Discussion: Sampling

Discussion: Sampling

 

Sampling

Data collection is a fundamental phase for nursing research since it entails gathering necessary information and data pertinent to answering clinical questions and testing hypotheses or research premises. According to Grey & Grove (2020), data collection is a practical stage that determines the validity and credibility of the research findings and results. Despite the importance of data collection in nursing research, it is valid to contend that researchers grapple with multiple challenges when obtaining research samples due to disparities among target populations and inconsistencies surrounding data collection approaches. Amidst the need to embrace population-specific approaches for data collection, this paper elaborates on sampling challenges when conducting research involving people with vascular dementia. Also, it expounds on evidence-based practices for addressing these challenges.

Analyzing Researchable Populations in Areas of Practice

Patients diagnosed with vascular dementia grapple with various challenges, including declining ability to analyze situations, slowed thinking, memory impairment, confusion, and agitation/emotional fluctuations (Jaul & Meiron, 2017). These symptoms compromise patients’ quality of life and the ability to collaborate with home-based caregivers, including family members and relatives. Depending on the dementia stage, patients exhibit varied caregivers’ perceptions, affecting care coordination and continuum. Eventually, understanding the interplay between dementia symptoms and patients’ perceptions of their caregivers forms the basis of a clinical research topic. Further, researching the relationship between dementia symptoms and patients’ personality changes based on caregivers’ approaches can help researchers reveal aggressive behaviors, anger, and depression triggers. Therefore, it is a topic of research significance and clinical implication.

Evaluating Selection of Appropriate Population in a Research Study

The selected population for this study involves patients diagnosed with vascular dementia in the home setting. The primary reason for selecting this population is the subsequent interactions between patients and home-based caregivers translate to individualized care and effective care coordination. However, patients with dementia struggle with cognitive impairment, mood fluctuations, and other multiple symptoms that affect their adherence to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.

Challenges of Obtaining Data Samples from Research Populations

Data collection for dementia research poses a challenge to researchers due to the complexities surrounding participants’ recruitment criteria. According to Ong (2018), lack of awareness of research trials, intensive monitoring of individual conditions and progress, disability, and a lack of benefits to the participants are barriers to data acquisition for data studies. On the other hand, Lepore et al. (2017) cite cognitive impairment as a challenge that compromises data collection and recruitment processes. These challenges result in data heterogeneity and affect research eligibility and validity. As a result, it is essential to implement evidence-based practices for addressing these problems.

Strategies to Address Data Collection Challenges

Effective data collection methods depend massively upon the recruitment processes and approaches for engaging participants in research activities. In this sense, a flawed recruitment process results in data inconsistencies and variability that affect results’ validity. Since collecting data from patients with vascular dementia is a daunting endeavor, it is essential to improve recruitment criteria. An ideal strategy for transforming the recruitment process is using “gatekeepers.” According to Lepore et al. (2017), gatekeepers are individuals who have relationships with dementia patients and may control researchers’ access to patients. Also, they have the right to decide whether to participate in research or not. Researchers can use gatekeepers to assist dementia patients in responding to research questions and filling out questionnaires. Other strategies for addressing data collection challenges include providing proxy consent and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure that participants are in stable cognitive conditions to provide data.

Conclusion

Vascular dementia is a degenerative condition that results in cognitive declines, mood alterations, confusion, and other adverse effects on patients. Although data collection is an essential phase of nursing research, it thrives when participants are in stable cognitive conditions to provide accurate and valid information. Therefore, researchers can use gatekeepers, collaborate with medical teams, and provide proxy consent to improve the data collection process when conducting dementia-related research.

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References

Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier

Jaul, E., & Meiron, O. (2017). Systemic and disease-specific risk factors in vascular dementia: Diagnosis and prevention. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2017.00333

Lepore, M., Shuman, S., Wiener, J., & Gould, E. (2017). Challenges in Involving People with Dementia as Study Participants in Research on Care and Services (pp. 1-10). ASPE. Retrieved from https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_legacy_files//174691/Session%205%20Background.pdf

Ong, K. T. (2018). Challenges in dementia studies. Alzheimer’s Disease – The 21st Century Challenge, 109–128. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.72866

 

 

Week 3: Quantitative Methods: Collecting Quantitative Data
You have finally decided on a research topic, and you are eager to begin. You have determined your focus, your purpose, and your plan, so what happens next?
For quantitative research, the next step is more preparation. This preparation revolves around the data that you intend to collect, how you will collect it, and how you will record it.
“Data collection is the process of selecting subjects and gathering data from them” (Gray & Grove, 2020). Data collection is the “active” part of the research process and is integral in determining the validity and credibility of the research results. Depending on the study, data collection will look different for each researcher, and the methods may vary based on the approach. Therefore, you will explore how to analyze and identify the components of data collection.
This week, you will explore and analyze the different approaches of data collection and analysis. You will consider the importance of data collection through various means of study. How might you collect data, and how will you analyze the results? Through your reading and Discussion, you will explore data collection and the use of sampling.
Reference: Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Analyze researchable populations in areas of practice
• Evaluate selection of appropriate populations in a research study
• Analyze challenges in obtaining data samples from research populations
• Recommend strategies to address data collection challenges in obtaining data samples from research populations
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Learning Resources

Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)

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Discussion: Sampling
Have you ever watched a commercial that touts “four out of five doctors recommend a particular product”? Have you ever wondered how the company is able to make such claims? These types of claims are created using the research method of sampling. Sampling, “involves selecting a group of people, events, behaviors, or other elements with which to conduct a study” (Gray & Grove, 2020).
There are different sampling methods and techniques, with ranging validity outcomes. Therefore, it is important to determine the technique that is most valid. Much of the outcome will be dependent on the particular group sampled (or the population), so a sampling plan will be integral before sampling occurs.
For this Discussion, reflect on the population in your area of practice. Consider the most appropriate use for this population and potential challenges that may affect sampling in this population. Then, think about how you might address these challenges and what strategies you might implement. How might a different population yield similar or conflicting results?
Reference: Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier
To Prepare:
• Review the Learning Resources for this week and reflect on a population in your area of practice. How might you sample this population, and what challenges might you experience? Consider the use of strategies, or perhaps a different population, to mitigate these challenges.
• After considering the sampling of a specific population, consider the importance of data collection. How might sampling be used in research, and what benefits might be derived from sampling in a study? Conversely, consider how a different approach might be useful.
By Day 3 of Week 3
Post an explanation of the researchable populations that may be present in your area of practice. Describe which would be most appropriate for use in your research study and explain why. Then, describe the challenges of obtaining a sample from this population. How might you address those challenges? Be specific and provide examples. Be sure to also include the approach you would recommend to collect data from the sample that you described. Provide a rationale for the approach that you choose based on this week’s Learning Resources.
I\’m really interested in the purpose of the study focused on exploring triggers of aggressive behaviors, anger, and depression in the patient diagnosed with Vascular dementia as a result of the caregiver\’s approach in the home setting. Recently experienced this with my dad. He had a different demeanor in his personality based on who was caring for him in the home. I just wanted to give you an idea as you identify the population associated with this study.
I am a family nurse practitioner in the VA healthcare setting so that you understand my work environment.
Thank you kindly.