NURS 8201 Week 11 Discussion Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice ANSWERS

Sample Answer for NURS 8201 Week 11 Discussion Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice ANSWERS Included After Question

Week 11: Mixed Methods and Research Reviews

What does it mean to use a mixed method approach in research studies? Why might both qualitative and quantitative methods be necessary to fully explore a research problem or issue in healthcare?

A mixed methods approach allows a researcher to utilize the strengths of each study design to develop a more complex understanding of the issue or problem. “Using mixed methods offers researchers the ability to use the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative research designs to answer different stages or parts of a complex research question” (Gray & Grove, 2020). While this approach is not without its challenges, the use of mixed methods is gaining traction amongst researchers.

This week, you will examine the use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. You will explore instances in which mixed methods may be useful in a research study, and you will consider how all forms of research support evidence-based practice.

_{Reference: Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.}

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Evaluate mixed methods for obtaining qualitative and quantitative evidence for research studies
Analyze the use of mixed methods in systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice

Learning Resources

Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)

Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.

Chapter 14, “Mixed Methods Research” (pp. 386–409)
Chapter 19, “Evidence Synthesis and Strategies for Implementing Evidence-Based Practice” (pp. 551–606)

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2015). Methods guide for effectiveness and comparative effectiveness reviews. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/cer-methods-guide/overview/

Dreyfoos, N. (2020). Evaluating the impact of a depression care management program. https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=dnp-projects

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Systematic Reviews, 10(89), 1–11. doi:10.1186/s13643-021-01626-4

Siddaway, A. P., Wood, A. M., & Hedges, L. V. (2019). How to do a systematic review: A best practice guide for conducting and reporting narrative reviews, meta-analyses, and meta-syntheses. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 747–770. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010418-102803

Discussion: Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice

Chronic pain affects millions of Americans. Diagnosing, treating, and understanding chronic pain creates many challenges for healthcare. Is the challenge on how to properly diagnose and manage a patient’s pain? Or is the challenge on whether or not to prescribe pain medications given the concerns with addiction as a result of the opioid epidemic?

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Consider the questions posed above. How might the use of qualitative and quantitative methods serve to provide answers for researchers regarding the challenges associated with chronic pain? What can qualitative data provide that quantitative data cannot, and vice versa? How might a mixed methods approach fill in the gaps to provide a clearer understanding of the problem and potential solutions?

For this Discussion, reflect on an issue or problem in healthcare that may benefit from a mixed methods approach. Think about the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs, as well as how these two methods might work well together. Consider how a mixed methods approach supports evidence-based practice.

To Prepare:

Review the Learning Resources for this week and consider the differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods.
Consider an example of a topic or issue in nursing in which both qualitative and quantitative research approaches might be necessary,
Reflect on how a mixed methods approach lends itself to evidence-based practice.

By Day 3 of Week 11

Post an explanation of when it might be most useful to use both qualitative and quantitative approaches or mixed methods to support a research design. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain whether a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice. Be specific.

By Day 6 of Week 11

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days in one or more of the following ways:

Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
Suggest an alternative perspective based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 11 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 of Week 11 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 11

To Participate in this Discussion:

Week 11 Discussion

What’s Coming Up?

Congratulations! After you have finished all of the assignments for this week, you have completed the course. Please submit your Course Evaluation by Day 7.

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NURS 8201 Week 11 Discussion Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice ANSWERS

Title: NURS 8201 Week 11 Discussion Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice ANSWERS

The mixed-method encompasses both qualitative and quantitative methods. The mixed-method has become common in recent times due to the growing complexity of nursing (Campbell, Tam-Tham, Dhaliwal, Manns, Hemmelgarn, Sanmartin, & King-Shier, 2017). An example of a mixed-method can be demonstrated by research conducted to determine the stress levels of nurses in a psychiatric ward. The research would first involve a quantitative approach, which will entail the collection of data based on the level of stress of the participants. A 5-point Likert scale could be deployed to measure the level of stress. The data could then be analyzed using quantitative statistical methods such as mean, mode, standard deviation, and t-test to determine whether the stress levels are normal. Once the quantitative study has been completed, a qualitative study could be carried out to assess nurses’ experiences in the psychiatric ward that could result in escalated stress levels. Data could be collected using interviews. The data analysis could involve determining topics and drawing relevant themes (Campbell et al., 2017).

The mixed method has several advantages in research. First, the research can quantify data and further explore other relevant themes that a quantitative study cannot determine. This results in better enrichment of evidence and a comprehensive understanding of the research question (Oliveira, Magalhães, & MisueMatsuda, 2018). The other advantage is that participants can give more details in a mixed-method hence more accurate research. The mixed method also has several limitations. The first limitation is its complexity. The method requires thorough training to ensure researchers conduct the exercise effectively. The other limitation is that it might require more resources. Additional personnel and lengthy research periods could be witnessed in the mixed method compared to the single methods. A multidisciplinary team might also be required to conduct the research. The multidisciplinary team might not be readily available.

