Overview
In this article, Padula et al., (2009) describe a quasi-experiment of the nurse-driven mobility protocol which was conducted in Rhode Island within the two units of Miriam Hospital in the year 2009. Further, it involved a non-equivalent control group design with a dependent variable of functional status, independent variable of a mobility protocol, and LOS. It was concluded that the maintenance of functional status during hospitalization may be enhanced by early and continuing ambulation in the hallway. Also, this was considered an important aspect of giving quality nursing care.
Data Collection Methods and Measurement Validity
In the perspective of international validity of the study, the potential issues of analysis include the data collection methods and measurement of the study.
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Data Collection Method Analysis: In this study of the nurse-driven mobility protocol, a convenience sample on the medical nursing unit was used in recruiting the subjects. The research was conducted by screening 483 patients and thus, resulting in a total sample of 50 subjects. According to Padula et al., (2009), the methods were advanced as it involved nurses with expertise in geriatrics. In achieving reliability, data collection process was evaluated periodically through a set of developed demographic sheets which included gender, age, primary diagnosis, fall risk assessment, use of assistive devices, and presence of mobility restrictions. Similarly, the study used the GetUp and Go, and the modified Barthel Index test to measure the functional status. The author described in detail the scoring methods of both tests. With the help of the Mini-Mental State Exam, the subject score which was less than 24, the data would be collected from significant others.
Measurement Analysis: Basically, the validity of any research is affected by the manner in which research information is measured. This part of the study used a convenience sample of 60 years’ adults admitted with a medical diagnosis. It involved direct measurement using a demographic data collection sheet ( Soy, 2015). This was supported by a three or more days LOS, ability to communicate effectively without any physical impairment that may not limit the ability to mobilize. Reliability was tested using a modified Barthel Index (BI), the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and the GetUp and Go Test which are standardized tools. The modified BI measures the person's capability for daily living performance. In addition, a rating scale used together with modified BI improves changes detection sensitivity. The GetUp and Go test measures three aspects of an individual which include walk three meters, ability to stand up from a chair, walk back then sit back down, and turn around.
Recommendation
In strengthening the internal validity, the data collection methods and the process should be consistent with controls of the study. Further, the methods should be described thoroughly in a way that they provide sufficient information to test the research hypothesis. The rationale for applying the method used should be described in details as well as the types and number of methods used to collect data. Measurement is the basic determinant of the validity and reliability of the study (Burns and Grove, 2011). For this study, Grove and Burns provided the critical appraisal guidelines for measurement methods evaluation. With a strong study description, it will help in evaluating direct and indirect and level of measurements to strengthen the internal validity.
For this study given these recommendations, other types of validity to be affected include criterion, external, and construct validity (Nieswiadomy, 2008). The criterion validity will involve the correlation with standards which are either predictive of concurrent. Since the external validity will be affected, the conclusion of the study will be generalized. This study is sensitive as it deals with the health care of the human being thus, construct validity represents validity. Lastly, if such changes will not be considered in this a study, the conclusion will seem vague and unsupported with practical evidence rather than theoretical.
References
Burns, N., & Grove, S. K. (2011). Understanding nursing research (5th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Elsevier Saunders.
Nieswiadomy, R. M. (2008). Foundations of nursing research (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education.
Padula, C. A., Hughes, C., & Baumhover, L. (2009). Impact of a nurse-driven mobility protocol on functional decline in hospitalized older adults. Journal of nursing care quality , 24 (4), 325-331.
Soy, S. (2015). The case study as a research method.
