Reference no: EM131499046 , Length: word count:2300

Assessment: Critical Evaluation

The aim of this assignment is to critically evaluate a journal article. This will provide you with the skills and knowledge to be able to evaluate the quality and relevance of research so that you can make informed decisions about applying it to practice. 

This assignment addresses the following course learning outcome/s:

1. Examine the contribution of research to evidence-based practice;

2. Evaluate the credibility of the information provided by research studies;

3. Demonstrate understanding of the major elements of the research process that underpin translation to practice.

Task Description (Instructions):

For this task you need to write a 2300 word critical evaluation report.  In your report you will critically evaluate a journal article and discuss its relevance to clinical nursing practice. You must choose to evaluate a Randomised Controlled Trial OR a Qualitative Study (see below).

For this report you must use the 'critical evaluation tool template' to guide what information to include in each section. The template is your guide only and is not to be submitted.

In your report you must use the following headings:

• Introduction (200 words)
• Title and Abstract (100 words)
• Structuring the Study (300 words)
• The sample (150 words)
• Data Collection (300 words)
• Data Analysis (300words)
• Findings (300 words)
• Conclusion (150 words)
• Relevance to clinical nursing practice (500 words)
• You need to include a reference list (not included in word count).

Case Studies - You need to choose ONE of these case studies to evaluate in your report.

CHOICE 1: Randomised Controlled Trial, Case Study

Journal Article:

Bugden, S., Shean, K., Scott, M., Mihala, G., Clark, S., Johnstone, C., ... Rickard, C. (2016). Skin glue reduces the failure rate of emergency department-inserted peripheral intravenous catheters: A randomized controlled trial. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 68, 196-201.

What the study is about:

Peripheral intravenous catheters are the most commonly used medical invasive device in hospitals today and are frequently initiated in the emergency department. Peripheral intravenous catheter failure frequently occurs after 48 hours post insertion, suggesting that improvements in securement can be targeted at this timeframe. A novel approach for improved peripheral intravenous catheter fixation is the use of medical-grade skin glue (cyanoacrylate) at the insertion site. Skin glue has been reported to be effective for securing central venous, epidural, and peripheral arterial catheters, with improved fixation compared with standard polyurethane dressings.

CHOICE 2: Qualitative Study, Case Study

Journal article:

Bernoth, M., Dietsch, E., & Davies, C. (2013). Two dead frankfurts and a blob of sauce: The serendipity of receiving nutrition and hydration in Australian residential aged care. Collegian, 21, 171-177.

What the study is about:

Social relationships have been repeatedly identified as essential to nursing home resident quality of life, life meaning and satisfaction, and psychological wellbeing. Articulating the views of residents, and the work residents engage in to develop relationships with both peers and staff, is necessary to facilitate identification of opportunities for targeted interventions that promote, support, and sustain relationships in practice.

Formatting and Submission

Please submit your Report as ONE document that includes (in this order):

1. Assignment Cover sheet. A merged template is available on the Assignment Presentation Formatting Guidelines page of the Health Writing and Referencing Guide.

2. Assignment Title Page with correct details.

3. Your report, appropriately formatted (font, line spacing, margins, page numbers, student number etc.).

4. Reference list on a separate sheet and appropriately formatted. This is additional to the word limit.

Make sure that you:

• Check and save a copy of your work.
• Submit your report to the appropriate Turnitin submission point on the course site as per the instructions in the Assessment tab.

Attachment:- Assignment Files.rar