Qualitative Literature Critique Worksheet
Title and abstract
Title
Was the title a good one, suggesting the key phenomenon and the group or community under study?
The reader can identify that the title of this article was a good one as it suggests the key phenomenon, which in this article are the patient’s experiences of their life situation and the group under study is identified as those patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis. According to Polit and Beck (2006, p.68), these elements outline the area of focus for the research and the group or community under study which are elements normally included in a qualitative research article title.
Abstract
Does the abstract clearly and concisely summarize the main features of the report?
The abstract provided at the beginning of the research article gives the reader a clear and concise summary of the main features of the report. The abstract provided has given a brief description on the overall content of the article covering areas including the aim, background, method, results, conclusions and relevance to clinical practice. According to Polit and Beck (2006, p.68), an abstract should provide a brief description of the study by providing answers and information about the study covering different aspects of the research article.
Background
Statement of the problem
Is the phenomenon of interest clearly identified?
The phenomenon of interest is clearly identified in this paper. The researcher states their interest in examining “how patients on maintenance haemodialysis express their life situation” (Hagren, Pettersen, Severinsson, Lutzen & Clyne 2005, p.295).
Is the problem stated unambiguously and is it easy to identify?
The problem stated is unambiguous and easy to identify. The article mentions on several occasions that there are concerns with regards to the patient’s quality of life whilst dealing with the processes of receiving maintenance haemodialysis (Hagren et al. 2005, p.295).
Does the problem have significance to nursing?
Acquiring knowledge based upon subjective views from experienced participants as to how a person experiences their life situation in any situation, does have significance to nursing. Nursing deals with patients from a holistic point of view (their physical, emotional and social problems) and evidence based knowledge as to how an illness or treatment affects a person’s life holistically, is essential to guide nurses to be able to provide adequate and effective care from every spectrum (Crisp & Taylor 2005, pp. 75, 77; Flemming 2007, pp.618, 619).
Is there a good match between the research problem and the paradigm and methods used?
There is a good match between the research problem, and the paradigm and methods used. The quality of life of a person with chronic kidney disease may be considered suboptimal when compared to that of a person without chronic kidney disease, however, the term “quality of life” can mean something different from one person to the next which in this article matches the research problem and the paradigm well (Pugh-Clarke, Naish & Mercer 2006, p.156). The research methods used also matched in well as these methods allowed participants to express their perceptions and views through interviews (narrative method) and then a qualitative content analysis was used to identify categories and create themes that described the participant’s experiences (Vishnevsky & Beanlands 2004, p.234; Hagren et. al 2005, pp.294, 295).
.
Is a qualitative approach appropriate?
A qualitative approach is appropriate as the researcher is attempting to identify the participant’s subjective perceptions and feelings of their life experiences whilst requiring maintenance haemodialysis. Qualitative research is concerned with exploring a person’s subjective views and experiences of a specific situation (Wiart & Burwash 2007, p.215).
Does the background summarize the existing body of knowledge related to the problem or phenomenon of interest?
The background of this research paper provides a fairly good summary into the existing body of knowledge related to the problem or phenomenon of interest. It supplies references to previous research papers on this topic and relating topics and also provides several conclusions of previous research undertaken. According to Vivar (2007, p.63) the background should “illustrate and provide a critical appraisal of what has been researched in the topic so far.”
Is the literature review adequate? Does the literature review lay a solid basis for the new study?
The literature review for this paper is adequate and does lay a solid basis for the new study as it fulfils the following criteria of a literature review. According to Polit & Beck (2006, p.69), the literature review should provide a clear and concise idea about previous research undertaken on the topic and relate it back to current research, enabling the reader to understand the need for further research and assess the outcomes of this research.
Epistemological or conceptual underpinnings
Is the epistemological tradition, conceptual framework, or theoretical orientation made explicit and is it appropriate for the problem?
The epistemological tradition of phenomenology is explicitly the tradition used in this research article and it is appropriate as phenomenology is concerned with the life experiences of people and what they mean to the person (Polit & Beck 2006, p.54).
Research question
Are research questions explicitly stated? If not, is their absence justified?
Unlike an article by Walton, (2002, p.447), the research questions within this paper are not explicitly stated, however, the phenomena of interest is clearly identified and within the data collection of the research, the researcher identifies that all interviews followed a semi-structured guide following topics concerning the patient’s experience of living with haemodialysis treatment and care provided, which follows the epistemological tradition of phenomenology (Hagren et al. 2005, p.296; Polit & Beck 2006, p.54).
Methods
Research design and research tradition
Is the identified research tradition (if any) congruent with the methods used to collect and analyse data?
