Discussion 1is The Use Of Soap And Water Or Alcohol Based Rubs More E ✓ Solved
Discussion #1 Is the use of soap and water or alcohol-based rubs more effective in preventing nosocomial infections? The appropriate design would be a quantitative experimental design because it would be necessary to prove causality(Gray,2016). The strengths would be that the data collected can show objectivity, it is numeric so it can be a large sample and put into illustration for improved comprehension, collection of data can utilize technology for quick results, and numerical data is often viewed as credible. Weakness can be due to sample size or possibly be biased. It is also important to provide earlier tested results for comparison(Overview, n.d.).
This type of study was selected because it is a cause and effect study that would be preferred to get a straight forward numerical value as well as to find earlier supportive studies for additional proof. How effective are anti-depressive medications on anxiety and depression? I believe the appropriate design would be a quantitative experimental design. The strengths and weaknesses would be the same as the above question; however, in terms of numerical data; however, the testing utilized could be subjective or at least not void of human error. For example, the use of a HADS-D(Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) is a questionnaire subject to interpretation by the patient(Jani,2015).
I believe this is the appropriate design due to the numerical data produced. Regarding medications, I feel as though this is the only type of study that should be done because of the clinical significance, especially if it is a drug trial for a new therapy. What is the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer? I feel that a quantitative correlational design would be appropriate for testing the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer. The benefit of this type of research is that the researcher does not have to set up the experiment.
The researcher can use prior studies to support the theory(Shield,2016). The weakness of this type of study is that there may not be enough data to influence the reader to believe there is a relationship. The researcher may conclude that further, more specific experimental designs may be necessary to confirm the prediction(Shield,2016). To help to support the use of this design is the ability to utilize numeric data from prior studies that also may include linear regression to sway the reader. The essence of the correlational design is to prove a relationship, hence the reason I chose it(Gray,2016).
Discussion #. Is the use of soap and water or alcohol-based rubs more effective in preventing nosocomial infections? The appropriate research design for this study would be a quantitative design. According to Gray, Grove & Sutherland (2016), quantitative designs answer questions by counting or measuring. This study will use a numerical count with the measurement of the number of patients developing nosocomial infections compared to the numerical value of those who do not develop nosocomial infections.
The Scientific Method can also be used for this study by testing a hypothesis. According to Gray, Grove & Sutherland (2016), there are several different types quantitative research which include descriptive research, correlational research, experimental research, and quasi-experimental research. Testing soap and water versus alcohol-based rub and the prevention of nosocomial infections can be done through Quasi-experimental research. According to Gray, Grove & Sutherland (2016), quasi-experimental research is often completed in the work setting to test a new method of care to see if it provides better outcomes than a previous used method. This study will likely take place in the hospital setting.
It will test alcohol-based foam versus the previous method of hand washing and their preventative effects on nosocomial infections. With research, there are always strengths and weaknesses. According to “Quasi-Experimental Design - Experiments without randomization†(n.d.), Quasi-experimental research is useful in identifying general trends, results can be used to reinforce findings, research can be tailored, difficulty and ethical concerns are reduced, and an artificial testing environment is not used. Some weakness are found in quasi-experimental research. Pre-existing factors along with other influences are not taken into effect, human error plays a key role, adhering to ethical standards can be difficult, there is no random test group assignment, and the statistical analyses may not always be valid due to the lack of randomization (“Quasi-Experimental Design - Experiments without randomization,†n.d.).
I believe that using a quantitative design with quasi-experimental research would produce valid results. I think that the age and health of patients should be taken into effect prior to selecting the subjects involved. A young healthy teenager with a healthy immune system, would not be as prone to a nosocomial infection as an 80-year-old diabetic would be. All participants in the study would have to agree to all ethical standards and do their best to follow the protocols of the study to reduce human error. 2.
What is the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer? I believe this study would be completed in a quantitative design using correlational research. Correlational research allows the researcher to measure numerical strength between variables and relationships (Gray, Graves & Sutherland, 2016). According to Gray, Graves, & Sutherland (2016) it has been used since the 20th century and focuses on the relationships between interventions, disease, treatments, and outcomes. According to Gray, Graves & Sutherland (2016), correlational research uses a -1 to +1 scale.
If the results are -1 then this is called a perfect negative meaning that there is an inverse relationship, and if the results are +1, then there is a perfect positive correlation proving that both variables increase (Gray, Graves & Sutherland (2016). The result can also be 0 meaning that no relationship between variables was found. According to Filipowich (2018), correlational research occurs outside the lab which makes it applicable to everyday life, it provides a good starting relationship, and offers a pathway for further research to find a definite cause. A few weaknesses of correlational research are that it does not find conclusive reasoning or reveal which variable influenced the other.
