Introduction Quantitative research refers to a scientific process that collects and analyzes numerical data in order to solve research questions. This method is used extensively in nursing to improve outcomes and provide evidence-based care. It will provide a summary of two quantitative studies, and explain the implications for nursing practice. This essay also addresses ethical concerns associated with the study’s conduct.
Study 1 The first study is titled “The Effect of a Multifaceted Intervention on Pressure Ulcer Prevention in High-Risk Elderly Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study” by Jaul and Calderon-Margalit (2015). It was designed to assess the effects of a multifaceted intervention in pressure ulcer prevention for high-risk older patients. A quasi-experimental design was used to recruit 162 residents from two nursing homes. It included an assessment tool for risk, individual care plans, education of staff, and products to care for skin. According to the study, the incidence of pressure ulcers dropped significantly from 28.4% up to 13.6% following the intervention. It was also shown that prevention costs were lower than treatment for pressure ulcers.
Nursing Practice Implications These findings have significant implications for nursing practice. Prevention is essential to prevent pressure ulcers from becoming a serious problem for elderly patients. Multifaceted interventions such as those used in the study are feasible and can be effective at preventing pressure ulcers. The risk assessment tool can be used by nurses to help identify high-risk patients and create individualized care plans. Nursing staff can educate them on pressure ulcer prevention, and how to use the appropriate products for skin care. Nurses can help reduce pressure ulcer incidence and improve the patient’s outcomes by implementing this intervention.
Ethical Considerations: The study was carried out in accordance to ethical principles such as informed consent, confidentiality, beneficence, and confidential. There is however a conflict of interest as both the researchers and the designers of the intervention were involved in the research. A conflict of interest can influence interpretation and bias results. When applying findings to clinical practice, nurses should carefully evaluate and reflect on the results of the study.
Study 2 The second study is titled “Effect of a Nursing Intervention Package on Self-Care and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial” by Eftekhari et al. (2016). This study evaluated the effects of a package of nursing interventions on quality of life and self-care in type 2 diabetics. This study was a controlled, randomised trial. It involved 80 participants from a diabetes center. Education on self-care, goal setting, and follow up calls were all part of the intervention. It was found that both the self-care and quality of life were significantly improved in the intervention group than those who participated in the control.