Phenomenology is congruent with the methods used to collect and analyse data as this tradition is concerned with exploring the life experiences of people and what they mean to the person, so the data collection methods (semi-structured interviews: implementing a narrative method) and data analysis methods (qualitative content analysis to identify categories and create themes that describe the patient’s experiences) used within this research are appropriate (Russell & Gregory 2003, p.36; Polit & Beck 2006, p.54).
Was an adequate amount of time spent in the field or with study participants? Were there an adequate number of contacts with study participants?
The time spent in the field was not identified in this article, nor was it identified if the participants were interviewed more than once. Other qualitative research articles such as, Walton (2002), clearly identified these factors, providing a more credible assessment for the reader to acknowledge occurrence of saturation and rigour.
Did the design unfold in the field, allowing researchers to capitalize on early understanding?
The design did not unfold in the field, allowing researchers to capitalize on early understanding as categories and sub-themes were not identified until the qualitative content analysis (Hagren et al. 2005, p.296).
Was there evidence of reflexivity in the design?
There was evidence of reflexivity in the design and this was demonstrated in the article when the researcher identified that the primary investigator, who conducted the interviews was a male, and therefore, possibly enabling the male participants to identify with him, feeling more able to express their concerns as opposed to the female participants (Hagren et al. 2005, p.299).
Sample and setting
Was the group or population of interest adequately described? Were the setting and sample described in sufficient detail?
The setting, group of interest and sample were adequately described, providing the reader with a detailed picture of the specific characteristics of the sample group and setting. A very similar description of participants from another research article by Walton (2002) was viewed for comparison.
Was the approach used to gain access to the site or to recruit participants appropriate?
The approach used to gain access to the site is not identified in this study, but would have been beneficial to include, as it did in Pugh-Clarke et al. (2006, p.157) & Tuckett (2004, p.48). These articles state that prior to the researchers entering the facility, the researcher obtained permission from the Research Ethics Committee. The same approach from the researcher in this article, would have demonstrated to the reader that ethical aspects were considered prior to the commencement of the research (Polit & Beck 2006, p.85). The recruitment of participants was appropriate as all participants had the right to refuse and written informed consent was obtained prior to commencement of the study (Polit & Beck 2006, p.85).
Was the best method of sampling used to enhance information richness and address the needs of the study?
It appears that in this study, the participants were selected using convenience sampling which is the best method of sampling considering that all participants were required to be from a particular group (people requiring maintenance haemodialysis) (Polit & Beck 2006, p.270). According to Tuckett (2004, p.49), qualitative research does not require a large sample, but requires a sample to be information rich on the particular phenomenon to be explored.
Was the sample adequate? Was saturation achieved?
The sample for this study was inadequate as saturation was not achieved and sampling could have continued until full saturation was achieved. There were several factors that affected the potential for full capacity data to be obtained. As previously mentioned, the presence of a male interviewer, may have caused the female participants to be less forthright when providing information about their experiences and also the fact that several participants were often very tired to provide information to full capacity (Hagren et al. 2005, p.296).
Data collection
Were the methods of gathering data appropriate? Were data gathered through two or more methods to achieve triangulation? Was a sufficient amount of data gathered?
The methods of gathering data were appropriate however, methods to achieve triangulation were not achieved, proposing that an insufficient amount of data was gathered. Triangulation can enhance the credibility of the research. This article only identifies the one method of gathering data and that was via semi-structured interviews with the participants (Polit & Beck 2006, p.333; Hagren et al. 2005, p.296).
Did the researcher ask the right questions or make the right observations, and were they recorded in the right fashion?
There were no stem questions identified in this study. Nor were there any noted observations from the researcher.
Procedures
Were data collection and recording procedures adequately described and do they appear appropriate? Were data collected in a manner that minimised bias or behavioural distortions?
The data collection and recording procedures were adequately described in this paper and appear appropriate as has been identified in previous questions, however, the data was not collected in a manner that minimised bias. According to Polit & Beck (2006, p.42), bias could be considered a concern when considering the data that was collected from the participants who only gave short answers because they were tired. However, as long as this is considered when analysing the data, it shouldn’t be too big a problem. If triangulation methods of collecting data were implemented, then this would have been an effective method to minimise bias as has been identified earlier (Polit & Beck 2006, p.42).
Were data collection staff appropriately trained?
According to Hagren et al. (2005, p. 294), the data collection staff has a list of professional qualifications and the background of this article shows reference to another research study the collection staff has been involved with which may prove that the collection staff has been appropriately trained.
Were appropriate procedures used to safeguard the rights of the study participants?
There wasn’t any mention in this study of procedures used to safeguard the rights of the study participants (ie: confidentiality agreement).
