Quantitative Research and Quality of Care, Coursework Example

Introduction

Quantitative research represents a challenging approach that supports many areas of nursing practice. There are considerable advantages to quantitative research in areas where statistical data is necessary. For example, quality improvement may be measured using quantitative means to determine if improvements have occurred or are necessary. Quality improvement is a complex process that requires nurses to focus on quality in providing care and treatment to all patients. Quantitative research is a critical component of nursing practice in order to achieve greater outcomes and to utilize successful principles and techniques that support quality throughout the healthcare environment. The evidence that is generated using quantitative research principles is instrumental in advancing outcomes and in expanding knowledge that will satisfy quality improvement initiatives that organizations have undertaken.

Analysis

Quantitative research contributes to the improvement of evidence-based practice methods and improved quality of care. The quantitative methods that are chosen by researchers provide a basis for determining how to improve quality on many different levels, including those that impact direct patient care. One of the key areas to consider is the ability of a quantitative research study to expand knowledge, allow time for reflection and to improve quality on different levels (Lee, 2006). These contributions to nursing research convey the importance of quantifying information to provide a framework for improving quality (Lee, 2006). Furthermore, this practice also conveys the importance of statistical data as a means of shaping evidence and recognizing where quality-based weaknesses are prevalent (Lee, 2006). Research methods of a quantitative nature also support the formation of clear and concise research questions to support viable outcomes that may be applied in real-world settings (Lee, 2006).

Quantitative research and quality improvement may be difficult to combine when prior evidence suggests that there is a lack of focus or knowledge regarding the subject and the potential outcomes are unknown (Coughlan et.al, 2007). These conditions may lead to errors or setbacks that could limit progress in quality improvement and prohibit other advancements (Coughlan et.al, 2007). In some cases, quantitative studies are not credible and do not support the chosen hypothesis, nor do they provide any real evidence to improve quality over the long term (Coughlan et.al, 2007). These issues may lead to problems with the integrity of the study and the researchers, thereby minimizing the quality of the study and any improvements that might be identified (Coughlan et.al, 2007).

Quantitative research is utilized in many different areas of nursing practice; therefore, studies must be timely and effective in addressing critical problems. Research designs must be focused and emphasize the most important aspects of a given topic, and they must also utilize the appropriate methods to ensure that study outcomes are desirable (Walker, 2005). This process also requires nurses to evaluate different quantitative research methods prior to selecting a method so that the research possesses some degree of validity (Walker, 2005). Quantitative research evidence should be thoughtful, practical, timely, and appropriate for the nursing practice setting, and these objectives are best achieved by utilizing skills and knowledge carefully and thoughtfully (Edwards, 2002). In areas such as human subjects research and informed consent, quality improvements must be a critical priority in order to ensure that patient safety is maximized at all times. Furthermore, patient confidentiality should always be supported by the chosen quantitative method so that patient data is not compromised and its integrity remains intact. These processes support the development of quantitative research studies that support the desired results.

Quality improvement strategies are essential to improve quality of care and effective treatment for all patients. For example, the development of successful quality improvement methods to reduce patient falls requires a strategy to improve patient safety and enable patients to experience greater comfort as best as possible. It is important for nurses to be effective communicators to address potential patient risks and to recognize when falls might occur in patients who experience any type of weakness that could lead to a fall. This process is instrumental in addressing a quality improvement initiative that will allow patients to be mobile under specific circumstances, some of which may require direct supervision in cases where patients are at a high risk of falling. Using a quantitative research method in this area supports a greater understanding of the issues that are most important to nurses who work with patients at a high risk of falling. Statistics such as numbers of falls, age, health concerns, medications, and other factors are likely to provide an important means of improving evidence-based knowledge to ensure that patient wellbeing is maximized.

Conclusion

Quantitative research has a definitive scope and purpose in nursing practice across a variety of areas. In particular, quality improvement is likely to benefit from this type of research and the data that is generated in order to develop practical and feasible solutions to expand quality and improve outcomes for nurses and patients. Many areas emphasize quantitative research, and quality improvement supports the continued growth and development of research studies that will generate evidence for future practice and support new approaches to quality. It is necessary to address these issues as a means of improving outcomes for nursing practice and in improving quality of care for patients under a variety of circumstances.

References

Coughlan, M., Cronin, P. and Ryan, F. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 1: quantitative research. British Journal of Nursing, 16(11), 658-663.

Edwards, H., Chapman, H., and Davis, L.M. (2002). Utilization of research evidence by nurses. Nursing and Health Sciences, 4(3), 89-95.

Lee, P. (2006). Understanding and critiquing quantitative research papers. Nursingtimes.net, retrieved from http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/educators/understanding-and-critiquing-quantitative-research-papers/201659.article

Walker, W. (2005). The strengths and weaknesses of research designs involving quantitative measures. Journal of Research in Nursing, 10(5), 571-582.