Qualitative Research- Postoperative Pain Management
Qualitative research aims at evaluating and understanding a specific phenomenon. In this context, data collection is dependent on techniques such as observations, focus groups, and interviews (Barroga, 2022). Qualitative research deals with non-numerical data (Barroga, 2022). Examples of qualitative research designs include historical studies, phenomenology, ethnography, case studies, and grounded theory (Barroga, 2022). This paper evaluates qualitative research articles on postoperative pain management.
Type of Qualitative Research Design
Alternative non-pharmacological postoperative pain management techniques are described by Komann et al. (2019) and Yaban (2019). The use of opioids and other pharmacological agents in postoperative pain management is discussed by Small and Laycock (2020). A case study design is used by Komann et al. (2019) and Yaban (2019). Additionally, a narrative study design is used by Small and Laycock (2020).
Validity/Trustworthiness and Credibility of the Results
The results of the research articles are credible and valid. The three articles fulfill the CRAAP (currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, purpose) criteria. This implies that the results are credible. The importance of techniques such as cold and hot compressions, music therapy, distraction, and exercises is described by Komann et al. (2019) and Yaban (2019). The risk of dependence associated with opioids is identified by Small and Laycock (2020).
How the Participants were Chosen
The authors used predetermined inclusion criteria to select participants. 12 hospitals with the largest data sets were selected to minimize site-specific variation (Komann et al., 2019). 35 studies based on the predetermined inclusion criteria: master’s thesis, doctoral thesis, and research articles were selected by Yaban (2019). On the other hand, articles that described adult, acute hospital inpatients were chosen by Small and Laycock (2020).
How the Accuracy and Completeness of Data Were Assured
The authors used inclusion and exclusion criteria to improve the accuracy and completeness of data. The inclusion and exclusion criteria sought to minimize site-specific variation and focus on adult acute hospital inpatients (Komann et al., 2019; Yaban, 2019). Additionally, it shifted to focus on master’s thesis, doctoral thesis, and research articles (Yaban, 2019).
How Plausible/Believable are the Results?
The results are believable because the articles meet the CRAAP (currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, purpose) criteria. Additionally, similar findings have been reported by other authors. This increases the generalizability of the authors’ results.
Implications of the Research
The authors state the implications of their research. Firstly, non-pharmacological pain management approaches are effective but should not substitute pharmacological approaches (Komann et al., 2019). Further, nurses should be allowed to use non-pharmacological pain alleviation approaches for post-surgical patients (Yaban, 2019). Multimodal analgesic approaches should be used to avert opioid-related adverse effects (Small & Laycock, 2020).
How New Insights May Increase Sensitivity to Others’ Needs
New insights can increase sensitivity to others’ needs. An example is evidence of the effectiveness of non-pharmacological approaches in pain management (Komann et al., 2019; Yaban, 2019). These approaches should be incorporated into post-surgical patients.
How Understandings May Enhance Situational Competence
Understanding will enhance situational competence. Findings on the risk of opioid-related adverse effects will promote the use of multimodal analgesia approaches (Small & Laycock, 2020). Additionally, reports of opioid-related adverse effects will make healthcare practitioners more cautious when dealing with post-operative patients.
The Effect on the Reader
Evidence provided by the articles equips the reader with pertinent knowledge regarding analgesia for postoperative patients. It makes the reader appreciate the importance of non-pharmacological approaches and opioid-related risks. By so doing, the reader can make informed evidence-based decisions during pain management for post-operative patients.
Assessing Whether the Results Are Plausible and Believable
The results are believable because the articles fulfill the CRAAP criteria and the results are generalizable. The CRAAP criteria evaluate the currency, relevance, accuracy, authority, and purpose of the articles. The articles were published within the past five years and