Student and Infection Prevention and Control Nurses - Essay Example

Research Method Critique Table of Contents Introduction 3 Discussion 4 Believability 4 Robustness 8 Conclusions/Implications and Recommendations 15 References 17 21 Introduction The essay intends to critique the research conducted by Karen Lee on “Student and infection prevention’ and control nurses’ ‘hand hygiene decision making in simulated clinical scenarios: a qualitative research study of hand washing, gel and glove use choices.” This qualitative research has been critiqued by using certain tools mentioned in the article propounded by Ryan & et. al. (2007). These tools include believability and robustness of the research. The elements of believability based on which the above stated qualitative article has been critiqued include the writing pattern or style, authors’ code of research, report title and research. Qualitative as well as quantitative research methodologies are regarded as two distinct approaches that need to interpret differently. In this regard, qualitative research is defined as an approach of exploring various issues, analysing facts, comprehending phenomena and responding to any question. Conversely, quantitative research is based on collecting data by undergoing through numerous statistical reports and other relevant data (Creswell, 2013). According to Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct 2015, nursing research is regarded as the approach of enhancing public protection by ensuring the nurses as well as the midwives to remain fit into the practice in their respective careers. Specially mentioning, the importance of evidence-based practice with reference to NMC Code of Conduct 2015 lay in offering quality treatments as well as care to the patients by accessing valuable information and also considering past evidences or records regarding the above stated context (Nursing Times, 2014). The elements relating to robustness of the research fundamentally entail statement of the phenomenon, literature review, theoretical framework and ethical considerations among others (Ryan & et. al., 2007). Discussion Believability Research work in medical field is executed from long course of time. The research work conducted by Lee (2013) focused upon generating greater level of awareness about good hygiene practices amid the nursing students. The research highlighted hands’ decontamination and usage of gloves as the better prevention measure for cross infection (Gray & et. al., 2013). The research work of Lee (2013) reveals about the decision-making procedure, which is used to evaluate the risks involved with nurses and other medical practitioners. Another aspect of Lee’s research is identified to make decisions as to when, where and how infections could be prevented by the nurses by making various practices including glove’s use, hand washing and using gels (Lee, 2013). “Nursing and Midwifery Council” is a body, which drafts rules related to nursing practices. This statutory body deals with the pre-registration of nursing students, considering the fact that the controlling measures of infection and prevention are central to nursing process (Nursing Times, 2014). The vital part of nursing education is to learn about the effective use of gloves while performing clinical works and washing hands with gel for getting disinfected. The research led by Lee (2013) tends to explore the benefits of using gloves by the nurses at the time when they are carrying out regular routine works that encompass arranging bed for the patients, dressing them and recording vital records of the serious patients (Koocher & Spiegel, 2010). Karen Lee is experienced in the domain of intensive care and worked in the field of infection control as a clinical nurse expert. More importantly, she dedicated her study on infection control. Being a member of “Healthcare Infection Society,” “Infection Prevention Society” and “International Federation for Infection Control”, the different activities conducted by the researcher revealed observance with personal defence (University of Dundee, 2015). The different elements of believability based on which the qualitative article of Lee (2013) have been critiqued in the following. Writing Style Research work of Lee (2013) is written with no grammatical errors and no additional use of jargons and the key terms are proficiently explained in the same. The writing style of the qualitative article of Lee (2013) is appropriate and just, as the title of her research work clearly reflects the motto of improving nursing practices. Inevitable terms which are difficult to comprehend, Lee (2013) has clearly explained those with suitable language in the research paper. The qualitative approach of Lee’s research tends to analyse the hand washing aspects of nurses before and after conducting clinical works. The research was framed upon the question about how the pre-registered nurses’ are making their decisions about maintaining hand hygiene especially during their works in clinic. In this particular research of Lee (2013), the nursing students were asked to state their respective opinions orally about their making of hygiene decisions (Keady & et. al, 2015). The qualitative analysis of the research portrays that education, science and nursing requires the execution of evidence-based practice for understanding important related aspects in an effective way (Brown & et. al., 2015). This approach seeks for making transformations and improvements in healthcare domain. One of the prime attributes of ‘evidence based approach’ is reckoned to be improving different services and providing utmost care to the patients. The American Nursing Association