Research analysis

Research Analysis and Hypothesis Significance of the study The of this article attempted to address the significance of self-care and quality of life among patients with heart failure and how it plays an integral role in nursing practice. Britz and Dunn (2010) posit that the findings of the study will shed more light on how health care professionals should build self-care confidence in patients suffering from heart failure. This is attributed to the fact that those patients who possess self-care confidence have a higher chance of increasing their health care outcomes. Health care professionals should first establish those patients who lack self-care confidence and then direct more effort towards building self-care confidence in them using specific education interventions.
Research Question
The introduction/background section provided by Britz and Dunn (2010) does not formally introduce the research question. However, after carefully exploring the introduction, this paper was able to establish the research question, which is:
i. Are there certain self-care deficits among individuals suffering from heart failure at the time of discharge from hospitals that are connected to decrease in quality of life?
Research Hypothesis
In this article, Britz and Dunn (2010) formally presented the hypothesis. The author asserts that those patients with heart failure and who demonstrates self-care ability are expected to improve their healthcare outcomes. This hypothesis emanates from both previous studies as well as the model used in this study. Since it is a qualitative research, the researcher developed the hypothesis using grounded theory. The use of qualitative approaches provided a platform that researchers in various disciplines borrowed to complete work effectively. Qualitative approaches identify research issues without subjectivity. For instance, using such techniques, a case is looked at individually and therefore, it is possible to make accurate conclusions. Understanding of complex human systems such as the family and communities has grown due to the benefits accrued from qualitative methods. Certain patterns of behavior have been described and based upon these patterns of behavior, action could be taken. Grounded theory refers to a theory routed in data. The researcher interprets the raw data and then, through systematic analysis creates a theory. Grounded theory is derived from four central criteria: fit, understanding, generality and control. Fit occurs when the theory fits the substantive data. In other words, the theory must be based upon the presence of valid data. Understanding occurs when the theory is comprehensible by all researchers involved in the study. Generality occurs when the presented theory is applicable within a variety of contexts. Control entails the suggested theory providing constraints towards the phenomenon. Grounded theory provides a systematized way of relating the suggested theory to the phenomenon under study.
The researcher is prohibited from establishing a preconceived theory because of grounded theory. Unlike much research, where some researchers establish the theory and map it to data, in the grounded theory approach, the theory occurs after data is collected. The researcher’s intention is to build his or her theory from the ground up. Several benefits emerge from the grounded approach. First, there is greater enhancement of creative thinking. The researcher approaches the issue receptive and open to new ideas. The receptiveness is used to enhance creativity, as the mind is open to an array of possibilities. Surprises are expected when using the grounded approach. The employment of nonlinear thinking is typical because the researcher sieves back and forth through the process rather than following one train of thought.
Statement of the Purpose
The authors attempted to state the purpose of the study. Britz and Dunn (2010) affirms that the purpose of the study was to explore whether there are certain self-care deficits among individuals suffering from heart failure at the time of discharge from hospitals that are connected to decrease in quality of life.
Reference
Britz, J. A., & Dunn, K. S. (2009). Self-Care and quality of life among patients with heart failure. Journal of American Academy of Nursing practitioners, 22(2010), 480-487.