Enhancement of rigor
Were methods used to enhance the trustworthiness of the data (and analysis), and was the description of those methods adequate?
The methods used to enhance trustworthiness of the data (and analysis) were inadequate due to, as previously mentioned, the data being collected from the participants using only a single method. If triangulation methods of collecting data were implemented, then this would have been an effective method to minimise bias and enhance the trustworthiness of the data and analysis (Polit & Beck 2006, pp.41, 42). According to Rolfe (2004, p.305), trustworthiness can be divided into the categories of credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability.
Did the researcher document research procedures and decision processes sufficiently that findings are auditable and confirmable?
The researcher did not give a definitive answer as to how research procedures and decision processes were documented. However, it was noted that the interviews were transcribed and audiotaped which allows the findings to be auditable and confirmable (Hagren et al. 2005, p.296).
Data analysis
Were data management (e.g., coding) and data analysis methods sufficiently described? Was the data analysis strategy compatible with the research tradition and with the nature and type of the data gathered?
According to Jacelon & O’Dell (2005, p.217), data analysis can be described as the process where the data gathered is broken down, examined, compared, conceptualised and categorised. The data management and data analysis methods in the article were sufficiently described making reference to the qualitative content analysis and the identification of categories to create sub-themes that described the patient’s experiences (Thompson, McCaughan, Cullum, Sheldon & Raynor 2004, p.16). The data analysis strategy was compatible with the research tradition and with the nature and type of data gathered, as phenomenology is concerned with exploring the perceptions and views of participants and their lived experiences, therefore, collecting data from interviews (narrative method) and then using a qualitative content analysis to identify categories and themes is appropriate (Vishnevsky & Beanlands 2004, p.234; Hagren et. al 2005, pp.294, 295).
.
Did the analysis yield an appropriate “Product” (e.g., a theory, taxonomy, thematic patterns, etc.)?
The qualitative content analysis used in this study identified categories and from these categories, sub themes were uncovered that described the patient’s experiences (Hagren et al. 2005, p. 296).
Results
Findings
Were the findings effectively summarized, with good use of excerpts?
Do the themes adequately capture the meaning of the data?
Did the analysis yield an insightful, provocative, and meaningful picture of the phenomenon under investigation?
The findings were effectively summarized with good use of excerpts with the themes adequately capturing the meaning of the data. According to Polit & Beck (2006, p.74), the findings of a study should be set out with the identified themes from the data and these themes should be backed up with many excerpts from the original data source. The excerpts should detail, in the participants words, their experience with relation to the particular theme identified. The inclusion of excerpts is to provide a rich resourceful, support to the themes identified. The use of excerpts alongside the identified themes, founded as a result of analysis of data, also provides an insightful, provocative and meaningful picture of the phenomenon under investigation.
Theoretical integration
Are the themes or patterns logically connected to each other to form a convincing and integrated whole?
The themes identified in this study are all logically connected, identifying different aspects of a person’s life that when, if interrupted, could affect a person’s overall quality of life. As mentioned previously, the use of excerpts alongside the established themes, assists in painting a clear picture as to how the participants view their life experiences whilst requiring maintenance haemodialysis (Polit & Beck 2006, p.74; Hagren et al. 2005, pp.296-298).
Discussion
Interpretation of findings
Are the major findings interpreted and discussed within the context of prior studies?
The major findings of this study are interpreted and discussed within the context of prior studies as the reader can easily identify the elements of prior study within this article and how this is linked in with the findings of the current study (Hagren et al. 2005, pp.298, 299).
Implications/recommendations
Do the researchers discuss the implications of the study for clinical practice or further inquiry – and are those implications reasonable?
The researcher identified that further inquiry should be directed with study questions about the health care organisation within haemodialysis units to examine what impact the experience of emotional distance has on the patient’s perception of the care given and their well-being. This inquiry is reasonable as findings of this study identified that both men and women feel an emotional distance to caregivers and the phenomena behind this should be explored (Hagren et al. 2005, pp.298, 298).
Summary points
Presentation
Was the report well-written, well-organised, and sufficiently detailed for critical analysis? Was the description of the methods, findings, and interpretations sufficient and vivid?
Qualitative research outcomes can provide a rich source of information to the reader, providing insight as to how it may feel to be a person in a given situation (Vishnevsky & Beanlands 2004, pp.237, 238). This report was well-written, well-organised and sufficiently detailed for critical analysis and the description of the methods, findings and interpretations were sufficient and vivid. This report did give the reader a good insight as to how it may feel to be a person who requires maintenance haemodialysis to sustain life.