defines this methodical point based on gathering knowledge in clinical decision making for hand washing by gel and producing research evidences on common ways eventually assists in promoting hygiene care by wearing gloves during clinical works (The American Nurses Association, 2015). Report Title The report title of the study conducted by Lee (2013) is deemed to be apparent and definite. The report title is not too short and too long to confuse the reader. Lee’s qualification is aptly suited for her research work. From the background of her education, it can be ascertained that the researcher has expertise in this field (University of Dundee, 2014). It can be affirmed that the qualitative research of Lee (2013) is typically based upon ‘evidence approach’, wherein utmost efforts are delivered to provide best care to the patients by transforming the nursing practices (Bromfiled, 2015). The synthesis of Lee’s research can be better understood from analysing relevant data and conducting systematic reviews for developing clinical practices (Gary & et. al., 2013). Abstract The abstract prepared by the researcher provides a clear picture of the hygienic care to undertake by the nurses while conducting clinical works. The research elaborated that nurses’ often show reluctant to use gel, as this do not make them feel clean and thus prefer using gloves (Grady & et. al., 2010). The quantitative approach to nursing hygienic care includes the analysis of statistics gathered from the design of questionnaire from the pre-registered nurses in a virtual medium. There are two techniques that are used in a quantitative research process that might entail implementing digital technologies in research and evaluating the recent trends used in the same (Garrish & Lathlean, 2015). Nursing research in hand wash for hygienic care is an applied discipline and is aligned to the present healthcare system. This requires to follow different ethical principles that are apparently reflected from Lee’s work on the qualitative article “Student and infection prevention and control nurses’ hand hygiene decision making in simulated clinical scenarios: a qualitative research study of hand washing, gel and glove use choices” (Lee, 2013). Nursing research in clinical care with respect to hand wash hygienic care is often found to be generally complex owing to the fact that it involves varied characters in the form of human beings involved in nursing practices and ethical considerations that are relevant from the outcomes of the research (Parahoo, 2014). It can be argued that immense technological developments have taken place in recent times, thus the use of gel for hand washing and gloves have transformed with respect to quality need (Gerrish & Lacey, 2013). In the research of Lee (2013), it can be apparently observed that nurses are less interested to use gel, as it do not make them feel clean and thus prefer using gloves. The question that aids in explaining, illustrating, identifying, predicting and substantiating the research outcomes is essential to consider while critiquing any article. Such research question must correspond to the present day scenario with the intention of efficiently retrieving the research works (Pepper & Wysocki, 2012). Lee’s researchable question has laid the foundation of new direction to nursing research. Use of hand wash via gel and using gloves are the main focal point of her research on the final year nursing students. The qualitative as well as quantitative analysis revealed that the nurses prefer mostly towards using gloves rather than washing hands with gel. Although gels are clinically proved to be the best hygienic hand wash, Lee’s research elaborated that alcohol based gels best fit for handling diarrhoea patients (Wood & Kerr, 2010). Robustness The research work of Lee (2013) apparently identifies the focus of his work on clinical hand washing practice of the nurses and answers straightforwardly to the researchable question. Statement of the Phenomenon of Interest The phenomena of interest (PI) remained fully consistent with her researchable question. Lee’s work totally focused upon examining the clinical culture led by the final year nursing students. The nurses do not prefer gel hand washing, as this does not feel them clean. However, the nurses’ must use gel hand washes, as it is better than gloves (Speziale & et. al., 2011). The different elements relating to robustness that have been taken into concern for critiquing the research of Lee (2013) have been described in detail below. Purpose/ Significance of the Study The significance of Lee’s research can be determined based on the feedbacks obtained from the respondents through the design of questionnaire (Tappen, 2010). The virtual medium used in Lee’s research work was computer interface wherein the final year nurses’ were interviewed. The feedback received from the process is analysed for concluding the research work and laying down the foundation for future research (Fitzpatrick & Montogomery, 2015). The literature review fulfils the objectives of the research conducted by Lee (20130. It focused upon retrieving the clinical hygiene aspect practiced by the final years’ nursing students. The research work laid down is self determining and oriented aspects towards motivational change in the working procedure of the nurses and other medical professionals (Bick and Graham, 2011). Literature Review The literature review section of the qualitative article of Lee (2013) tends to analyse the fact that the integral part of clinical based nursing practices aims to prevent infection via prevention and control mechanism. A literature search presented the ideas about the making