What is the research problem?
The research problem considered in the article is on increased stress levels among fathers with infants within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Özdemir & Alemdar (2017) reflect on this research problem from the perspective of Turkish fathers indicating that indeed the stress levels tend to increase significantly when dealing with children in the NICU. The research study conducted seeks to examine the importance of allowing these fathers to visit their infants as a way of enhancing the need for reducing their stress levels.
Is the significance of this topic documented in the literature?
It is essential to consider the significance of the topic based on the information given as part of the research process, as this would serve towards building on an evidence-based framework of research. The significance of the topic has been documented in the literature, as it seeks to reflect on impacts associated with high-stress levels among fathers with infants within the NICU. The article expounds on the importance of allowing fathers to visit their infants.
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Purpose and Method
What is the study purpose? Is it stated?
The purpose of the study was to determine the effects associated with supporting and visiting infants admitted within the NICU on the stress levels among fathers. Specifically, the study focused on Turkish fathers but was directed towards fathers in general with infants within the NICU, which would help in enhancing overall understanding on how they would be able to deal with the rising stress levels. The purpose of the study has been stated clearly as part of the article.
Is the purpose consistent with the quantitative design? Compare with the textbook.
The purposes of the study, as has been indicated, is consistent with the quantitative design that has been used as part of the study. Schmidt & Brown (2017) argue that "quantitative designs are used for purposes of examining relationships among variables are categorized as experimentation or nonexperimental" (p.150). In the article, it is clear that the study sought to examine the relationship between supporting and visiting infants admitted within the NICU and stress levels among fathers of the infants.
Do questions or hypotheses identify key variables (independent & dependent)?
From an evaluation of the article, what is clear is that the researchers did not provide readers with the research questions or hypotheses that they intended to study. That acts as a challenge, as it creates a situation where it becomes difficult to define the expectations of the study. Consequently, this means that readers were expected to find the key variables, which would be considered as independent and dependent, based on their analysis of the information provided from different parts of the article.
Literature Review
What topics are reviewed? Does the review provide an up-to-date synthesis of evidence on the research problem?
The main topics that are being reviewed are stress levels among fathers with infants in NICU and factors to ease the father stress levels. The two issues create a viable platform for synchronization in ensuring that the study can achieve set out goals. From the analysis of the literature sources used, it is clear that the researchers were able to use sources that are up-to-date in a bid to providing viable evidence based on the research problem.
Sample
What criteria and methods were used to select a representative and unbiased sample? Compare with textbook
Özdemir & Alemdar (2017) focused on using random sampling as the primary method for the selection of a fair example that would meet the inclusion criteria that has been set out as part of the study. Random sampling allows for the collection of a sample that would be viewed as being useful in meeting the objectives associated with a given study (Schmidt & Brown, 2017). In this case, it is clear that random sampling was directed towards improving the validity and reliability of the study outcomes.
Was sample size adequate based on power analysis or other criteria? Compare with the textbook.
The study focused on using a sample of 47 fathers, which can be considered as having failed to meet the expected levels that would define it as being adequate. Schmidt & Brown (2017) point to the fact that fair sampling reflects on a process through which to determine the occurrence of data saturation. In this case, the use of the sample may not aid in reaching data saturation; thus, meaning that it would somewhat be challenging in the application of the study results and findings.
Were the participants' rights protected? Are IRB approval and consents mentioned?
Based on the information given as part of the article, it can be noted that indeed the participants’ rights were protected in a significant manner. Specifically, the researchers sought to focus on several ethical principles, which included Informed Consent Policy, Volunteer Policy, and Privacy Protection Policy. The policies have been mentioned as part of the study with the sole intention being towards highlighting the extent to which the researchers sought to protect the rights and freedoms for the participants.
Data Collection and Analysis
What instruments were used? What variables were measured?
The researchers focused on using two main instruments for data collection, which were “Father-Baby Introductory Information Form” and “Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, PSS: NICU.” As part of the data analysis process, the researchers used a statistical analysis software program, SPSS, version 18.0. The instruments utilized as part of the study allowed for easier measuring of the variables that ought to be considered as part of the research study while ensuring that it meets relevant outcomes.
What procedures were used to gather data? Are the data collection procedures consistent with the method? Compare with the textbook.
The procedure used as part of the data collection process focused on two phases, which involved providing the fathers with information on their children within the NICU and allowing the fathers to visit their infants within the NICU. The data collection procedures considered as part of the study remain consistent with the method used as part of the data collection process. Schmidt & Brown (2017) point to the need for having to ensure that the data collection procedure serves as a point of justification towards providing that the data collected is relevant for the study outcomes to meet set out goals.
Were appropriate statistical analysis methods used? (describe the statistical test used to analyze the study question) Compare with the textbook.
In the data analysis approach, the researchers sought to use a statistical analysis software program, SPSS, version 18.0 while considering this would help in the evaluation of the data collected in a manner that is effective for the study. Data analysis is one of the critical approaches considered as part of any given research and must be undertaken in a way that reflects more on promoting accuracy and validity of the data collected (Schmidt & Brown, 2017). That was part of the expectation for the researchers involved as part of this research study.
Results
Summarize the findings of the study.
The findings of the study point to the fact that indeed allowing fathers with infants in the NICU to visit their children plays a crucial role in reducing their stress levels significantly. The visits to the NICU provides these fathers with a sense of connection with their infants while ensuring that they build on the expected levels of hope, which would allow them to enhance overall efficiency in reducing their exposure to stress as a result of waiting.
What content is covered in tables and figures? Is the summary of findings clear with good use of tables and figures?
In the presentation of the findings, Özdemir & Alemdar (2017) focus on the use of tables, which are seen as being useful in providing a clear summary of the findings as they relate to the content supplied as part of the results and conclusions. That means that the use of tables is seen as a critical approach for the researchers to be in a position that would allow them to present information in a manner that would aid in build a sufficient connection with their audience taking into account the nature of intelligence.
Implication for Practice
What are the implications for practice discussed by the researcher?
The researchers fail to provide readers with a clear cut section that would highlight the implications for study. However, readers may be able to gather information on how this study is likely to impact nursing practice through the analysis of the article information with the sole purpose being towards creating a proactive avenue through which to change nursing practice. The main implication is that the study sought to provide viable ways through which to minimize the risks of high blood pressure among fathers with infants in the NICU.
Do the implications for practice have applicability in your practice? What do you think?
The implication, as has been provided above, may be considered as being practice within the nursing practice. I would believe that the practicality of this information may depend on the capacity for the health facilities to provide access to the NICU for fathers with infants that have been admitted there. If a health facility were able to provide access to the same, that would translate to the information within the article being very applicable to meet set out objectives.
References
Özdemir, F. K., & Alemdar, D. K. (2017). Supporting of the Fathers to Visit Their Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Decreases Their Stress Level: A Pretest-Posttest Quasi-Experimental Study. Community mental health journal , 53 (4), 490-495.
Schmidt, N. A., & Brown, J. M. (2017). Evidence-based practice for nurses , 4 th Edition. New York, NY: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
