RUNNING HEAD: Critiquing a Qualitative Research Study 1

Critiquing a Qualitative Research Study

Tamara Wheeler-Stine

Stevenson University

February 3, 2011
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Critiquing a Qualitative Research Study

This critique discusses the article entitled, “What is it so stressful about caring for a dying

patient? A qualitative study of nurses’ experiences,” by Peterson, J., Johnson, M., Halvorsen, B.,

Apmann, L., Chang, P-C., Kershek, S., Scherr, C., Ogi, M., Pincon, D., (Peterson et al, 2010, p.181).

This research article discusses a study that was performed to help better understand the reasons that

caring for dying patients can be stressful for nurses. The article also offers findings related to the study

and offers recommendations based on the results. This study provides a persuasive and effective

conclusion that education is needed for nurses’ that are caring for dying patients.

The article immediately allowed the reader to understand the purpose of the research study and

the findings associated with the study. The title is clear and unambiguous; however, after reading the

abstract within the article, the title clearly lacked accuracy. The title lacks an important component of the

study. The abstract clearly states that the nursing shortage is due to nursing burnout. Since the opening

line of the abstract is about the nursing shortage, perhaps the nursing shortage should be clearly identified

within the title of the article.

When evaluating the abstract found within the article, I first answered the question, does the

abstract offer a clear overview of the study? This abstract tells the reader that the main problem is the

nursing shortage. The abstract allows the reader to understand that the nursing shortage is related to

nursing burnout and stress. One reason for burnout and stress, according to the study, is the care nurses’

provide to dying patients. The abstract continues to let the reader know that the study was performed to

“examine the experiences of nurses and their particular concerns about caring for a dying patient.”

(Peterson et al, 2010, p.181) However, the abstract provided a general overview of the sample

methodology it did not get into specifics, it just said “nurses.” The findings were clearly stated in the last

sentence of the abstract.

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The purpose of the study is clearly identified by this line, “This study examines the experiences

of nurses and their particular concerns about caring for a dying patient. A clearer understanding of the

concerns in this situation can lead to more effective training and coping services for nurses.” (Peterson et

al, 2010, p.181) The article tells the reader that within the study, they plan to identify nurses’ concerns

regarding the dying patient. The purpose of the study is to provide a “clearer understanding,” of such

concerns and as a result will lead to an effective training program.

This research study’s literature review allowed the reader to identify the research question and

how the study plans to derive answers. In summary, this literature review gives the intent of this study

within the following question: “What are the specific aspects of caring for a dying patient that concern

nurses?” (Peterson et al, 2010, p.181) The literature review in this study also allows the reader to

understand some of the specific concerns/stressors experienced by nurses when dealing with a dying

patient. For example, “common clinical stressors experienced by nurses are a) watching a patient suffer

b) death of a patient, and c) listening to or talking with a patient about his or her imminent death.”

(Peterson et al, 2010, p.181) The literature review in this article identifies several resources that are

linked to nurses’ and their feelings regarding caring for the dying patient.

The theoretical framework helps the reader identify the model/theme that is used to guide the

study. The theoretical framework was clearly identified within the study. It was described clearly as

follows: “In order to examine this research question, a qualitative grounded theory approach was

employed for two key reasons. Firstly, to understand the concerns that nurses' have about caring for

patients, it was important to gain knowledge about their experiences in their own words. Secondly,

because this is potentially an emotionally charged topic, the flexibility and openness of the interview and

analysis process allowed the emotional dimension to be examined.” (Peterson et al, 2010, p.182) The

reader understands that the study will involve interviews or surveys of a group of nurses. These

interviews, according to the above citation, will allow for the emotional aspect of the interview to be

examined by the researchers.

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The sampling method and sample size were clearly identified in the study. “The study

participants were 15 nurses and nursing students.” (Peterson et al, 2010,p.182) These fifteen individuals

were selected in either a face-to-face interview or via online survey. I feel the sampling method of online

survey and face-to-face interviews were appropriate for this study. The next question, were the

participants suitable for informing research? Out of the fifteen participants only twelve were presently

working in the medical field; however, all the participants had experience caring for a dying patient. In

my opinion since they had all cared for a dying patient, they should be suitable for the study.

The data collection strategies were clearly described within the data analysis. The study also

revealed how the data was analyzed. It seems that the researchers followed the steps of the data analysis

which was identified; however, this is not clearly stated within the data analysis. The data analysis also

does not clearly state that they achieved enough data; however, it does give results so it allows the reader

to assume that the amount of data collected was sufficient enough to perform the study. Within this

study, transcripts and audiotapes were reviewed as well as compared to initial interviews and online

surveys. Since this is a qualitative study, interviews and surveys are appropriate. According to the

participants section only nine of the fifteen participants completed the “Frommelt attitudes toward nursing

care of the dying scale.” (Peterson et al, 2010,p.183) In regards to the surveys and interviews, each

member participated.

The author of this study did not identify measures taken to ensure autonomy, confidentiality and

freedom of harm. As far as ethical permission being obtained for the study, it is not clearly stated, but the

participants did willingly participate in the face-to-face interviews and online survey process.

The author discussed rigor within the limitations and future research section of the study. The

author lets the reader know that he or she should recognize the limitations of this study. The first of

which is the small sample size of nurses. The second is the variation of education levels and experience

amongst the participants. The use of online surveys was also a limitation as well because the length of
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the answers varied amongst the participants. The credibility, dependability, transferability, and goodness

of the researchers and participants were discussed by telling the reader that the study did require the

approval of the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human subjects. Overall, the study and

the process by which data was obtained are clearly identified.

The findings/results section of this research study is clearly identified. The results are separated

into three different categories, personal concerns, concerns about the patient and concerns about family.

The findings of the research study are significant. It revealed, “One reason that communication issues

may be the primary concern of nurses caring for dying patients is a lack of training.” (Peterson et al,

2010, p.186) The original purpose of the study was to identify stressors within the nurse in regards to the

dying patient which the study did identify.

Within the conclusion, the reader is able to identify the importance of the findings. The most

important take home message of this study is the following: “In order to help nurses cope more

effectively in this situation, communication training programmes are needed not only to benefit the

nurses, but to provide the best care for their patients.” (Peterson et al, 2010, p.186) The conclusion

allowed the reader to understand that the study did serve a purpose and the implications that this study has

on nursing practice.

Last but not least, the reference section clearly identified all resources used for the study. The

references were clearly identified after the conclusion and references were made throughout the article

regarding these resources.

After analyzing each section of this research article, I was able to gain a better understanding for

this study. I was also able to understand the methods and processes involved within the study. The

article clearly identified the majority of the elements which should be found within a Qualitative Research

Study. Most importantly, this article has the potential to influence nursing practice. Research is

important in nursing, after all, how do we determine what is best in our practice?
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REFERENCES

Brown, S. (2012). Evidence-Based Nursing: The Research-Practice Connection, 2nd edition.

Sudbury,MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Peterson, J., Johnson, M., Halvorsen, B., Apmann, L., Chang, P-C., Kershek, S., Scherr, C., Ogi, M.,

Pincon, D. (2010). What is it so stressful about caring for a dying patient? A qualitative study

of nurses’ experiences. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, Volume 16, No.4, p.181-

187.