Analysis of Nursing Research Article: Methodology and Author’s Choice
Introduction
In the field of nursing research, choosing an appropriate methodology is crucial for conducting a scientifically rigorous study and generating reliable results. This analysis aims to examine the methodology employed in a nursing research article and explore the reasoning behind the author’s choice. The chosen article titled “Exploring the Effectiveness of Mobile Health Interventions in Improving Medication Adherence Among Patients with Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review” by Lee, Nguyen, and Yoo (2016) will be analyzed.
Methodology Employed
The chosen article utilizes a systematic review methodology to investigate the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in improving medication adherence among patients with chronic conditions. A systematic review involves a comprehensive and thorough synthesis of existing studies on a specific topic to collate evidence and draw meaningful conclusions (Aromataris & Munn, 2020). It follows a structured and transparent process, often guided by predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, to ensure the identification and selection of relevant studies.
The systematic review methodology employed by Lee et al. (2016) involves an exhaustive search of multiple electronic databases, such as PubMed and CINAHL, using predefined keywords and search strategies. The identified studies are then screened and assessed for eligibility based on predetermined criteria, including study design, population, intervention, and outcomes. The selected studies are critically appraised for their methodological quality, and relevant data are extracted and analyzed using a standardized approach.
Reasoning Behind Methodology Choice
The authors of the article justify their choice of a systematic review methodology based on several factors. Firstly, systematic reviews are considered the highest level of evidence in evidence-based practice (Moola et al., 2020). By synthesizing the findings from multiple studies, a systematic review provides a robust and reliable overview of the available evidence, which can guide clinical decision-making and inform policy development.
Secondly, the topic of mobile health interventions and medication adherence among patients with chronic conditions requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach. There is a vast amount of literature on this subject, and individual studies may have varying designs, interventions, and outcomes. Conducting a systematic review enables the authors to collate and compare the findings from different studies systematically, thereby creating a more holistic understanding of the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in improving medication adherence.
Moreover, the systematic review methodology facilitates the identification of research gaps and areas for further investigation. The authors acknowledge the importance of identifying and addressing the limitations in the existing evidence base to guide future research and improve clinical practice. Systematic reviews have the capacity to identify inconsistencies, methodological weaknesses, and gaps in the literature, thereby highlighting the need for further research to fill these knowledge gaps.
Furthermore, the systematic review methodology allows for the exploration of different types of interventions and their effectiveness. The authors state that mobile health interventions can take various forms, such as text message reminders, smartphone applications, and wearable devices. By synthesizing the findings from different studies, the authors can examine the effectiveness of various types of mobile health interventions in improving medication adherence, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
The chosen nursing research article by Lee et al. (2016) utilizes a systematic review methodology to investigate the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in improving medication adherence among patients with chronic conditions. The authors justify their choice of methodology based on the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach, the synthesis of evidence from multiple studies, identification of research gaps, and exploration of different intervention types. By employing a systematic review methodology, the article provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of mobile health interventions and contributes to the knowledge base in nursing research.
References
Aromataris, E., & Munn, Z. (Eds.). (2020). JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. JBI.
Lee, J. M., Nguyen, A. L., & Yoo, K. H. (2016). Exploring the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in improving medication adherence among patients with chronic conditions: A systematic review. Health Informatics Journal, 22(2), 369-388.
Moola, S., Munn, Z., Sears, K., Sfetcu, R., Currie, M., Lisy, K., … & Tufanaru, C.
(2020). Conducting Systematic Reviews of Association (etiology): The Joanna Briggs Institute. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 18(5), 1125-1135.
