Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice
Appendix E
Research Evidence Appraisal Tool
©2017 The Johns Hopkins Hospital/ Johns Hopkins University School of NursingEvidence level and quality rating : Complete your answers in Blue ink. Article title: Use of monitor watchers in hospitals: characteristics, training, and practices.Number: 428-438
Author(s): Funk, M., Ruppel, H., Blake, N., & Phillips, J.Publication date: December 2016 Journal: Biomedical instrumentation & technology. Setting: Methods. American Association of Critical Care Nurses and National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Sample (composition and size): Abstract, Methods >data collection. A total of 413 people responded to the survey with 411 being nurses while 2 being non-nurse professionals. Does this evidence address my EBP question?
Yes
No-Do not proceed with appraisal of this evidence
Is this study:
QuaNtitative (collection, analysis, and reporting of numerical data)
Measurable data (how many; how much; or how often) used to formulate facts, uncover patterns in research, and generalize results from a larger sample population; provides observed effects of a program, problem, or condition, measured precisely, rather than through researcher interpretation of data. Common methods are surveys, face-to-face structured interviews, observations, and reviews of records or documents. Statistical tests are used in data analysis.
Go to Section I: QuaNtitative
QuaLitative (collection, analysis, and reporting of narrative data) Rich narrative documents are used for uncovering themes; describes a problem or condition from the point of view of those experiencing it. Common methods are focus groups, individual interviews (unstructured or semi structured), and participation/observations. Sample sizes are small and are determined when data saturation is achieved. Data saturation is reached when the researcher identifies that no new themes emerge and redundancy is occurring. Synthesis is used in data analysis. Often
a starting point for studies when little research exists; may use results to design empirical studies. The researcher describes, analyzes, and interprets reports, descriptions, and observations from participants.
Go to Section II: QuaLitative
Mixed methods ( results reported both numerically and narratively) Both quaNtitative and quaLitative methods are used in the study design. Using both approaches, in combination, provides a better understanding of research problems than using either approach alone. Sample sizes vary based on methods used. Data collection involves collecting and analyzing both quaNtitative and quaLitative data in a single study or series of studies. Interpretation is continual and can influence stages in the research process. Go to Section III: Mixed Methods Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice
Appendix E
Research Evidence Appraisal Tool
©2017 The Johns Hopkins Hospital/ Johns Hopkins University School of NursingSection I: QuaNtitative
Level of Evidence (Study Design)
Is this a report of a single research study? Abstract, methods. YesNo
Go to B
1. Was there manipulation of an independent variable? Abstract, methods, and results. A survey was conducted with no specific manipulation of the independent variable was done.YesNo
2. Was there a control group? Methods. Methods.
The study did not involve any control group. YesNo
3. Were study participants randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups? Methods. YesNo
If Yes to questions 1, 2, and 3, this is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or experimental study.LEVEL I
If Yes to questions 1 and 2 and No to question 3 or Yes to question 1 and No to questions 2 and 3, this is quasi-experimental.
(Some degree of investigator control, some manipulation of an independent variable, lacks random assignment to groups, and may have a control group).LEVEL II
If No to questions 1, 2, and 3, this is nonexperimental.
(No manipulation of independent variable; can be descriptive, comparative, or correlational; often uses secondary data).LEVEL III
Study Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question
61% of respondents indicated that their hospitals used monitor watches on any unit. 57% of those who indicated not using monito watches stated that bedside alarms could be heard at the nurse’s station and 34% viewed it as expensive. The study findings indicated that monitor watcher education and certification are not uniform with approximately one-quarter of the respondents indicating that no initial or ongoing electrocardiographic education is provided for monitor watchers. A monitor watcher’s ability to respond in timely manner to arrhythmias when watching a big
number of monitors was potentially inhibited. The mean maximum number of monitors when seeking to enhance response time was 38. Quality of care also deteriorates with longer shifts for monitor watchers. Skip to the Appraisal of QuaNtitative Research Studies section
A