of hand hygiene decisions by the nurses in controlling as well as preventing infections and also determining composite variables that the nurses often face in virtual clinical settings. The research clearly depicted that use of gloves and gels eradicate healthcare linked infections (Houser, 2011). The aim of the research of Lee (2013) was to raise greater awareness about using gloves to protect hands from being contaminated with microorganisms and organic matters (U.S. Institutes of Health and Human Services, 2015). It also focuses upon ascertaining the ways of lessening the threat of contamination amid the patients. The purpose behind using gloves is for touching blood and making any kind of secretion from human body among others. The gloves used by the nurses must be in accordance with the standards laid down in the guidelines of “World Health Organisation” (Nursing Times, 2014). The literature review underlying the research methodology of the study tends to vary in terms of sampling techniques and the issue that evolves while making bias selections (Stewart & et. al, 2003). Theoretical Framework Research work of Lee (2013) have identified and described varied theoretical frameworks for attaining the objective of the study. In this regard, such frameworks can be reckoned as decision-making and risk assessment among others. These theoretical frameworks are deemed to be regarded as appropriate, as the research tends to determine the decision-making procedure of the nurses while conducting their respective clinical works regarding the use of hand washing, gel and preferring gloves for usage (Lee, 2013). Apart from the above stated theoretical frameworks, it can be argued that phenomenological approach has been used in the study conducted by Lee (2013), which could be related with the researcher’s aim. It will be vital to mention in this regard that the aim of the researcher was to assess or acquire a brief understanding about the factors that the nursing students must consider regarding controlling and preventing infections arising from the conduct of varied clinical works. As the research study is closely associated with the aspects of experience as well as feeling of such nursing students, the study is identified to be using phenomenological approach (Lee, 2013). Method and Philosophical Underpinnings The research work conducted by Lee (2013) had identified the conception of thematic analysis as a philosophical approach. This particular approach has been selected in the study for acquiring greater understanding about the virtual underpinnings relevant to the prime objectives of the study (Stewart & et. al., 2013). It can be argued that the philosophical underpinnings of the study were explained by presenting the themes including the experiences of ward staff and realisation of the outcomes after hand washing, using gel and preferring gloves for usage while conducting different clinical works (Lee, 2013). Sample Sample size of 23 however, is appropriate for the study as the researcher has focused more on maintaining data quality than considering the number of respondents. This sort of sample size is deemed to be acceptable in this sort of research study, as it tends to validate the research findings with better understanding of different important aspects (Brown & et. al., 2015). However, within the article of Lee (2013), data collection was identified to be ceased after the fourth day of the interviews conducted with 11 students out of which, 5 students fall under the age group of 25 years, three under 26-35 years and the remaining three under 36-45 years. The data collection was ceased after the fourth day of conducting interviews, as no new themes were emerged for drawing a valid conclusion. Ethical Considerations Ethical principles are considered to be cooperative, autonomous, confidentiality and other related aspects that need to be followed or maintained while conducting any research work. Every research work must coincide with the ethical principles in its work (Brockopp & Hastings, 2013). From the start of twenty-first century, ‘ethical consideration’ has been undertaken as the key attribute in any research work especially in health and clinical care (Dennise & Beck, C, 2013). The services lend to the people in clinic are of major importance, as these services coincide with the ethical standards. Lee’s work in clinical hand wash and the use of gel and gloves reflects the quality maintained in accordance with the ethical standards (Boswell & et. al., 2014). The use of gel is more emphasised by Lee in his research work. According to the research laid down by Lee, which is deemed to be much reasonable to the modern trends, it certainly laid down the foundation of conducting future research work (Leatherd and McLaren, 2007). The ethical consideration of Lee’s research focuses on ascertaining the psychological concepts of the final year nursing students regarding their respective nursing practices (Koocher & Spiegel, 1990). Data Collection/Data Analysis The data collected through distinct sorts of sources tends to share similar attributes and propagates via similar procedure through data collection. Theoretical framework before data collection cannot be predetermined, as data is always placed as topmost priority. Researches conducted by the researchers have to be sensitive, as the accurate search results eventually results into deriving appropriate research outcomes (Chesnay, 2014). From a theoretical standpoint, qualitative research analyses the statistics that are being collected from the quantitative approach. The quality improvement in the field of healthcare has taken place in earlier times (Jennings & Baily, 