Background of the Studies
This paper includes a review of two qualitative studies associated with the analysis of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE). One of the studies under consideration implemented by Apenteng et al. is aimed at the exploration of patients’ attitudes towards HA-VTE prevention. The other article in question written by Litchfield et al. dwells upon upon the attitudes of nurses towards the prevention of HA-VTE. The two studies have been chosen due to their focus on major stakeholders’ perspectives regarding HA-VTE, and these insights can help in addressing the set PICOT question. Can a one-month educational intervention provided to nurses, as compared to no training, lead to the reduction of the rate of HA-VTE in patients during six months?
Both articles do not provide statistical information to justify the significance of their studies and the clinical question they explored. The authors rather stress that HA-VTE often occurs when patients are discharged from the hospital, and the major responsibility related to HA-VTE prophylaxis lies on patients and nursing professionals (Apenteng et al., 2016; Litchfield et al., 2016). The purpose of the study by Apenteng et al., as formulated by the authors, is to gain insights into the perceptions of primary care professionals concerning the role they play in HA-VTE. The aim of the study by Litchfield et al. is to explore patients’ views regarding HA-VTE, including its prevention.
It is noteworthy that both articles do not include a list of research questions, but it is possible to formulate them based on the given data. The research question addressed by Litchfield et al. can be formulated: What is the current knowledge of primary care clinicians regarding HA-VTE prevention. In the article by Apenteng et al., the addressed research question can be: What is the level of the awareness of patients concerning HA-VTE prophylaxis. Both research questions are linked to the PICOT question as the focus is on people’s knowledge regarding the disorder and its prevention.
Methods of the Study
The purpose of the studies under analysis was the exploration of stakeholders’ perspectives and their knowledge regarding HA-VTE. In both cases, the researchers were interested in different aspects and in-depth analysis of the areas of major concern, which justifies the use of semi-structured interviews that were utilized. The articles do not contain a properly outlined literature review section, but they refer to previous research. A substantial part of the employed sources is older than five years, which is acceptable for a qualitative study. The articles in question also contain some information concerning the existing gaps. For instance, Litchfield et al. state that the primary focus on the effort regarding HA-VTE prevention is associated with secondary care, although primary care practitioners play an important role in the process. Apenteng et al. (2016) emphasize that HA-VTE prophylaxis is often a complete responsibility of the patient who receives the data regarding the condition and its prevention and is encouraged to adhere to the given guidelines.
Results of the Studies
The findings of the articles under consideration provide helpful insights into the level of knowledge and perspectives of patients and nurses regarding HA-VTE. This knowledge is essential for the development of an educational intervention for nursing professionals. Apenteng et al. note that patients are informed about the risk of the development of the health condition in question, but they lack understanding (due to insufficient training) as to the importance of non-pharmacological prophylaxis, as well as peculiarities of the disorder and its prevention. It is concluded that patients need more effective training that would involve the provision of information about the disorder, associated risk factors, and prevention (Apenteng et al., 2016). This information is valuable for addressing the set PICOT question as it unveils the aspects to include in the educational intervention.
The exploration of nursing professionals’ perceptions was associated with the emergence of an important theme. Litchfield et al. also reveal the gaps in the participants’ knowledge regarding HA-VTE and the role nursing professionals should and can play in improving patient health outcomes. At the same time, the authors mention one of the factors contributing to nurses’ insufficient knowledge. According to Litchfield et al., it is critical to improve communication between healthcare professionals and provide more clarity regarding nurses’ roles in the process.
It is necessary to add that the articles under analysis contain quite detailed descriptions of the methods used and the results obtained. However, the presentation of the findings in both articles could be improved. Although the use of tables and figures is mainly associated with the provision of quantitative data, qualitative studies also benefit from the enhanced visual representation of data (Wu, Thompson, Aroian, McQuaid, & Deatrick, 2016). Apenteng et al. (2016) include a graph to present some key themes to explore, which makes it easier to perceive the provided information. The article by Litchfield et al. (2016) lacks this kind of data presentation.
Ethical Considerations
Both studies were guided by the highest standards of research, and the corresponding institutions provided their approval. Litchfield et al. (2016) received approval from the National Research Ethics Service, while Apenteng et al. (2016) gained the approval of the Oxfordshire REC B Research Ethics Committee. In both cases, the participants signed written consent forms and were instructed about the goals and peculiarities of the research.
Conclusion
On balance, the articles under analysis provide valuable insights into the perspectives and perceptions of patients and primary care nursing professionals regarding HA-VTE peculiarities, its prevention and prophylaxis, and the roles different stakeholders could perform. This information is essential for the development of a training intervention for nurses, as the reviewed articles identify the most urgent gaps to be addressed regarding healthcare professionals’ training. Apart from specific findings that can be used to create an effective educational program for nurses, the studies under consideration can be instrumental in shaping qualitative research. A qualitative study can be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Semi-structured interviews are seen as one of the most effective methods to elicit detailed information on diverse aspects of the problem (Wu et al., 2016). Still, the major value of the articles is the fact that they unveil the gaps in the knowledge of patients and nurses that hinder the proper implementation of HA-VTE prophylaxis.
The review of the articles under analysis provides insights into the gaps in the knowledge of patients and nurses who often lack an understanding of the relevance of HA-VTE prophylaxis. Importantly, it appears that nursing professionals tend to lack the knowledge regarding the disorder and its prevention, but they also need the training to develop proper communication patterns with patients and peers. The articles serve as valuable sources of data that will be used to address the established PICOT question.
References
Apenteng, P. N., Fitzmaurice, D., Litchfield, I., Harrison, S., Heneghan, C., Ward, A., & Greenfield, S. (2016). Patients’ perceptions and experiences of the prevention of hospital-acquired thrombosis: A qualitative study. BMJ Open, 6(12), 1-7. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013839
Litchfield, I., Fitzmaurice, D., Apenteng, P., Harrison, S., Heneghan, C., Ward, A., & Greenfield, S. (2016). Prevention of hospital-acquired thrombosis from a primary care perspective: A qualitative study. British Journal of General Practice, 66(649), e593-e602. doi:10.3399/bjgp16x685693
Wu, Y. P., Thompson, D., Aroian, K. J., McQuaid, E. L., & Deatrick, J. A. (2016). Commentary: Writing and evaluating qualitative research reports. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 41(5), 493-505. doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsw032