Quantitative article critique

Part I: Research Critique The words spinal needle orientation and discharge criteria are the key words which indicate the research focus. The is a good one because it accurately suggests the key variables of the study and the study population, which are same-day surgery patients. The abstract accurately describes the key features of the report by describing the problem in general, the methods that the research used, the results and the conclusion of the study. The research problem is stated clearly, it is researchable and very much significant for purposes of achieving cost containment in surgical procedures. It is easily identified in the text, and the authors logically build up to the topic as a significant and viable research topic. The quantitative research method is appropriate for this study because quantitative data can best measure this problem. The hypothesis is also explicitly stated in the research, and it sufficiently expressed the study variables and population. The questions chosen are very much related to the concept behind this research, however, they are not sufficiently supported by related studies. The literature review for this research is integrated into the discussion portion, and therefore the studies are not logically organized in the paper. The studies chosen are appropriate and are from primary sources; however, most of them are not current and are more than five years old. The research design is appropriate for this study. Threats to its validity are discussed, but how these threats were handled was not discussed by the authors. Information from this research is sufficient for replication based on the detailed research methodology. However, there was not enough comparison made with other studies in order to enhance the interpretability of the findings. The conceptual model chosen for this paper relates spinal needle orientation to reduced stay in the hospital, eventually leading to cost containment in surgical procedures. This concept fits the research focus because it succinctly covers the idea or the ‘ concept’ behind the research.
Part II: Research Critique
The population of interest and sample for this study was sufficiently described. Inclusion and exclusion criteria sufficiently narrowed down the sample population. Methods to minimize biases in the sample population were undertaken based on participants excluded for protocol violation and missing data. Data gathering methods used for this paper were appropriate in measuring the research variables. Data to be gathered from the sample population was specified and defined. Level of measurement was also defined through the grading criteria described in the study. Reliability and validity standards were established in order to narrow down the data needed for the research. Analysis was undertaken in order to address the research questions. Statistical tools were used to collate and measure the results of the study. Such tools were sufficiently used to compare the two groups in the study and to classify and interpret the results. The research question was not completely answered because of violations of protocol, high attrition rates, and missing data collection sheets. There were no assumptions listed in the research, however, after reading the research article, this student assumes that subarachnoid anesthesia is injected via two possible orientations: lateral and cephalad. The limitations of the study were sufficiently described and discussed. These limitations impact greatly on the reliability and validity of the research. This research is greatly significant to nursing practice because the nurse can help counsel the patient on options during surgical procedures. Future related researches are sufficiently raised by this paper. Research on the nursing care needed for surgery patients placed under SAB, comparing these with care needed for surgery patients under other types of anesthesia can be undertaken by other researchers. A research analyzing the discomforts felt by patients placed under SAB as compared to other types of anesthesia can also be undertaken in order to help improve nursing care.
Reference
Polit, D. & Beck, C. (2007) Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing
Practice. Pennsylvania: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins