Introduction
The study conducted by the researchers is focused on analyzing the experiences palliative patients go through while dealing with breakthrough pain. There are multiple ways to minimize it, including psychological support and medications. The aspects that participants of the research found dissatisfying are the lack of visits from the doctors, ineffective treatment, and no compassion from the healthcare providers.
Critique of the Qualitative Research Study
The paper is well-organized and presented in an accessible manner. The title summarizes the main point, although it is too long and might confuse the readers.
However, the abstract offsets an ambiguous summarization of the research paper. It describes the sampling methodology, which consists of 21 interviews.
Analyzing the data gave the researchers an understanding that the psychological aspect helps diminish pain.
The concluded recommendations involve creating more interactions between doctors and patients, providing better care, and having a more compassionate approach towards the patients (Pathmawathi et al., 2015). This is beneficial for the patient’s disposition.
The purpose of the study is clearly stated, and it is to meet the needs of palliative patients and manage the pain more effectively. Moreover, the literature review has been undertaken and divided into main topics that meet the research’s philosophical basis, which allowed for the objectives to be fulfilled. Furthermore, the theoretical framework highlights the truthfulness of the idea that pain management needs improvement, and the collected data reinforces this proposition. After identifying the theoretical framework, it has been concluded that there is a relationship between poor pain management and lack of communication with doctors. Another significant factor points to the connection between physical pain and mental health. While a strong mind can ease the uncomfortable feeling, pain can be destructive to one’s psychological well-being, leading the individual into depression and constant frustration (Pathmawathi et al., 2015). These conclusions are proof of an adequate framework that points out the critical connections and crucial ideas in an appropriate manner.
The sampling method is described as purposive and heterogeneous. The design is described which allowed for a more in-depth and philosophical approach from the participants. While it was subjective rather than objective, it made it more suitable for the individuals who were giving the interviews to relax and be honest. The patients were chosen wisely to be suitable for the research. They were free to express their genuine feelings and deep-rooted thoughts instead of focusing on numbers, dates, and facts.
Data collection strategies were described. Information was taken from a sample of 21 palliative patients ranging from 23 to 75 years old.
To ensure all the participants are suitable for the research, the researchers analyzed their medical notes.
There were about six months of interviewing and collecting raw data that was later examined. The amount of time and recordings gathered in the six months makes the data appropriate for studying the subject.
The statistical analysis method is described as being comparative. The researchers followed the right steps by categorizing the information and comparing it.
The type of data, which achieved saturation during the interviews, was enough to support outcomes. It was appropriate for receiving a clear understanding of the subject since each session lasted around 40 minutes, which gave the patients enough time to explain themselves.
The ethical component is present and ambiguous.
Hospital’s ethics committee approved the research, and all the participants were notified about the study’s purpose and goals, including in written form. The confidential data was stored on a computer, and only the researchers could access it. While the researcher does not mention the level of trustworthiness, the rigor shows that the hospital management was aware of the research and the patients gave their consent. The researchers have mentioned credibility, dependability, and goodness. However, there is no mention of transferability.
The findings that the researchers discovered include a lack of time and compassion from the physicians’ side, the effectiveness of physiological solutions to ease the pain, and overall dissatisfaction of patients.
These discoveries were significant in terms of finding better ways to deal with pain, which was the original aim that was addressed in the paper alongside the known phenomenon of lack of effective palliative care.
The conclusion is connected to the findings that were identified and examined. The research shows that healthcare providers should focus on combining medications and psychological approaches to the strategy as well as pay more attention to the patient’s health concerns. Pain management is an important medical field, and it should be researched and improved. More training, information, and expertise are crucial when it comes to providing patients with better care.
Conclusion
After reviewing the research, it is clear that the findings correlate to improve pain suppression in palliative care. Based on the paper, it is highlighted that medications are not the only options.
There is also a psychological aspect that doctors fail to use. However, it is efficient among the majority of the interviewed patients. While this is successful research, it would have a more precise answer if there were more than 21 people interviewed. The small amount of patients is a disadvantage, but long and in-depth interviews would not be possible to conduct with such a big group. The aim was to learn about managing pain more efficiently, and the study achieved this goal.
References
Pathmawathi, Subramanian, et al. “Satisfaction with and Perception of Pain Management among Palliative Patients with Breakthrough Pain: A Qualitative Study.” Pain Management Nursing, vol. 16, no. 4, 2015, pp. 552–560., doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2014.10.002.