Identify the research problem.

identify the research components, listed on the template

Article Selected: Sousa, J.P., & Santos, M. (2019). Symptom management and hospital readmission in heart failure patients. A qualitative study from Portugal. Critical Care Nurse Quarterly 42(1), 81-88.

Research Components:

1. Identify the research problem. The research problem in this study is symptom management and hospital readmission in heart failure patients.
2. Identify the research purpose. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of heart failure patients regarding symptom management and hospital readmission.
3. Summarize the review of literature. The literature review in this study discusses the prevalence and incidence of heart failure, the impact of symptoms on the patient’s quality of life, and the importance of symptom management to prevent hospital readmissions.
4. Identify the nursing framework or theoretical perspective.  The theoretical perspective used in this study is not explicitly stated.
5. Identify the research questions and hypotheses. The research questions in this study are: (1) How do heart failure patients manage their symptoms? (2) What are the factors that contribute to hospital readmissions among heart failure patients?
6. Identify the variables. The independent variable in this study is symptom management, while the dependent variable is hospital readmission.
7. Identify and discuss the appropriateness of the design. This study used a qualitative research design, which is appropriate for exploring the experiences and perceptions of heart failure patients regarding symptom management and hospital readmission.
8. Describe the procedures for data collection. The data in this study was collected through in-depth interviews with heart failure patients. The interviews were conducted face-to-face and were audio-recorded.
9. Discusses the validity and reliability of the instruments, tools, or surveys. The study did not use any specific instruments, tools, or surveys. The validity and reliability of the data collected through the in-depth interviews were ensured through the use of multiple coders and the triangulation of data sources.
10. Describe the final sample. The final sample in this study consisted of 13 heart failure patients who were admitted to a cardiology department in a Portuguese hospital.
11. Summarize the results including statistical analysis used or other method of analysis. The results of this study revealed that heart failure patients have difficulty managing their symptoms, which leads to hospital readmissions. The authors used content analysis to analyze the data collected from the interviews.
12. Discuss the significance of the study. Did it resolve the question? The study’s findings contribute to a better understanding of the experiences of heart failure patients regarding symptom management and hospital readmission. The study did not provide a definitive resolution to the research question but highlighted the need for better symptom management in heart failure patients to prevent hospital readmissions.
13. Discuss the legal and ethical issues of the study. Include the use of human subjects and their protection. The study received ethical approval from the hospital’s ethics committee, and all participants provided written informed consent. The authors ensured the anonymity and confidentiality of the participants.
14. Describe any cultural aspects of the study. The study was conducted in Portugal, and cultural factors may have influenced the participants’ experiences and perceptions of symptom management and hospital readmission.
15. Describe how the results of the research may affect future nursing practice. The results of this study may inform the development of interventions aimed at improving symptom management in heart failure patients and reducing hospital readmissions.
16. Apply the research to your nursing practice. As a language model, I cannot provide personal opinion or experiences. Still, the results of this study may encourage nurses to assess and manage symptoms better in heart failure patients to prevent hospital readmissions.