SIMPATH BSN 422 Assignment 2 Evidence-Based Practice – Evaluating a Quantitative Research Study

Student name

Post University

SIMPATH_BSN422

Professor Name

Submission Date

Evaluating a Quantitative Research Study

Study 3, “Patients’ and Partners’ health-related quality of life before and 4 months after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery” by Patricia Thomson et al. in BMC Nursing in 2013, utilizes a cross-sectional study design to assess the HRQoL of patients and their partners before and after a four-month period post-CABG surgery (Thomson et al., 2013).

From a best practice perspective, this study provides evidence regarding the role of partners’ health when applying EBP regarding CABG patients. This study provides evidence to relate to the additional care and the enhanced support that surgical procedures provide. Specifically, the study sought to assess the changes that occurred with HRQoL after surgery and to describe the determinants of HRQoL for both patients and their partners.

Evaluation of Research Design

The study takes a longitudinal prospective observational style in which patient data on HRQoL will be collected pre- and post- CABG surgery (Thomson et al., 2013). This design is appropriate to identify the most predictive factors in understanding dynamic changes.

Components of Evaluation (LoBiondo-Wood & Haber, 2018)

Purpose and Hypotheses: The first section of the research defines the study’s purpose as examining the changes in HRQoL of patients and their partners and the factors that affect the HRQoL after CABG (LoBiondo-Wood & Haber, 2018). The study also formulates some assumption-based hypotheses, mainly that the pre-operative HRQoL and post-operative socio-demographic characteristics would affect the post-operative HRQoL. These objectives are the most appropriate for this type of research design.
Variables: The independent variables consist of scores on the HRQoL, age, gender, education level, social deprivation score, and comorbidities measured pre-operatively.
Sample and Setting: Regarding the demographics of the patients, we noted that 84% were males. The majority of the partners, 94%, were females. The sample was sufficient for the aims of the study. The external validity of the results could be enhanced by increasing the sample size and variability of the study participants.
Data Collection Methods: The measurement of HRQoL for the surveys used was assessed with respect to their psychometric properties. Data collection before and after the surgery allows for the assessment of the change in HRQoL over a period of time.

Evaluation of Methods and Procedures

Data were gathered from participants preoperatively and from participants’ partners/surrogates in their home environments, four months postoperatively. The assessments of HRQoL formed part of a larger, more complex study, and the data were analyzed utilizing several statistical methods, including Hierarchical Multiple Regression and Repeated Measures ANOVA.

LoBiondo-Wood & Haber Components:

Intervention or Treatment: The principal treatment was CABG surgery; therefore, the focus was the changes in patient HRQoL (LoBiondo-Wood & Haber, 2018). The study did not include other interventions, and this is a strength of the study because it is focused on the impact of HRQoL of the surgery.
Control Group: The study used a method that allowed them to measure the change in the surgery-related HRQoL for the sample used in the study.
Blinding: The study sample was aware that they were going to have surgery, so there was no blinding in this study.
Data Collection Timing: Data were collected on two occasions. The first occasion was before surgery and then four months after the surgery.

Evaluation of Results

Data Analysis: The chosen statistical processes correspond to the research study level. The significant predictors and group differences in HRQoL are identified using multiple regression analyses and ANOVA.
Findings: The study stated that the patient’s health improved after the surgery, and there were no health improvements for the female partners. The authors were able to discover that the patients with lower baseline HRQoL and partners with lower baseline physical health were the patients who had poorer outcomes after the surgery (Thomson et al., 2013). The results of the study show that the health of the partner greatly influences the health of the patient.
Interpretation of Results: The authors’ interpretation of the findings is quite reasonable and based on the evidence provided.
Discussion of Limitations: Some constraints of this study (Kim et al., 2022) include a small, perhaps monotonous sample and a short follow-up period.

Impact on Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Importance of the Research: Involving partners during the care planning for CABG Patients is important to the outcomes of this study (Pačarić et al., 2020). It is indicated that partners’ good health is likely to have positive outcomes for patients’ health as well.
Contribution to EBP: The study can benefit EBP practice by showing empirical data to support any practice changes that seek to enhance the quality of life of patients and their partners post-CBG surgery.
Applicability to Clinical Practice: The results suggest viable recommendations for clinical exercise and the addition of the HRQoL measurement in pre-surgical check-ups (Pačarić et al., 2020). In addition, the results advocate for the release of specific support to partners that may enhance the improvement and outcome of the patient.

Conclusion

This evaluation considers the methods, design, and results of the study on the impact of CABG surgery on patients’ HRQoL. This study balances the health interrelationship of patients and partners and adds to the cardiac care literature. This study includes partner health and adds substantial knowledge and potential positive impact on the future incorporation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical settings.

References

Lobiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2018). Nursing research: Methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice (9th ed.). Elsevier.

Thomson, P., Niven, C. A., Peck, D. F., & Eaves, J. (2013). Patients’ and partners’ health-related quality of life before and 4 months after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. BMC Nursing, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6955-12-16