Drawing Conclusions About Research Findings and Their Implications for Clinical Practice

Drawing Conclusions About Research Findings and Their Implications for Clinical Practice

A research study is not finished until all of the findings have been examined and discussed and conclusions have been drawn. “Interpretation of research outcomes requires reflection on three general aspects of the research and their interactions: primary findings, validity issues, and the resultant body of knowledge in the area of investigation,” according to our book. Gray et al. (2017) (p. 578). For this paper, we were asked to look over the Verweij study’s Research Methods and Findings from 2014. The primary goal of the study was to look into the effectiveness of a medication error intervention in a hospital. The conclusion section was removed so that we could draw our own conclusions based on the information we learned in this class. “Conclusions are derived from the study findings and are a synthesis of what the researcher deems the most important findings,” according to our book. Gray et al. (2017) (p. 590).

The purpose of this study was to see how drug tabards affected the frequency of interruptions during medication administration, the number and type of interruptions experienced, and the relationship between interruptions and MAEs (medication administration errors) during the preparation, distribution and administration of medications. Based on the data I reviewed after reading the study, I came to three major conclusions of my own. To begin with, based on the statistics (this study used a linear regression analysis and found an R2 of 10.4%), the study showed a 75% decrease in interruptions and a 66% decrease in MAEs, implying that the tabards were effective in improving medication administration safety. Another conclusion I reached was that tabards improved the nurses’ concentration on their tasks, reducing the number of errors they made. However, this result may not be solely attributed to the tabards, as observers who frequented these medication passes, as well as ward managers who wanted to be a part of the MAE reduction, influenced the nurses to pay more attention during their medication passes, resulting in a reduction in those MAE’s. Finally, due to a lack of prior research on the subject, the study had some limitations. The findings of this study are compelling, but there is insufficient data to compare in order to fully support and credit the study as evidence-based.

So, what does this mean for clinical practice? The tabards had a clear positive correlation between wearing them and fewer interruptions/MAEs. Healthcare workers can use this information to implement change in their own facilities. In our facility, a red mat is placed in front of the Accudose; if you are standing within that red square, no one is allowed to interrupt you unless it is for medication waste or double verification. As a result, the study’s concept appears to be easily adaptable to different settings. Another implication is that the study itself appeared to have a positive impact on MAEs by raising the nurse’s awareness of the importance of following a strict procedure when administering medications. This result appears to be due to the study itself and the presence of managers and observers to remind nurses of potential medication issues rather than the tabards themselves. Furthermore, this study is important because it clearly shows that MAEs are a major issue in healthcare, and if not tabards, then other methods must be researched to help reduce these statistics. The study clearly demonstrates the utility of the tabards, but the lack of literature in the field may be insufficient to support their use in some facilities. This study provides a solid foundation for future research on the subject, as well as increased awareness of MAEs and a solid way for a facility to improve its statistics. Finally, the study was solid, well-formed, and valid, and it provided valuable feedback to the research community. It falls short of current research in some ways, but it does provide valuable data, making the study itself a valuable tool for healthcare providers.

References

Gray, J. R., Grove, S. K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). The practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Chapter 26, “Interpreting Research Outcomes” (pp. 578–591).

Verweji, L., Smeulers, M., Maaskant, J. M., & Vermeulen, H. (2014). Quiet, please! Drug round tabards: Are they effective and accepted? A mixed method study. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 46(5), 340. Doi: 10.1111/jnu.12092

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To Prepare:

Please review the information presented in the Learning Resources on using the Walden Library, searching the databases, and evaluating online resources.

Begin searching for a peer-reviewed article that pertains to your practice area and interests you.

Drawing Conclusions About Research Findings and Their Implications for Clinical Practice

Using proper APA formatting, cite the peer-reviewed article you selected that pertains to your practice area and is of particular interest to you, and identify the database that you used to search for the article. Explain any difficulties you experienced while searching for this article. Would this database be useful to your colleagues? Explain why or why not. Would you recommend this database? Explain why or why not.