NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 2 Quantitative and Qualitative Research Publication Critique

Significance of the Research Problem

The quantitative research addresses the issue of falls among older patients, a problem of significant importance due to its severe impact on patients’ health and the economy. Falls among the elderly can result in serious injuries, disabilities, or even death. They can lead to reduced mobility and independence, causing a decline in the quality of life (Vaishya & Vaish, 2020). Falls can also contribute to mental distress in older individuals, in addition to physical harm. Approximately 30% of individuals over the age of 65 experience falls annually, with estimated healthcare costs of nearly $50 billion per year (Florence et al., 2018). Therefore, addressing this issue through various interventions is critical.

Evaluation of Quantitative Study

Quantitative research provides valuable data to inform decisions related to older patients. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of exercise interventions for older patients. Healthcare providers can incorporate exercise-based interventions into their care protocols to reduce fall risks among older adults. This research offers evidence-based practices that can be integrated into healthcare policies. Additionally, it suggests further research to explore the intervention’s effectiveness in various economic contexts. Utilizing this research as an evidence-based practice can enhance the quality of life for older patients and prevent physical and mental harm associated with falls. However, the study could be improved by comparing the proposed intervention with other fall prevention strategies and including patient perspectives and economic factors.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Qualitative Research Study

Title: Put it to work, or it will quit working for you: A Subjective Investigation of The Support of Active work in More established Grown-ups

The qualitative research study focuses on the lack of physical activity among older adults, a global concern. The article highlights the importance of physical activity and its potential to enhance quality of life. It provides valuable insights into maintaining physical activity behavior among older adults. The study employs a qualitative approach to explore factors contributing to physical activity behavior and maintenance among older adults. Researchers used a thematic analysis approach, and data interpretation was conducted by two research coders. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with older adults who participated in trial groups or had experience with home-based exercises. The study offers a comprehensive overview of physical activity levels among older adults.

The interviews conducted at participants’ homes provided insights into activity levels during the intervention (e.g., group exercise or home-based exercise). The study also explores health benefits, facilitators, barriers, and the use of technology in maintaining physical activity. An additional strength is that interview transcripts were analyzed without altering the wording, and analysis was conducted using NVivo10.

NURS FPX 5005 Assessment 2 Quantitative and Qualitative Research Publication Critique

The study covers a wide range of aspects, including benefits (both physical and mental), barriers, facilitators (social and environmental), social interaction, and more. It also addresses the use of technology for motivation and support of physical activity, even though this aspect was not initially part of the interventions. The use of framework analysis helped interpret participants’ statements. Researchers and practitioners can benefit from this research as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

However, there are some weaknesses in the study. For instance, the size of the focus group was small, making it challenging to generalize the results. The data were collected exclusively from a specific region of the United Kingdom, which raises questions about the applicability of the intervention in other regions or countries. Additionally, the study does not explore the effects of economic status and access to resources on the maintenance of physical activity. Finally, the inclusion some quantitative data could have strengthened the research by providing more tangible evidence.

Ethical Implications

The research study received ethical approval from the Public Research Ethics Governance Panel South East Coast, and written informed consent was obtained from participants before conducting interviews. Participants were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time, and they were advised that data collected up to their withdrawal would be used with their consent. The study also ensured that participants did not experience