Assignment: Data Collection Methods in Nursing
Assignment: Data Collection Methods in Nursing
Data collection methods vary greatly depending on the research question and the type of participants, regardless of chosen methodology, data collection must be rigorously executed to produce high-quality data. Similarly, instruments to collect data must provide accurate, concise, and provide quantifiable data from which clinical meaning can be extrapolated and subsequently applied to effect improvements in practice. In this case, research aims to assess patient satisfaction, from the patient’s perspective. Polit & Beck (2017), report that structured self-report instruments are widely used by nurse researchers, and are typically formatted as either questionnaires or interviews. Surveys provide several advantages. In comparison to interviews, they are cost-effective, maintain the anonymity of respondents, mitigate interviewer bias, and can be easily administered using computer technology. Disadvantages to surveys include low response rates; typically around 50%, exclusion of certain populations such as the elderly and children, questions may lack depth, or be ambiguous or confusing causing respondents to skip them altogether (Polit & Beck, 2017)
Survey Instrument
Low response rate remains a primary barrier in survey administration and efficacy. However, when surveys are personally distributed in a particular setting, in this case, the primary care clinic, response rates are significantly higher. Moreover, the personal nature of a survey tool being directly distributed to respondents has a positive effect on participants (Polit & Beck, 2017). Keough and Tanabe (2011) contend that although the data collected through surveys is not as scientific as data obtained through experimentation, it is nonetheless important and informs nursing practice. Because the clinic is interested specifically interested in understanding the patients’ point of view, I assert that a self-report survey tool should be designed using a Likert-type rating scale. The range of responses available to the participants provides greater insight compared to a simple closed-ended question. Moreover, rating scales are easy to complete and are also efficient. However, because people may misunderstand the concept of the Likert Scale, instructions and statements should be clear and concise (Polit & Beck, 2017).
Sampling Methodology and Participant Selection
I would employ a consecutive sampling methodology; this includes recruiting all accessible and eligible participants over a pre-determined time-period (Polit & Beck, 2017). There is no specific formula for sample size. Martínez-Mesa, Bastos, Bonamigo, and Duquia (2014) assert that sample size can be thought of in tiers. The largest tier represents the entire population; in this case, 10,000 patients. The target population is the portion of the total population who are of interest to the study. In this case, we would exclude very small children or patients who are cognitively impaired. Finally, the study population includes those who will be included in the research (Martínez-Mesa, Bastos, Bonamigo, & Duquia, 2014).
To optimize response rates, and to increase validity and reliability, the survey will be administered in quarterly increments over a year. Therefore, the target population will be all 10,000 patients. Of the target population, it would be reasonable to assume that some patients will not want to fill out the questionnaire and that others will be excluded. The study population will aim to include 7,500 patients. All eligible participants will be asked to fill out a paper and pencil, self-administered, survey when they check into the clinic for an appointment. This will allow adequate time for participants to complete the survey before seeing their provider. Results will be calculated every quarter and once at the end of the year for comparison. This schedule will facilitate detection of variations in patient satisfaction throughout the year, and help to identify specific variables such as inadequate staffing that contributed to the results. Assignment: Data Collection Methods in Nursing.
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