NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 2 Quantitative and Qualitative Research Publication Critique

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Capella University

NURS-FPX 5005 Introduction to Nursing Research, Ethics, and Technology

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Date

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Publication Critique

Quantitative and qualitative research methods offer unique approaches to investigating research problems. Qualitative research explores in-depth new ideas and experiences, providing detailed insights into the phenomena under study, while quantitative research emphasizes measuring variables and testing hypotheses to arrive at data-driven conclusions. This critique will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both a quantitative research study and a qualitative research study, with particular attention to their relevance to the issue of falls among older adults and the implications for patient care decision-making.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Quantitative Research Study

Title: The Impact of Activity Mediation on Diminishing the Fall Hazard in More seasoned Grown-ups: A Meta-Examination of Randomized Controlled Preliminaries

The quantitative research study employs a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as its methodology, focusing on the effects of exercise interventions in reducing falls among older adults. Falls represent a major health concern for individuals over 65 due to the potential for serious physical injuries, disabilities, or even death. This study’s use of RCTs to explore how exercise interventions can mitigate these risks emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue.

The study followed the Cochrane Collaboration Convention guidelines and employed the Pedro scale to assess the quality of the articles included. The sample size of 648 subjects adds credibility to the research findings. One notable strength is the robust use of statistical software, specifically Revman, to calculate the Normalized Mean Difference, which supports the reliability of the study’s conclusions.

However, the research presents certain weaknesses. The trials may not fully capture the range of variables influencing falls, such as pre-existing comorbidities or economic and social factors. Additionally, reliance on self-reported data raises concerns about the accuracy of the results. Improving the study by comparing the proposed intervention with other fall-prevention strategies would further enhance its utility.

Ethical Implications of Quantitative Research

While the meta-analysis did not involve primary data collection from human participants, ethical considerations remain important, particularly in ensuring that the interventions explored are safe and equitable for older adults. Ethical principles from the Belmont Report, such as respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, underline the need for interventions to be accessible and tailored to the needs of older individuals. Although the study primarily involves healthy participants, future research should consider those with underlying health conditions to ensure comprehensive care for all older adults (Bhandari, 2021; Parker et al., 2019).

Significance of the Research Problem

The study addresses falls among older adults, a critical issue that carries both significant health risks and economic burdens. Falls can lead to reduced independence and quality of life, while healthcare costs related to fall-related injuries are estimated to exceed $50 billion annually (Florence et al., 2018). Addressing this problem through exercise interventions presents a potential solution to improving outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Qualitative Research Study

Title: Put it to Work, or It Will Quit Working for You: A Subjective Investigation of The Support of Active work in More seasoned Grown-ups

The qualitative study takes a thematic approach to understanding the maintenance of physical activity among older adults. By conducting face-to-face interviews and analyzing the data through thematic analysis, the researchers gained valuable insights into the barriers and facilitators of physical activity. The use of NVivo10 for data analysis and the inclusion of direct quotes from participants add rigor to the research.

However, the small sample size and limited geographic scope pose limitations. The study is not easily generalizable to other populations or regions, and the omission of economic factors limits the understanding of the full spectrum of influences on physical activity maintenance. Including some quantitative data could have further strengthened the findings by providing a more balanced perspective on the research problem.

Ethical Implications of Qualitative Research

Ethical approval was obtained from the Public Research Ethics Governance Panel South East Coast, ensuring that participants’ rights were protected throughout the research process. Participants gave informed consent and were informed of their right to withdraw at any time. The study’s exclusive focus on English-speaking individuals may introduce some bias, as it omits participants from non-English-speaking backgrounds, but no significant ethical concerns were raised in this regard.

Significance of the Research Problem

The qualitative study tackles the issue of physical inactivity, a global concern for older adults. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, falls, and mental health issues like depression (Cunningham et al., 2020). Physical activity can improve strength, balance, and overall quality of life, making it an essential component of healthy aging (Langhammer et al., 2018). However, the study could have delved deeper into how socioeconomic factors influence access to physical activity resources.

Conclusion

In summary, both quantitative and qualitative research methods are essential for addressing the issue of falls among older adults. Quantitative research offers evidence-based practices that can be integrated into healthcare policies, while qualitative research provides valuable insights into the lived experiences and behaviors of older adults. Both approaches contribute to a holistic understanding of the research problem, helping healthcare professionals make informed decisions to improve patient care.

References

Bhandari, P. (2021). A guide to ethical considerations in research. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/research-ethics/

Cunningham, C., & O’Sullivan, R. (2020). Why physical activity matters for older adults in a time of pandemic. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-020-00249-3

Cunningham, C., O’Sullivan, R., Caserotti, P., & Tully, M. A. (2020). Consequences of physical inactivity in older adults: A systematic review of reviews and meta-analyses. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 30(5), 816–827. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13616

Florence, C. S., Bergen, G., Atherly, A., Burns, E., Stevens, J., & Drake, C. (2018). Medical costs of fatal and nonfatal falls in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 66(4), 693–698. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15304

NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 2 Quantitative and Qualitative Research Publication Critique

Langhammer, B., Bergland, A., & Rydwik, E. (2018). The importance of physical activity exercise among older people. BioMed Research International, 2018(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7856823

Parker, M., Pearson, C., Donald, C., & Fisher, C. B. (2019). Beyond the Belmont Principles: A community-based approach to developing an indigenous ethics model and curriculum for training health researchers working with American Indian and Alaska native communities. American Journal of Community Psychology, 64(1–2), 9–20. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12360