Internal and External Validity, Research Paper Example

The research studies conducted in this proposal have shown the positive aspects of eMAR implementation inside of a hospital setting. There have been negative feedback comments, mainly due to the learning curve and length of time in entering data during the initial startup phase of implementation; however, in the overall scheme of patient care, this is hardly a negative connotation when one considers the safety of a patient and the ability to reduce medical errors through better technology and more efficient workflow. The validity of these studies will be examined and a general conclusion will be surmised.

One of the most promising studies included in the literature review was the study conducted by St. Luke’s Hospital. They had wonderful success with the implementation of their eMAR system and reported a reduction of medication administration errors. Also, there was more accurate reporting and an increase in safety which would coincide with the reduction in errors (Yates, 2007). The increase in communication between departments was a positive outcome as well and this will increase employee morale as well as decrease employee turnover.

It is important to consider the validity of these research studies because, although the technology appears more reliable, the nursing community continues to have the responsibility to provide safe and efficient care to all patients encountered on a daily basis. Valid studies such as those in our literature review can greatly change the delivery of healthcare in a positive way (Moreland, Gallagher, Bena, Morrison, & Albert, 2012).

Our studies had limitations, both internal and external, in their validity although they were still valid and considered accurate. As for internal validity, feedback from a nurse is always going to be subjective to interpretation if a qualitative response is obtained. There is no way to limit every aspect of bias in this method. The age of nurses will also be a source of both internal and external validity because each department and hospital will have a varied age group tested. This will have a significant impact on the amount of time it takes for them to learn a technology based system. Older nurses traditionally will take a little longer to learn the skills than young nurses.

Also, geographic location will play a role in external validity due to whether or not the hospital is rural or urban. An urban setting normally will be much busier. This will cause nurses to be pressed for time and must multitask more efficiently than in a rural setting. Likewise, the degree held by nursing staff will play a role in the validity of results also. LPNs will prescribe different medications than RNs or nurse practitioners. Finally, a longer term follow up will increase the validity of results. If nurses are questioned again in six months or one year after implementation, the feedback could be different and might help with adaptations to the system or with future adaptations to system implementations in other institutions in neighboring areas.

Internal and External validity play a large role in project implementation and are important issues to consider before taking on a large task, especially when patients are concerned. It is always important to research all sides of a study. Often the validity of one study might help make the decision as to whether or not the implementation of that particular aspect of the project is feasible for your particular institution.

References

Moreland, P., Gallagher, S., Bena, J., Morrison, S., & Albert, N. (2012). Nursing satisfaction of implementation of electronic medication administration record. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing , 30 (2), 97-103.

Yates, C. (2007). Implementing a bar-coded bedside medication administration system. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly , 30 (2), 189-195.