Understanding Qualitative Research Through Critical Analysis- A Review of Two Key Studies

Understanding Qualitative Research Through Critical Analysis- A Review of Two Key Studies

Background of Study

The first qualitative research article is authored by Zhang et al. (2019). Older people with dementia are the target group of the study. It provides a review of risk factors for falls in older adults with dementia with the intent of averting them. Gait and cognitive impairment were the points of focus for the study. Each factor was reviewed individually. Thereafter, their additive impact on the occurrence of falls was studied. These findings were used to create a framework to guide the prevention of falls among older adults with dementia.

According to Zhang et al. (2019), the purpose of their study is to conduct a literature review and develop a framework to guide fall prevention in older persons with dementia. The objective is to conduct a literature review and develop a framework to guide programs aimed at preventing falls in the target population. Three research questions can be formulated based on the purpose and objective of the study. The first question is: what is the impact of gait and cognitive impairment on falls among dementia patients? The second question: what are the risk factors for falls in elderly people with dementia? The article’s relevance to nursing practice is underpinned by its research questions. Knowledge from the study will enable nursing personnel to emphasize gait and cognition when dealing with older adults with dementia. Nursing personnel can develop theoretical guidelines to guide the prevention of these falls based on the researcher’s findings.

The second qualitative research article is authored by Mehdizadeh et al. (2021). This research article focuses on the prediction of short-term factors that predispose a population with dementia to falls. Prior history of falls and the gait of participants are key risk factors for falls among people with dementia. The two factors are independent of the environment of an individual. The risk factors cause falls in residential homes, nursing homes, and hospitals.

According to Mehdizadeh et al. (2021), the purpose of their study is to create a predictive model to identify the likelihood of short-term falls in the elderly with dementia. The objective of the study is to identify factors likely to cause falls within thirty days in patients with dementia. The research question arising from the study: What are the short-term risk predictors of falls in elderly people with dementia? This question helps to fulfill the purpose and objective of the study. The study is relevant to nursing practice because it identifies factors likely to cause falls within thirty days in the target population. This can be used to formulate preventive measures and minimize incidences of falls.

How the Articles Support the Nursing Practice Problem

My nursing practice problems are falls and dementia. The PICOT question: For dementia-related falls, does screening for prior history of falls, age, and visuospatial ability compared to screening for cognitive impairment level help to predict and prevent subsequent lifelong falls? The two articles are relevant and will be used to answer the PICOT question.

According to Zhang et al. (2019), the risk factors for falls in people with dementia are diverse. The previous history of falls, vision, medical factors, and psychological factors are identified as risk factors for falls. Antihypertensives, depression, balance, and individual motor planning were identified as specific factors. Cognition can lead to falls because it is involved with attention, motor activity, and executive functions (Zhang et al., 2019). Conditions that interfere with a person’s gait predispose them to falls. These disorders are stratified based on their severity. The researchers reported that cognition and gait are related, and both are key etiological factors of falls. The two factors can adequately explain the occurrence of falls in older patients with dementia.

Results from the research article by Mehdizadeh et al. (2021) indicated that balance and fall history are key risk factors for falls. Furthermore, close monitoring of gait stability helps to predict the risk of falls. Similar results were reported by Oki et al. (2021), who identify balance and vision as predictors of fall probability. Therefore, the two articles provide evidence that vision, history of falls, and balance mostly affected by age are key predictors of falls. The article by Zhang et al. (2019) identified cognition as a risk factor for falls. Similar studies by Oki et al. (2021) failed to find a strong correlation between cognition and falls.

The authors of both articles propose various interventions based on the risk factors identified. Mehdizadeh et al. (2021) report that assessing for balance and vision is key. Zhang et al. (2019) identified several predisposing factors, including gait and cognition. These interventions are similar to those identified in the PICOT question. The study by Oki et al. (2021) uses a comparison group of cognitive impairment. A similar comparison group is used in the PICOT question.

Method of Study

Zhang et al. (2019) used a narrative review study, whereas Mehdizadeh et al. (2021) used a prospective observational study. The narrative review study involved a thorough analysis of the literature. Literature was sourced from systematic reviews and other studies. Data obtained from the literature was used to establish a theoretical framework on the risk factors for falls and preventive measures to be implemented.

