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Introduction

ADDAI THERESA AGYABENG M00303828 NIP 2203 Introduction Various disciplined studies have increased in the nursing profession to benefit nurses, clients and patients, according to Polit and Beck (2010). A general research has been designed into the nursing field for the development of trustworthy, evidence of essential issues, improve health and quality of life including nursing practice, education, administration and informatics. The aim of nurses? research is to understand and conduct professional practices using the best clinical evidence available in making patient care decisions. Alun Woodhouse (2006) published an article ?Pre-operative fasting for elective surgical patients? wanting to explore the knowledge, past experience, perceptions and opinions of nurses working in surgical units at a local hospital with regard to pre-operative fasting times. The purpose of this assignment is to critique the above article. Critiquing a research is to carefully and objectively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a study. A critique is not only to condemn the weak points of a statement but to help to promote the skillful analyses and presentation by effecting some changes in the areas that has been criticized. When critiquing, it is important to understand and appreciate the process and the framework used. ...read more.

Middle

The references of the article were from a secondary source such as books, articles and journals but do not have enough information on the topic because some of the references are not relevant the topic. There was no hypothesis but aims, the aim intended for the research was clearly stated; to explore nurses attitude, opinions and knowledge about evidence-based practice, to generate new theories on why patients fast for long pre-operatively and strategies to achieve the best practice was stated through questions. Lee (2006) stated that ?The intended aim of the research should therefore be stated and the questions the research seeks to address should be identified?. The aim of the article is neither too long nor short. According to Munhall (2011), the aim of what the researcher wants to address should be stated and explained as precisely as possible, not too long or too short. Ethical issues were identified and addressed by sending a letter of consent informing the nurses about details of agreement to participate, how the interviews would be carried out, the goals of the study, information sheets giving details of the study, their help that was required, how it would be proceeded, how the information will be handled and ultimately reported. ...read more.

Conclusion

The discussion was comprehensive as it reflected on nurses? perception and attitudes toward pre-operative fasting times, the use of grounded theory to generate the three categories that described and explained nurses? feelings and perceptions of their current practice. It highlighted ways that nurses can keep themselves updated with the latest evidence of pre-operative fasting times and barriers to attain the best practice in clinical settings (Parahoo, 2006). Having issues that are transferable, through grounded theory, identification and explanation of substance that forms the theories have been studied. However, care must be taken as the themes discussed cannot always be applied to the context of individual patients and nurses (Newell & Burnard, 2006). Conclusion In conclusion, pre-operative fasting times are said to be different in clinical settings and patients are given the same time to fast regardless of the time of the procedure. Having identified the perceptions and attitudes of nurses, positive findings and their expression about the ritualistic traditions of nil by mouth from mid-night, suggested that improvement should be made on the aspects of care with regards to changing practice and respect to autonomy in terms of decision making. Significant barriers within the organisation such as communication difficulties, lack of knowledge and skills, lack of education about the effects of long pre-operation fasting, all hospital policies needed to be addressed and updated for effective collaboration among healthcare professionals. ...read more.

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