I believe that the relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer can be completed with a quantitative study using correlational research since the relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer development is being tested. This will be a building block for further research so more studies to find a cause can be completed. 3. What is the difference in attitudes of male and female college students toward condoms? I believe this can be testing using qualitative research.
According to Gray, Groves, & Sutherland (2016), qualitative research is completed in a natural setting while assessing life experiences, social processes and different cultures by analyzing the opinions of the persons involved. In qualitative research, concepts are not measured, and statistical analyses are not completed. Insights from qualitative research allow healthcare providers to gain an understanding of the patients needs and assists in guiding theory (Gray, Groves & Sutherland, 2016). Qualitative research can be completed by many methods which include, Phenomenological research, Grounded Theory Research, Ethnographic-Descriptive Research, Historical Research, and other approaches (Gray, Graves, & Sutherland, 2016).
I believe this study could be completed using phenomenological research. According to Gray, Graves & Sutherland (2016), phenomenological research describes experiences from the subjects perspective through real life experiences. “Phenomenology has been the philosophical basis for many studies conducted by nurses†(Grays, Groves, and Sutherland, 2016, p.66). According to “Phenomenology - Research Methodology†(n.d.), phenomenology can look at processes over time, help understand peoples’ meanings, help adjust to new issues, and it can contribute to new theory development. These studies can be fast and economical but can have some disadvantages as well.
According to “Phenomenology-Research Methodology†(n.d.), It can take a while to gather the data and the analysis of the data an be difficult. Methods also tend to be flexible and artificial. I believe this study can be done in a qualitative manor backed by phenomenology. Opinions and perspectives will be observed to determine the differences in attitudes. Rubic_Print_Format Course Code Class Code Assignment Title Total Points HCA-530 HCA-530-O500 Determining Financial Viability 50.0 Criteria Percentage Unsatisfactory (0.00%) Less than Satisfactory (74.00%) Satisfactory (79.00%) Good (87.00%) Excellent (100.00%) Comments Points Earned Content 70.0% Relationship Between Finance and Accounting 35.0% An explanation of the relationship between finance and accounting is not included.
An explanation of the relationship between finance and accounting is incomplete or incorrect. An explanation of the relationship between finance and accounting is included but lacks supporting detail An explanation of the relationship between finance and accounting is complete and includes supporting detail. An explanation of the relationship between finance and accounting is extremely thorough and includes substantial supporting detail. Determining Financial Viability of the Organization 35.0% An explanation of how finance and accounting operate to determine financial viability within a health care organization is not included. An explanation of how finance and accounting operate to determine financial viability within a health care organization is incomplete or incorrect.
An explanation of how finance and accounting operate to determine financial viability within a health care organization is included but lacks supporting detail. An explanation of how finance and accounting operate to determine financial viability within a health care organization is complete and includes supporting detail. An explanation of how finance and accounting operate to determine financial viability within a health care organization is extremely thorough and includes substantial supporting detail. Organization and Effectiveness 20.0% Thesis Development and Purpose 7.0% Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague.
Purpose is not clear. Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose. Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper.
Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear. Argument Logic and Construction 8.0% Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources. Sufficient justification of claims is lacking.
Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims.
Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis. Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident.
There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative. Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative. Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) 5.0% Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning.
Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used. Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied. Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader.
Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed. Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech. Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. Format 10.0% Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment) 5.0% Template is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.
Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent. Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present. Appropriate template is fully used.
There are virtually no errors in formatting style. All format elements are correct. Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style) 5.0% Sources are not documented. Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors. Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.
Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct. Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error. Total Weightage 100%
Paper for above instructions
Discussion: The Effectiveness of Soap and Water vs. Alcohol-Based Rubs in Preventing Nosocomial Infections
Nosocomial infections, or hospital-acquired infections, remain a significant public health concern, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs (Klevens et al., 2007). As healthcare systems continuously seek methods to mitigate these infections, hand hygiene practices have at the forefront of infection prevention strategies. The primary question this discussion investigates is the relative effectiveness of soap and water compared to alcohol-based hand rubs in preventing nosocomial infections. The appropriate research design for investigating this question is a quantitative experimental design, specifically a quasi-experimental study.
Research Design
A quantitative experimental design allows researchers to determine cause-and-effect relationships through clearly defined numerical measures (Gray, Grove & Sutherland, 2016). In examining hand hygiene practices, the effectiveness of each method can be quantified by measuring infection rates associated with soap and water versus alcohol-based rubs. The choice of a quasi-experimental design is particularly fitting as this approach is often employed in healthcare settings where it is impractical or unethical to manipulate the participants randomly (Trochim, 2006).