The prospective observational study by Mehdizadeh et al. (2021) collected various indicators, such as demographic data. The researchers observed participants and recorded their gait. Furthermore, they recorded any falls that occurred. Thereafter, a predictive model was developed. The narrative review has the advantage of providing an opportunity for insight and an opportunity for interrogation and theory creation. This is because of its flexibility and liberty to collect data without inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study minimizes selection bias. Bias is reduced because the researchers evaluate the entire. A disadvantage of the method is the possibility of bias. This is attributed to the flexibility provided by the study and the lack of strict selection criteria.

The advantage of the prospective observational study is related to the time and financial aspects. It can be accomplished within a short time frame, and it is less costly. The method has various shortcomings that can limit its use. It is subject to bias. The researchers may have their perception of gait or balance. This hinders accurate data collection and reporting.

Results of Study

The research article by Zhang et al. (2019)  has three key findings. The risk factors for falls are categorized into medical, environmental, and psychological. The researchers report that both gait and cognitive impairment have a joint impact as etiological factors. Cognition affects attention, motor activity, and executive functions hence predisposing individuals to falls. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors due to age and individual patients contribute to falls. Different predictors of falls and their importance have been identified. This will enable nursing practitioners to educate caregivers and help to avert future falls. These findings help educate the public and medical practitioners that such falls are independent of the person’s environment. Relevant to this study is the joint impact of gait, and cognitive impairment o falls in patients with dementia.

The research article by Mehdizadeh et al. (2021) has one key finding. The patient’s balance and previous history of falls are important indicators of the occurrence of falls in this group. The information is additive to that provided by Zhang et al. (2019). This information will enable nursing staff to provide better services to patients with dementia. Identification of patients who are likely to suffer from falls helps to keep them safe.

Ethical Considerations

The first ethical consideration is participant anonymity. This prohibits the identification of study participants. Data or information that can facilitate the identification of a participant should not be used. Mehdizadeh et al. (2021) and Zhang et al. (2019) upheld this ethical consideration by using expressions such as “individuals” and “participants” rather than giving the names of any other identity.

The second ethical consideration is to avoid harm. The study should not cause any type of harm to the participants. Harm can be physical, psychosocial, or legal (Fleming & Zegwaard, 2018). Participants should be informed about any potential risks. The research articles by Mehdizadeh et al. (2021) and Zhang et al. (2019) upheld this ethical consideration. Appropriate authority was sought before conducting the studies. Registration of the review was done, and all reference materials are well cited. Results from the study aim to improve the well-being of the target population by identifying factors that predispose them to fall.

References

Fleming, J., & Zegwaard, K. E. (2018). Methodologies, Methods, and Ethical Considerations for Researching Work-Integrated Learning. International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 19(3), 205–213.

Goldacre, B., Drysdale, H., Dale, A., Milosevic, I., Slade, E., Hartley, P., Marston, C., Powell-Smith, A., Heneghan, C., & Mahtani, K. R. (2019). Compare A Prospective Cohort Study Correcting and Monitoring 58 Misreported Trials in Real-Time. Trials, 20(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3173-2

Mehdizadeh, S., Sabo, A., Ng, K. D., Mansfield, A., Flint, A. J., Taati, B., & Iaboni, A. (2021). Predicting Short-Term Risk of Falls in a High-Risk Group With Dementia. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 22(3), 689-695.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2020.07.030

Zhang, W., Low, L. F., Schwenk, M., Mills, N., Gwynn, J. D., & Clemson, L. (2019). Review of Gait, Cognition, and Fall Risks with Implications for Fall Prevention in Older Adults with Dementia. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 48(1–2), 17–29. https://doi.org/10.1159/000504340

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Write a critical appraisal that demonstrates comprehension of two qualitative research studies. Use the “Research Critique Guidelines – Part 1” document to organize your essay. Completing this assignment requires you to provide a rationale, include examples, and reference content from the studies in your responses.

Understanding Qualitative Research Through Critical Analysis- A Review of Two Key Studies

To complete this assignment, use the practice problem and two qualitative, peer-reviewed research articles you identified in the Topic 1 assignment.

In a 1,000–1,250-word essay, summarize two qualitative studies, explain how the findings might be used in nursing practice, and address ethical considerations associated with the study’s conduct.

You are required to cite a minimum of three peer-reviewed sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.