2015). Researchers shifted their focus from hypothetical concept to retrieve desired results. The results that appear by conducting researches may align or get contradict with the existing hypothetical views of the previous researches (Holloway & Wheeler, 2013). The research conducted by Lee (2013) reflects the use of qualitative data for drawing a valid conclusion of the research study. It has been earlier mentioned that Lee’s research focused upon determining hand washing preferences amongst the nursing students. Qualitative approach applied by Lee was focused on alcohol gel hand wash and use of gloves (Debisette, 2011). Lee’s research revealed that using gel is much better than preferring gloves. Quantitative approach adopted by Lee emphasised interviewing the final year nursing students in a virtual way. A questionnaire was prepared and asked them about their preferences towards using gels and gloves (Fitzpatrick & Montogomery, 2015). It is worth mentioning that the qualitative approach led by Lee (2013) realised the alternative ways of viewing and interpreting the search results (Polit & Beck, 2004). It must be mentioned in this regard that empirical study of any research is the base of investigating the researchable questions for retrieving the same (McClean, 2013). Rigour Evidence based method is regarded as an appropriate way to diagnose clinical researches. It tends to access the benefits as well as the risks involved while conducting any research work. Evidence quality seeks for systemic analysis of double mind attributes that are frequently involved within the research-based approach (Chater, 2015). Rigour is the methodology of illustrating the plausibility, credibility and unity of a qualitative research process. If the readers are able to understand the morality of the researchers and the reasons behind the conduct of the research, then positive outcomes can be generated with reaping several significant benefits (Moule & Goodman, 2015). Rigour, while documenting any research, ensures the relationship persisting amid the research steps and studying the research questions underneath. In order to evade biasness and misinterpretations of the research process, precise data collection procedure is essential to get aligned with the procedural rigour aspect (Lee, 2001). The contrasting features of different health related problems and the significance of the same are regarded as the base of Lee’s study (World Health Organization, 2015). Credibility addresses the fact of relationship existing between consistencies of the issues and the outcomes derived from the overall findings. The necessity for critically appraising the studies and retrieving the research evidences relies on specific area of clinical practice of the nurses. The clinic nurses provide good evidences about how to implement the same in an effective way to generate positive outcomes and ensuring quality care (Munhall, 2012). Several nurses lack quality and confidence to retrieve research evidences in selected areas of nursing like hand washing technique. Dependability or auditability is an essential element of rigour, which involves the materials that provide the readers with adequate information of interpreting about how reliable the study and the research work is (Grey & et. al., 2013). The purpose of the research conducted by Lee (2013) is deemed to be justified. Being a specialist in clinical practice, the researcher has adequately and appropriately demonstrated, illustrated and cited the findings of her research work (U.S. Institutes of Health and Human Services, 2015).The responses obtained from the questionnaire designed revealed the fact that the nurses must take appropriate decisions in preventing infections by hand washing, using gel and preferring gloves (Brown & et. al., 2013). Findings/Discussion The findings of Lee’s research were simply based upon evidence approach’, which is essentially used for making delicate decisions. The nurse leaders effectively take the decisions that will positively affect their respective nursing standards (Bromfiled, 2015). ‘The American Nurses Credential Centre’, which is an arm of the ‘American Nursing Association’, has recognised the work of Lee that is going to affect the nursing world (The American Nurses Association, 2014). The effective use of gel and gloves is the primary focus of Lee’s work. Changes are taking regularly in the nursing world based upon the ‘evidence based approach’ (Parahoo, 2013). Based on the qualitative article of Lee (2013), it can be apparently observed that the researcher has been able to present the research findings appropriately in the study (Webb, 2015). Justifiably, in terms of findings, the researcher was able to recognise the fact that there has been overused of gloves and underused of gel. In the study of Lee (2013), the factor concerning underused of gel can be supported with reference to the feeling ward staff members. These staff members strongly believe that gel must only be used at the time when greater access to water is not available. On the other hand, the overuse of gloves can be justified with considering the fact that the nurses wear gloves while conducting every clinical work, even wearing gloves do not needed for protection at certain instances or conditions (Lee, 2013). Conclusions/Implications and Recommendations In terms of conclusion, the qualitative article of Lee (2013) can be critiqued as that the interpretation of data carried out in the study is appreciable. The nursing practice led by the final year students and their preferences over using gel and preferring gloves eventually revealed the clinical practices required to take into concern while