Summary assessment
Do the study findings appear to be trustworthy – do you have confidence in the truth value of the results?
The study findings in this study appear to be trustworthy, however, as mentioned previously in this paper, the credibility could be questioned as the researcher only obtained data for the research through one method. If triangulation was implemented, then this would enhance the credibility status of the study analysis (Polit & Beck 2006, pp.41, 42). There is also query of credibility of the findings when it mentions in the article that some of the participants were tired and only gave short answers (Hagren et al. 2005, p.296). A further query is focussed upon the primary investigator and interviewer being of male gender, which the male participants identified well with throughout their interviews and felt more able to express their experiences compared with the women. Perhaps, if a female interviewer were present to interview the female participants, the data gathered and final analysis may have been different (Hagren et al. 2005, p.299).
Does the study contribute any meaningful evidence that can be used in nursing practice or that is useful to the nursing discipline?
This study does contribute meaningful evidence that can be used in nursing practice or that is useful to the nursing discipline. The study illustrated that both men and women feel an emotional distance to caregivers and the women in the study identified that interpersonal relationships with the professionals are important to them. This should identify the need for nurses and doctors to change their practices to encourage interpersonal relationships with their patients by acknowledging the patient’s vulnerability and holistic needs during their time in the hospital (Hagren et al. 2005. pp.298, 299; Crisp & Taylor 2005, pp. 75, 77).
References
Crisp, J. & Taylor, C. 2005, Potter & Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing, 2nd Edition, Elsevier, Marrickville.
Flemming, K. 2007, Synthesis of Qualitative Research and Evidence-Based Nursing, British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 16 (10), pp. 618, 619 (accessed 20 May, 2008, from Cinahl database: 2009624212).
Hagren, B., Pettersen, I.M., Severinsson, E., Lutzen, K. & Clyne, N. 2005, Maintenance Haemodialysis: Patients’ Experiences of Their Life Situation, Journal of Clinical Nursing, Vol. 14(3), pp. 294- 299 (accessed 24 May, 2008, from Cinahl database: 2005073395).
Jacelon, C.S. & O’Dell, K.K. 2005, Analyzing Qualitative Data, Urologic Nursing, Vol. 25 (3), pp. 217-20 (accessed 25 May, 2008, from Medline database: 16050356).
Polit, D.F. & Beck, C.T. 2006, Essentials of Nursing Research: Methods, Appraisal, and Utilization, 6th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia.
Pugh-Clarke, K., Naish P.F. & Mercer, T.M. 2006, Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease, Journal of Renal Care, Vol. 32 (3), pp.156, 157 (accessed 19 May, 2008, from Cinahl database: 2009489323).
Rolfe, G. 2006, Validity, Trustworthiness and Rigour: Quality and the Idea of Qualitative Research, Journal of Advanced Nursing, Vol. 53 (3), p.305 (accessed May 16, 2008 from Cinahl database: 2009125266).
Russell, C.K. & Gregory, D.M. 2003, Evaluation of Qualitative Research Studies, Evidence- Based Nursing, Vol. 6(2), p. 36 (accessed 26 May, 2008, from Cinahl database: 2004040744).
Thompson, C., McCaughan, D., Cullum, N., Sheldon, T.A. & Raynor, P. 2004, Increasing the Visibility of Coding Decisions in Team-based Qualitative Research in Nursing, International Journal of Nursing Studies, Vol. 41 (1), p.16 (accessed 26 May, 2008, from Cinahl database: 2004053967).
Tuckett, A.G. 2004. Qualitative Research Sampling: The Very Real Complexities, Nurse Researcher, Vol. 12 (1), pp.48, 49 (accessed 17 May, 2008 from Cinahl database: 2004207502).
Vishnevsky, T. & Beanlands, H. 2004, Qualitative Research, Nephrology Nursing Journal, Vol. 31 (2), p. 234 (accessed 20 May, 2008, from Medline database: 15114810).
Vivar, C.G. 2007. Getting Started with Qualitative Research: Developing a Research Proposal, Nurse Researcher, Vol. 14 (3), p. 63 (accessed 20 May, 2008 from Cinahl database: 2009569828).
Walton, J. 2002, Finding a Balance: a Grounded Theory Study of Spirituality in Hemodialysis Patients, Nephrology Nursing Journal, Vol. 29 (5), p. 447 (accessed 23 May, 2008, from Cinahl database: 2003012348).
Wiart, L. & Burwash, S. 2007, Qualitative Research is Evidence, too, Journal of Physiotherapy, Vol. 53 (4), p. 215 (accessed 22 May, 2008, from Australia/New Zealand Reference Centre: 27654943).
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment