Critique of Clinical Skill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Critique of Clinical Skill - Essay Example Critical appraisal is a systematic process utilized to identify research strengths and weaknesses inherent in a research article. This is done with an aim of assessing the validity, reliability and usefulness of research findings. The primary components of critical appraisal include the evaluation of the study design’s appropriateness for the research questions used, and the careful assessment of key methodological design features. Other factors that should be taken into consideration while critically appraising an article are such as the examination of the suitability of the statistical methods used to analyze data, potential conflict of interest and the research relevance to an individual practice. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to appraise the below named article on wound management. Article: Annells, M., O’Neill, J., & Flowers, C. (2008). Compression bandaging for venous leg ulcers: the essentialness of a willing Patient. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 17(3), 350- 359.doi 10.1111/j. 1365-2702.2007.01996.x Analyzing whether the Research Study Questions Are Relevant A research can be of the highest methodological rigor but it may be of little value if it does not address a significant topic or add value to the already existing knowledge about the subject under discussion (Mays & Pope, 2000). The article sought to find answers to the following question â€Å"why do or why don’t district nurses use compression bandaging as a component of the management of venous leg ulcers?† The aim of the study was to help identify both constraints and enablers. The research question is relevant because it seeks to explain why some and not all nurses utilize compression management to manage venous leg ulcers. In addition to that, the study findings contribute to the existing knowledge because less has been documented as to why compression bandaging is not often used by district nurses in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Furthermore, the research question is relevant to the clinical practice. As a result of the study, factors that might constrain the willingness of the patient to apply compression bandaging in the treatment and maintenance of the venous leg ulcer were identified. Then, the actions that need to be performed to facilitate patient willingness were recommended. Does the Study Add Anything New? Any scientific research aims at developing new knowledge and ideas on the basis of work done previously (Hawking, 2003). As a result of this particular research, district nurses were made aware of the significance of evidence-based practice. Proper understanding of the findings of the study will support the planning carried out by the district nursing organization. As a result, there will be an improvement in the rate of appropriate use of compression bandage on venous leg ulcers. The increased use will be facilitated via the provision of relevant resources and the needed education. Moreover, the research findings will up date nurses on how to appropriately asses venous leg ulcer patients. Similarly, the nurses are able to plan and implement strategies for best practice care which is sustainable and patient driven. The research adds new knowledge to the work done previously. The Type of Questions Posed By the Study The most significant task of critical appraisal is the identification of the specific research questions being addressed by the article.