Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pain, Coursework Example

Part VI

Xiao, Y., Griffin, M. P., Lake, D. E., & Moorman, J. R. (2010). Nearest-neighbor and logistic regression analyses of clinical and heart rate characteristics in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Medical Decision Making, 30(2), 258-266.

The primary objective of the article is to better understand how late-onset neonatal sepsis is diagnosed by using nearest-neighbor analysis as part of logistic regression (Xiao, Griffin, Lake, & Moorman, 2010). The researchers evaluated different methods, such as physiological monitoring of heart rate and laboratory value measurements as a means of evaluating the risk of neonatal sepsis through the use of nearest-neighbor analysis (Xiao et.al, 2010). The article also addresses the importance of a combined model of nearest-neighbor and logistic regression to determine the prevalence of sepsis within the target population (Xiao et.al, 2010). Logistic regression is used to determine any abnormalities in heart rate that are associated with the sepsis event and how this impacts patient diagnoses (Xiao et.al, 2010). It is believed that laboratory values provide additional information that impacts the prevalence of sepsis and the diagnostic process (Xiao et.al, 2010).

The study strengths include the role of nearest-neighbor analysis in improving data analysis using laboratory values, combined with logistic regression; however, the HRC data was not evaluated by physicians prior to its use, which may have an impact on the study results and is necessary to improve diagnostic potential (Xiao et.al, 2010). Most importantly, this study reflects the importance of properly diagnosing neonatal sepsis in order to accomplish the intended objectives in using independent laboratory testing as part of a larger strategy for physicians in order to promote improved diagnostic approaches across many areas that go beyond neonatal sepsis (Xiao et.al, 2010).

Part VIII

Nonparametric tests are used to support individual decision making through the use of simulation to promote improved nurses’ diagnostic abilities and to effectively support patients with intellectual disabilities (Fisher, Orkin, & Fraser, 2010). In addition, nonparametric tests in the study of drug interactions is beneficial in evaluating drugs with higher levels of risk and in comparing drugs in different categories (Tjia et.al, 2010). In these studies, there is evidence to suggest that nonparametric testing offers numerous benefits that have a lasting impact on nursing practice and on the development of strategies to incorporate evidence-based approaches into the development of new frameworks to better assist nurses in performing their diagnostic and evaluation roles more effectively. These tests also demonstrate the importance of evaluating patients in accordance with existing evidence to support improvements in administering care and providing treatment that is aligned with their needs in an effective manner.

Part IX

Patients who experience chronic pain possess a number of specific challenges that require further analysis; therefore, the use of grounded theory and other content analysis may be beneficial in evaluating the effectiveness of tools such as mindfulness meditation in an effort to better control pain on a continuous basis (Morone et.al, 2008). Similarly, a study by Chiesa & Serretti (2011) addresses the importance of systematic reviews in evaluating evidence related to chronic pain management in adult patients in order to identify strategies to alleviate pain and to reduce the dependence on opioids over time. Therefore, a systematic review may be a lengthy approach but it serves as a viable facilitator of change and progress for patients and in determining how they manage pain effectively within the context of their own circumstances and health status.

Part X

Vieira, E. R., Freund-Heritage, R., & da Costa, B. R. (2011). Risk factors for geriatric patient falls in rehabilitation hospital settings: a systematic review. Clinical rehabilitation, 25(9), 788-799.

Patient falls are a challenging circumstance that require further review and consideration in order to reduce this risk in affected populations. Qualitative research protocols such as systematic reviews provide an overview of the current evidence that is available and support the continued development of new methods to accommodate patients and to provide them with the tools and resources that are necessary to manage these risks more effectively (Vieira & Freund-Heritage, 2011). The systematic review supports the belief that patient falls are attributed to a number of specific causes, such as vertigo, cognitive impairment, amputation, and antihypertensive medications, among others (Vieira & Freund-Heritage, 2011). Therefore, it is necessary to focus on these areas in future studies to accommodate the needs of these patients and the nurses who care for them.

Part XI

The use of a mixed-methods approach may be beneficial in examining the different types of clinical conditions that impact patient care across many areas and in determining how to best move forward to improve clinical outcomes for patients. Although this approach may pose challenges in properly acquiring and aligning data, it represents a means of expanding knowledge and resources to enable nurses to provide improved quality of care and to focus on the areas where there are opportunities to improve upon existing strategies and to utilize evidence effectively to improve practice protocols and to be cognizant of possible changes that are necessary to improve quality of care.

References

Chiesa, A., & Serretti, A. (2011). Mindfulness-based interventions for chronic pain: a systematic review of the evidence. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(1), 83-93.

Fisher, K., Orkin, F., & Frazer, C. (2010). Utilizing conjoint analysis to explicate health care decision making by emergency department nurses: A feasibility study. Applied Nursing Research, 23(1), 30–35.

Morone, N. E., Lynch, C. S., Greco, C. M., Tindle, H. A., & Weiner, D. K. (2008). “I felt like a new person.” The effects of mindfulness meditation on older adults with chronic pain: qualitative narrative analysis of diary entries. The Journal of Pain, 9(9), 841-848.

Tjia, J., Field, T., Garber, L., Donovan, J., Kanaan, A., Raebel, M., … Gurwitz, J. (2010). Development and pilot testing of guidelines to monitor high-risk medications in the ambulatory setting. American Journal of Managed Care, 16(7), 489–496.

Vieira, E. R., Freund-Heritage, R., & da Costa, B. R. (2011). Risk factors for geriatric patient falls in rehabilitation hospital settings: a systematic review. Clinical rehabilitation, 25(9), 788-799.

Xiao, Y., Griffin, M. P., Lake, D. E., & Moorman, J. R. (2010). Nearest-neighbor and logistic regression analyses of clinical and heart rate characteristics in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Medical Decision Making, 30(2), 258-266.