Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence or Nursing Practice, Coursework Example

The term meta-analysis represents a means of evaluating a larger body of evidence in order to determine its overall impact from a statistical point of view (Polit & Beck, 2012). This concept is integral to the study of quantitative research, particularly as it provides a means of identifying patterns that are common to a research concept or idea across a set of identified articles (Polit of & Beck, 2012). Meta-analyses offer a method of evaluating quantitative research studies by recognizing similarities in complex literature that will have an impact on the chosen research question (Haidich, 2010).

For researchers, understanding the desired types of data must be part of the meta-analysis in order to provide a greater understanding of the research question and how it is addressed by using this type of tool (Deeks, Higgins, & Altman). The most significant benefit of this practice is to examine a number of studies that might not be readily available under other conditions (Deeks et.al). Most importantly, meta-analyses focus on interpretation of the data and information above all else so that the value of a given study is effectively determined through this process (Deeks et.al).

Finally, meta-analyses are essential to the development of systematic reviews and provide information in order to determine whether or not a specific set of research data is useful in examining a specific problem or research question under consideration (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011). Most importantly, the meta-analysis within the systematic review is intended to suit a specific purpose or research question and conveys whether or not the data may be valid in meeting the intended purpose (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011). Therefore, this type of tool must be used carefully and must represent the designated research question to determine its overall efficacy in the chosen area of focus (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011).

References

Deeks, J.J., Higgins, JPT, & Altman, D.G. Chapter 9: analyzing data and undertaking meta-analyses. Retrieved from http://handbook.cochrane.org/chapter_9/9_analysing_data_and_undertaking_meta_analyses.htm

Haidich, A.B. (2010). Meta-analysis in medical research. Hippokratia, 14(Suppl 1): 29-37.

Melnyk, B.M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2011). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Polit, D.F., & Beck, C.T. (2012). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence  for Nursing Practice, Ninth Edition. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.