References

NURS 8201 Week 11 Discussion Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice ANSWERS

Campbell, D. J., Tam-Tham, H., Dhaliwal, K. K., Manns, B. J., Hemmelgarn, B. R., Sanmartin, C., & King-Shier, K. (2017). Use of mixed methods research in research on coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension: a scoping review. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 10(1), e003310.

Oliveira, J. L. C. D., Magalhães, A. M. M. D., & MisueMatsuda, L. (2018). Métodos mistos na pesquisa em enfermagem: possibilidades de aplicação à luz de Creswell. Texto & Contexto-Enfermagem, 27(2).

A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NURS 8201 Week 11 Discussion Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice ANSWERS

Title: NURS 8201 Week 11 Discussion Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to Inform Evidence-Based Practice ANSWERS

Integrating homeopathic medicine in the ICU

For as long as I can remember, working here in the government hospital that provides a multidisciplinary centered care towards a multicultural population (i.e. Micronesians, Asians, etc.), I can safely say that most nurses are well representing their patient when it comes to homeopathic medication regimens. I have noticed that some patients have asked the nurses and the physicians about the incorporation of homeopathic medications into their regimen and most physicians are not well adapted into accepting into their current practice. In addition, about 50% of the nurse ratios understand the importance of accepting the incorporation of homeopathic medications into their regimen, just as along as it does not complication or provide an adverse reaction with their current plan of care. Overall, I wanted to understand the importance of combining conventional therapies alongside alternative practices to help control uncomfortable symptoms and understand why most healthcare physicians are not susceptive to accepting integrative medicine.

The homeopathic medications are considered alternative or complementary forms of therapy that some patients use. According to Eldridge (2021), homeopathic medicine are considered “like cures” in small amount may provide protection and/or reduce symptoms from their current illness. Some examples of homeopathic medications include the use of multivitamins, over the counter medications, immunity supplements, and the use of essential oils (Micronesian islands). Although, the ideas of implementing these homeopathic medications in their current medical regimen while being treated in an acute care setting can be frowned upon, as a DNP prepared nurse, it is our role to determine what may work best for our patients and would increase medical compliance.

Treatments of chronic diseases has become an enabling a holistic approach and improving the patient to physician relationship of therapy that would assist in chronic disease ailments. However, there is still little studies done on homeopathy in treatment of acute disease; often due to lack of study and a knowledge gap that is responsibility for the inability and fear in treating acute disease processes. I understand how physicians feel about incorporating homeopathic therapy in a fast paced environment that deals with life and death, with little time to act, however, what initially sparked my interest is that a physician that I worked with in the ICU is not opposed to incorporating homeopathic therapies that may help the patient feel comfortable. Also, there is now an increasing dissemination worldwide on various types of complementary and alternative medicine; ones that should and can be used as complementary treatment in all healthcare fields. As a nurses, we often are in the middle or representing our patients on their road to recovery, as long as their believed homeopathic treatments do not interfere with western medicine.

Appropriate research development in homeopathy and the nature of its existing research evidence needs to be examined objectively and with transparency. One way to approach this study is through a mix method approach. It is a type of research method in which researchers collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative within the same study. According to Shorten & Smith (2022), mixed methods draw potential strengths on both qualitative and quantitative methods, both allowing to explore diverse perspectives and uncover relationships that exist between the intricate layers of multifaceted research question. This an essential step in the mixed method is the data linkage and integration at an appropriate stage in the research process.

In a mixed method systematic review done by Mathie et.al. (2017), individualized homeopathic treatment versus placebo evaluation of interventions allocated to each participant. Quantitative studies were done using systematic literature of about 533 record search to identify different randomized control trials (RCT) that compared homeopathy with a placebo, for any clinical condition. The qualitative part of the study included two sub groups that included N=75 participants of random data including demographics: gender, age, and medical condition; in a six month trial. This study included 54 different randomized trials of homeopathic medication use and of the 31 continuous trials; none had an effect statistically significantly favoring homeopathy and no trials favored the placebo. In the 23 trials of dichotomous data, about six had an effect statistically significant favoring homeopathy. As a result, all subgroups favored homeopathy as an investment when dealing with their acute or chronic diseases.

Reference(s):

Eldridge, L. (2021). What homeopathic medicine? VeryWell Health. Retrieved from

https://www.verywellhealth.com/homeopathic-medicine-description-2249111

Mathie, R., Ramparasad, N., Legg, L., Clausen, J., Moss, S., Davidson, J…McConnachie, A.

(2017). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of non-individualized homeopathic treatment: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Journal. 6(36). Retrieved from https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-017-0445-3

Shorten, A. & Smith, J. (2022). Mixed methods research: Expanding the evidence base. BMJ

Journals. 20(3). Retrieved from https://ebn.bmj.com/content/20/3/74

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