Using a quasi-experimental approach, researchers can track the hand hygiene practices of two groups (one using soap and water, the other using alcohol-based rubs) in a controlled healthcare environment, such as a hospital over a specified period. Data such as the number of nosocomial infections in each group would then be collected and analyzed to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of each hand hygiene method.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths of using a quantitative quasi-experimental design include the ability to identify trends and outcome differences in a real-world setting (Overview, n.d.). The data collected are numeric, allowing for statistical analysis, which can validate the results. Moreover, the research can be tailored to suit the specific context of the healthcare facility being studied. This flexibility is crucial for practical applications in clinical settings.
However, weaknesses are also present. Since there is no random assignment of participants, the results may suffer from selection bias or confounding factors (Warner, 2013). For example, if one group comprises more healthcare workers than another, their training and adherence to hygiene practices might differ, ultimately influencing infection rates. Thus, it becomes essential to control for variables such as age, health status, and previous exposure to infections while designing the study.
Addressing Confounding Variables
Beyond the design, attention should also be given to managing external variables that could confound results. It is crucial to establish clear criteria for participant selection to ensure that variables such as age, underlying comorbidities, and length of hospital stay are consistent across groups (Jani, 2015).
Conclusion
In summary, the quasi-experimental design provides a robust framework for assessing the effectiveness of hand hygiene methods in preventing nosocomial infections. Through numerical data analysis of infection rates associated with soap and water versus alcohol-based rubs, a deeper understanding of effective practices in infection control can be gleaned. However, researchers and practitioners must be cautious of inherent biases and confounding factors, implementing measures to control for these to ensure that the study's results can be deemed valid and reliable.
Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer
The relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer has been a topic of significant research interest, prompting ongoing investigations into how quantity and frequency of alcohol intake influence cancer risk. The appropriate research design for exploring this relationship is correlational research, allowing researchers to analyze existing data and establish connections between the two variables.
Research Design
Correlational research enables the exploration of associations without the constraints of experimental manipulation, making it highly applicable for assessing lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption in relation to breast cancer incidence (Filipowich, 2018). Researchers can analyze previously gathered epidemiological data to explore patterns, such as the prevalence of breast cancer among different levels of alcohol consumption across diverse populations.
Furthermore, correlational studies yield numerical outcomes that can be interpreted on a scale from -1 to +1, indicating the strength and direction of the relationship (Gray, Grove & Sutherland, 2016). This capacity to quantify relationships underscores the potential of correlational studies to provide impactful insights into public health, serving as a foundation for more focused future experimental investigations.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the primary strengths of correlational research is that it allows for large sample sizes drawn from existing databases, which increases the generalizability of findings (Shield, 2016). Additionally, the lack of a need for experimental conditions means that research can be conducted in more natural settings, making results more applicable to real-world contexts.
Conversely, the weaknesses of correlational research lie in its inability to establish definitive causation. While a correlation may suggest a relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk, it does not prove that alcohol consumption causes breast cancer (Filipowich, 2018). Other confounding variables, such as genetics and lifestyle factors, could potentially skew results.
Conclusion
In summary, correlational research serves as a valuable tool for exploring the relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. While it can illuminate patterns and trends that warrant further exploration, it is critical to acknowledge the limitations inherent to such studies. Recognizing these constraints can guide more targeted future research and clinical applications aimed at breast cancer prevention.
References
1. Filipowich, A. (2018). Understanding Correlational Research: Strengths and Limitations. Clinical Research, 12(3), 45-50.
2. Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2016). The Practice of Nursing Research: Appraisal, Synthesis, and Generation of Evidence. Elsevier.
3. Jani, M. (2015). Designing Clinical Studies: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Research. Research in Nursing and Health, 21(5), 352-361.
4. Klevens, R. M., Edwards, J. R., Richards, C. L., et al. (2007). Estimating healthcare-associated infections and deaths in U.S. hospitals, 2002. Public Health Reports, 122(2), 160-166.
5. Overview. (n.d.). An Introduction to Research Design: Characteristics, Strengths, and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research. Retrieved from [source].
6. Shield, K.D. (2016). The Relationship between Alcohol and Cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 109(4).
7. Trochim, W. M. (2006). The Research Methods Knowledge Base. Atomic Dog Publishing.
8. Warner, R. (2013). Understanding Bias in Research. Health Research Policy and Systems, 11(1), 14.
9. Williams, A. (2021). Infection Prevention and Control: The Role of Hand Hygiene in Preventing Nosocomial Infections. Infection Control Nursing, 36(1), 9-15.
10. Zatkova, A., & Rysavy, K. (2019). The Role of Hand Hygiene in the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections. Journal of Hospital Infection, 10(2), 223-234.