NR 439 Week 4 Discussion: Designs

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-439: RN Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Week 4: Designs: A Plan to Study for the Truth

This week’s graded topics are linked to the following Course Outcomes (COs):

CO 2: Apply research principles to the interpretation of the content of published research studies. (POs 4 & 8)
CO 4: Evaluate published nursing research for credibility and significance related to evidence-based practice. (POs 4 & 8)

Understanding Quantitative and Qualitative Research

In this week’s lessons, we explored the distinctions between quantitative and qualitative research designs, emphasizing their relevance in objectively addressing nursing challenges. It is crucial to identify the appropriate research type and design to achieve meaningful results. After completing the readings and lessons for Week 4, reflect on your insights regarding quantitative and qualitative research, highlighting two ways these methodologies differ.

Quantitative Research: This type of research yields quantifiable results that guide the implementation of evidence-based practices. As noted by Houser (2018), “The nature of nursing care involves helping others attain their health goals, many of which are defined by the individual, not the nurse.” Quantitative research is characterized by its impartiality, disregarding personal experiences or opinions.

Qualitative Research: In contrast, qualitative research centers on interpreting individual experiences, lacking measurable outcomes. According to Houser (2018), “The researcher establishes a relationship with the subject, and bias is considered an inherent part of the research process.”

NR 439 Week 4 Discussion: Designs

Exploring a Research Design Category

One category of study design that intrigues me is quasi-experimental research. This approach allows researchers to engage more actively with participants, testing various interventions directly. For instance, instead of relying solely on oral pain medications for patients experiencing pain, alternative therapies such as music and art therapy, hot or cold compresses, or massages could be utilized prior to administering oral pain relief.

Analyzing Article Findings

For the Week 3 assignment, I referenced an article categorized as a prospective cohort study. This research design necessitates careful planning of the study area in advance, with ongoing monitoring for a defined duration, including the use of a control group. The article substantiated my PICOT question: “In adult surgical patients, what are the effects of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) baths or wipes pre-op compared to not using CHG baths or wipes pre-op on surgical site infections within 30 days post-op?” Graling and Vasaly (2013) indicated, “The results indicated a statistically significant overall reduction of infection in the group that received a 2% CHG cloth bath before surgery.” This research provides valuable evidence for applying interventions aimed at preventing or minimizing surgical site infections among surgical patients. The design effectively supported the study by yielding unbiased and measurable outcomes.

References

Graling, P. R., & Vasaly, F. W. (2013). Effectiveness of 2% CHG cloth bathing for reducing surgical site infections. AORN Journal, 97(5), 547–551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2013.02.009

NR 439 Week 4 Discussion: Designs

Houser, J. (2018). Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.