hospital Care, (Shreffler- Grant), Rural Women (Weinert), and Chronic Health Conditions (Weinert). Bette Ide has developed a Farm/Ranch Stress Scale, published on Ethical issues in the quality of care and health related hardiness and service use of rural older adults, while Elizabet Nichols has vast managerial and educational experience.

Their qualifications include PhD., R.N., and professorial positions, all quality attributes which give confidence in the study and report. The article, as published in Public Health Nursing Vol 22 No.4 in July 2005, does not give a clear statement of when exactly the work was carried out. Page 326, para 3 has a reference (Shreffler 1999) and p325 mentions a paper published by an undergraduate as a result of involvement in this work, dated 2003. While the Abstract directs us to the Objective and hypothesis, there is no clear framework or map as such.

However, from the Methods through to the Discussion, all requirements connected to the purpose are present, some more than others. While Measures are identified and described, there is not enough information regarding the descriptive design interview. The questionnaire should have been included, as should more specifics as to when interviews took place (e.e. time of day, numbers per week and so on). Had the questionnaire and more details been provided, this would allow for replication of the study elsewhere.

I would contend that overall, despite these omissions, the design meets the needs of the research adequately.THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED THAT CONCEPT MAP, IF ONE EXISTS, I AM NOT SUREWithin the study, human rights are fully protected, at no time could any individual be identified, nor was anyone coerced. Approval was given by the Human Subjects Institutional Review Boards at both universities. The Problem is introduced on p 324, para 3, and from there on, the issues are elucidated, with connections made between their significance and the work of nursing and health professionals.

The need for the research is well presented, with good references and information on earlier research findings in support. This study is thus highlighted as unique in its goals, which are made clear. The study also shows an adherence to a holistic approach, not dismissing the use of complementary therapies as negative, but perceiving this health choice to have value. Variables used characterized the use of any form of complementary therapy, as it was found that some people used therapists, some self-directed therapies and some used both.

Table 2 presents these in a simple and easy to comprehend format. As mentioned earlier, the research questions are defined, the results well explained and expanded on, I would also contend