conducting clinical works. The relevance of hand hygiene along with infection control in the domain of nursing has been clearly cited in the research work of Lee (2013). In this regard, hand hygiene is recognised to be one of the main elements based on which patients’ safety can be ensured. Conversely, greater extent of infection control tends to increase patient-centred care and also promoting well hand hygiene decisions among others, resulting into ensuring wider patients’ safety. Qualitative approach adopted by Lee is also highly appreciable. From the perspective of implications, Lee undertook virtual media for interviewing the final year nurses and recorded their preferences. Research revealed that nurses’ prefer using gloves rather than gel before and after performing clinical works. Lee has undertaken in-depth view about how each step is executed for maintaining the attributes of reliability, integrity, transferability and conformability relating to the subject matter of the study. References Boswell, C. & et. al., 2014. Introduction to Nursing Research. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Bromfiled, R. I., 2015. Critiquing Research. A Nurses’ Guide to the Critical Reading of Research, Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 103-106. Bick, D. & Graham, I. D., 2010. Evaluating the Impact of Implementing Evidence-Based Practice. John Wiley & Sons. Brown, J. M. & et. al., 2014. Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Brockopp, D.Y. & Hastings, M.T., 2013. Fundamentals of Nursing Research. Jones & Bartlett Learning. Chater, S., 2015. Introduction. Understand Research in Nursing. [Online] Available at: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/offset/WHO_OFFSET_14.pdf [Accessed May 19, 2015]. Chesnay, M. D., 2014. Nursing Research Using Data Analysis. Springer Publishing Company. Creswell, J. W., 2013. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications. Dennise, P. F & Beck, C. T., 2013. Essentials of Nursing Research. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Debisette, A., 2011. Annual Review of Nursing Research. Springer Publishing Company. Fitzpatrick, J. J. & Montogomery, J. S., 2015. Internet for Nursing Research. Springer Publishing Company. Grady, A. P. & et. al., 2010. Shaping Health Policy through Nursing Research. Springer Publishing Company. Gray, J. & et. al., 2013. The Practice of Nursing Research: Appraisal, Synthesis, and Generation of Evidence. Elsevier. Garrish, K. & Lathlean, J., 2015. The Research Process in Nursing. John Wiley & Sons. Gerrish, K. & Lacey, A., 2013. The Research Process in Nursing. John Wiley & Sons. Gray, J. R. & et. al., 2013. The Practice of Nursing Research: Appraisal, Synthesis, and Generation of Evidence. Elsevier Health Sciences. Holloway, I. & Wheeler, S., 2013. Qualitative Research in Nursing and Healthcare. John Wiley & Sons. Houser, J., 2011. Nursing Research. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Jennings, B. & Bailly, B. A., 2015. Health Care Quality Improvement: Ethical and Regulatory Issues. The Hastings Centre. [Online]Available at: http://www.thehastingscenter.org/News/Detail.aspx?id=1542 [Accessed May 19, 2015]. Keady, J. & et. al., 2015. Nursing Research and Methods. Elsevier Health Sciences. Koocher, G. P. & Spiegel, P. C. K., 2010. Consent, Permission, and Assent. Professional Issues and Cases. [Online] Available at: http://www.kspope.com/ethics/Children_Ethics_and_the_Law.pdf [Accessed May 19, 2015]. Lee, K. F., 2001. Mental Health Nursing. Cram 101 technologies. Leatherd, A. & McLaren, S., 2010. Ethics: Contemporary Challenges in Health and Social Care. Policy Press. Lee, K., 2013. Introduction. Journal of Infection Prevention, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 96-98. Moule & Goodman, 2015. The Historical Context of Nursing Research. Nursing Research. [Online] Available at: http://www.sagepub.in/upm-data/25224_01_Moule_&_Goodman_Ch_01.pdf [Accessed May 19, 2015]. Munhall, P., 2012. Nursing Research. Jones & Bartlett Learning. McClean, S. A. M, 2013. First Do No Harm: Law, Ethics and Healthcare. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Nursing Times, 2014. Factors Influencing Glove Use In Student Nurses. Nursing Practice Research Infection prevention, Vol. 110, No. 49, pp. 18-20. National Institute of Nursing Research, 2015. What is Nursing Research? Nursing Research Institute. [Online] Available at: http://www.ninr.nih.gov/ [Accessed May 19, 2015]. Parahoo, K., 2014. Nursing Research: Principles, Process and Issues. Palgrave Macmillan. Ryan, M., 2007. Abstract. Step-by-step guide to critiquing research, Vol. 16, No. 12, pp. 738-739. Speziale, H. S. & et. al., 2011. Qualitative Research in Nursing: Advancing the Humanistic Imperative. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Stewart, D. E. & et. al., 2015. Overall Methodological Framework. Literature Review Of Risk Factors And Interventions. [Online] Available at: http://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/lit_review_postpartum_depression.pdf [Accessed May 19, 2015]. The American Nurses Association, 2015. Impact on Nursing Research. The Impact of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and the Next Big Ideas, Vol. 18. Tappen, R., 2010. Advance Nursing Research. Jones & Bartlett Learning. University of Dundee, 2015. Biography. School of Nursing and Midwifery.[Online] Available at: http://nursingmidwifery.dundee.ac.uk/staff-member/dr-karen-lee [Accessed May 17, 2015]. World Health Organisation, 2015. Growing Expectations for Better Performance. Primary Health Care. [Online] Available at: http://www.who.int/whr/2008/whr08_en.pdf [Accessed May 19, 2015]. Read More