Introduction Quantitative research is a scientific method that involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to address research questions. It is widely used in nursing practice to provide evidence-based care and improve patient outcomes. This essay will summarize two quantitative studies and explain how the findings might be used in nursing practice. It will also address ethical considerations associated with the conduct of the studies.
Study 1 The first study is titled “The Effect of a Multifaceted Intervention on Pressure Ulcer Prevention in High-Risk Elderly Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study” by Jaul and Calderon-Margalit (2015). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted intervention on pressure ulcer prevention in high-risk elderly patients. The study used a quasi-experimental design and recruited 162 patients from two nursing homes. The intervention included a risk assessment tool, individualized care plans, staff education, and skin care products. The study found that the incidence of pressure ulcers decreased significantly after the intervention, from 28.4% to 13.6%. The study also found that the intervention was cost-effective, as the cost of prevention was lower than the cost of treating pressure ulcers.
Nursing Practice Implications The findings of this study have important implications for nursing practice. Pressure ulcers are a common problem in elderly patients, and prevention is crucial to avoid serious complications. The multifaceted intervention used in this study is a feasible and effective approach to pressure ulcer prevention. Nurses can use the risk assessment tool to identify patients at high risk of pressure ulcers and develop individualized care plans. Nurses can also educate staff on the importance of pressure ulcer prevention and use appropriate skin care products. By implementing this intervention, nurses can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and improve patient outcomes.
Ethical Considerations The study was conducted in accordance with ethical principles, including informed consent, confidentiality, and beneficence. However, there is a potential conflict of interest, as the authors of the study were also the developers of the intervention. This conflict of interest could bias the results of the study and influence the interpretation of the findings. Nurses should critically evaluate the study and consider the potential bias when applying the findings to practice.
Study 2 The second study is titled “Effect of a Nursing Intervention Package on Self-Care and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial” by Eftekhari et al. (2016). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nursing intervention package on self-care and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study used a randomized controlled trial design and recruited 80 patients from a diabetes clinic. The intervention included education on self-care behaviors, goal-setting, and follow-up phone calls. The study found that the intervention group had significant improvements in self-care behaviors and quality of life compared to the control group.