Critical Appraisal: Sanitation and Hospital Acquired Infection ✓ Solved

The clinical issue at hand is the consideration of the general population as an issue in the effective management of prevention measures. This raises the question of the management of the patient population and the risk of exposure, affecting both the nursing community and the patients. This is especially important in understanding the inconvenience created by specific demographics, such as tobacco and nicotine users. The main focus is on the cleaning staff whose actions affect patients, highlighting the importance of personal motivation in curing and the need for information dissemination.

This paper will analyze two peer-reviewed qualitative research articles to understand their findings and contributions to the research question within the context of nursing practice. Additionally, there will be a discussion on ethical considerations at both institutional and individual participation levels, emphasizing the articles' contributions to improving care delivery and outcomes by establishing a purpose.

Qualitative Study Background

Developing technology has led to emerging issues in sanitation practices within hospitals and clinics. The increasing need for efficient prevention measures is considered through the identification of alternatives to smoking in healthcare settings.

Article 1: Replacement Therapy in Smoking Cessation

Buller et al. (2014) emphasize the need to understand how smoking affects the 18-30-year-old adult population. In attempting to prevent smoking within healthcare facilities, the consideration of nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches, is crucial. The article investigates the effectiveness of nicotine patches in smoking cessation, particularly among young adults, who represent a significant demographic in the U.S.

Two central questions arise from this research:

  • What alternative methods exist for smoking cessation?

  • How effective is replacement therapy in aiding cessation among the identified population?

This article aligns the purpose and research questions with the same problem, considering interventions, affected populations, existing systems, and available solutions.

Article 2: Marijuana Use and Smoking Cessation

Metrik et al. (2011) address a gap in understanding whether marijuana use impacts smoking cessation outcomes. This article draws a comparative element by noting that alcohol use is known to impede smoking cessation efforts.

The questions raised by this research include:

  • Does marijuana smoking affect the cessation of nicotine smoking?

  • Can marijuana smoking serve as a substitute for alcohol and tobacco use?

This study aims to provide more information and address the gap in existing research while considering the effects on the user population.

Method of Study

Buller et al. (2014) employed qualitative research methods through article and database reviews, complemented by grey literature. A representative sample was selected based on intervention measures, which made this methodology appropriate—recognizing extensive prior research and identifying gaps. The framework of findings points to available statistics and their interpretation.

Metrik et al. (2011) used direct experimentation and observation to assess the replacement of tobacco and alcohol use with marijuana. This comparative analysis looked at both marijuana smokers and non-smokers, as well as heavy alcohol drinkers. While this method highlights generational developments in information, it lacks a comprehensive evaluation of the strengths and limitations of its claims.

Results of Study

Buller et al. (2014) concluded that a significant number of young adults have attempted smoking cessation, with nicotine patches proving effective in community-based services. This finding suggests that nursing practice should extend beyond healthcare facilities to effectively reach a broader population in preventive measures.

Metrik et al. (2011) suggested that marijuana users may require interventions for smoking cessation. They highlighted the challenge posed by the intertwined use of marijuana and alcohol, complicating cessation for both nicotine and marijuana smokers. This article elucidates that smoking types should influence diagnosis and treatment methodologies, calling for further studies on institutional and administrative education in this area.

Ethical Considerations

Both studies obtained participant consent, with no declared conflicts of interest. The ethical conduct of research was confirmed through institutional review boards and health board approvals, ensuring confidentiality by limiting participant data to age and smoking history.

Conclusion

The critical analysis of these articles provides insight into the evolving research questions relevant to nursing roles and practices. It emphasizes understanding the existing challenges in nursing care implementation and intervention strategies by identifying key issues and their significance.

References

  • Buller, D. B. et al. (2014). Effect of nicotine replacement therapy on quitting by young adults in a trial comparing cessation services. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice: JPHMP, 20(2), e7–e15. DOI:10.1097/PHH.0b013e3182a0b8c7.

  • Metrik, J., Spillane, N. S., Leventhal, A. M., & Kahler, C. W. (2011). Marijuana use and tobacco smoking cessation among heavy alcohol drinkers. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 119(3), 194–200. DOI:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.06.004.

  • American Lung Association. (2020). Smoking cessation: Understanding the risks of smoking and its effects on health. Retrieved from [URL]

  • CDC. (2021). Smoking and Tobacco Use. Retrieved from [URL]

  • NIDA. (2021). Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug? Retrieved from [URL]

  • World Health Organization. (2020). Tobacco Fact Sheet. Retrieved from [URL]

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014). The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General. Retrieved from [URL]

  • McGill, M. (2020). Smoking Cessation and Nicotine Replacement Therapies. Nursing Times, 116(4), 26-29.

  • Harris, R. J. (2018). Ethical Considerations in Research. The Journal of Nursing Ethics, 25(2), 158-171.

  • Reid, M. J. et al. (2019). Addressing smoking in patient care: Comprehensive public health strategies, Journal of nursing practice, 12(6), 32-38.