Passive Decent Versus Immediate, Essay Example

The statistical power of tests,when utilizing a meta-analysis, depends on effect size, the sample size and the level of statistical significance. The sample size and the level of the statistical significance are controlled by the researcher; however, there are limitations. In regard to a meta-analysis, the sample size contains two factors, such as the number of studies and the study sample size itself.  (Hedges and Pigott, 2001)  In addition, meta-analysis is used when combining the results of different research studies to illustrate whether or not there is a significant difference. Furthermore, a large sample size is needed when conducting a meta-analysis. In the current study conducted by Brancato et al. (2008), there was a sample size of 2,827 women in seven studies. Since the researchers combined seven different studies, which contained a total of almost 3,000 sample, the study was sufficient for a meta-analysis.

Understanding the validity and rigor of a study is important in the overall conclusion of the study.  In order for a study to be rigorous, their methods should be able to be reproduced and data be extracted for other studies. The methods of the study were clearly represented, such as the databases used and the terminology used to search for studies. In addition, the types of data audits and meta-analysis software were explained. The results of the study were positive leading to significant findings for laboring women.  Therefore, the study can be considered rigorous and valid.

The significant data in regard to instrumental deliveries and it’s correlation with significant maternal morbidity, such as fecal incontinence, sphincter injury, nerve damage, and perineal damage suggest that there are high risks for instrumental deliveries. When applying this research to practice, care and need for instruments should be taken into consideration in regard to the risks involved with possible morbidity and decrease in material quality of life.  In addition, the results from the meta-analysis illustrate a correlation between Passive Descent and Immediate Pushing, with pushing time decreasing with Passive Descent.  These findings should be considered in practice since these results were analyzed using a large sample size from several different studies.

References

Brancato, R., Church, S., Stone, PW. (2008). A Meta-Analysis of Passive Decent Versus

Immediate Pushing in Nulliparous Women with Epidural Analgesia in the Second Stage of Labor.  JOHNN.  27:4-12.

Hedges, LV and Pigott, TD. (2001). The Power of Statistical Tests in Meta-Analysis. Psychological Methods. 6(3):203-217.