Comparing Quantitative Research Studies PP

Comparing Quantitative
Research Studies
Paula Knight, RN
NUR 4165

Introduction


The purpose of this paper is to critique, contrast, and compare two research studies.
“Assessment of Anxiety in Intensive Care
Patients by Using the Faces Anxiety Scale” written by McKinley, Stein-Parbury,
Chehelnabi, & Lovas will be referred to as study one (2004). “Prevalence of Limited
Health Literacy and Compensatory Strategies
Used by Hospitalized Patients” written by
Morris, Grant, Repp, MacLean, & Littenburg will be referred to as study two (2011).

Selection of Research Interest Area
Choice of Articles


Study one was selected on the basis of its objective › To assess the validity of the Faces Anxiety

Scale
› To accurately assess presence and severity of state anxiety in critically ill patients (McKinley,
Stein-Parbury, Chehelnabi, & Lovas, 2004).
› As an ICU nurse, it is imperative to accurately assess conditions, such as anxiety, that may have an influence on positive outcomes.



Study two was chosen because it’s objective. › Address the worldwide disparity in health

literacy among hospitalized patients.
› Investigate compensatory mechanism that those same patients used in order to gain understanding of health information (Morris,
Grant, Repp, MacLean, & Littenburg, 2011).
› The nurse is the main provider of patient education and as such, must constantly strive to find ways to help the patient understand that education in order to promote better health outcomes. Research Questions


Study One
› What is the frequency and severity of anxiety in ICU

patients?
› What are the correlates of an anxious state in ICU patients (McKinley, Stein-Parbury, Chehelnabi, & Lovas,
2004)?
› Is the Faces Anxiety Scale a valid tool for assessing anxiety in ICU patients?


Study Two
› How prevalent is limited health literacy in hospitalized

patients?
› How do patients explain difficulties when reading health information?
› What actions do patients take when they need help in

References: Health Literacy Basics (2010). Retrieved form http://www.health.gov/communication/literacy/guickguide/factsbas McKinley, S., Stein-Parbury, J., Chehelnabi, A., & Lovas (2004). Morris, N., Grant, S., Repp, A., MacLean, C., & Littenburg, B. (2011). Trochin, W. (2006). Variables. Research Methods Knowledge, 10/2006.