Systematic Review, Article Critique Example

The report provides a summary of the research problem regarding bloodstream infections in the background section and the research question regarding preventative measures for low birth weight infants is stated in the objectives section.

The scope of the project appears to be appropriate, as it demonstrates the need for additional research regarding the impact of bloodstream infections in young infants through intervention methods that are performed in the neonatal intensive care unit by the nurses within these units.

The topic is relevant to nursing practice because it supports a greater understanding of how bloodstream infections in low birth weight infants as a serious problem. Therefore, new directives and/or interventions must be considered that will have a potentially favorable impact in preventing these infections through actions taken by nurses who practice in the neonatal intensive care unit.

The technical areas of the study appear to be accurate, and the study addresses a number of key outcome variables, such as hand hygiene protocols, the implementation of intravenous devices, as well as unit design and other factors in order to reduce bloodstream infections within the target patient population of low birth weight infants. Nonetheless, the success of these methods has not been proven to date and requires further consideration and evaluation in order to improve outcomes for these patients. The definitions for these variables are supported by literature-based evidence and the alternatives that are available to prevent these infections as best as possible.

The approach to integration appears to be appropriate, based upon the problem that has been identified. This approach provides greater evidence of the lack of cohesiveness in current approaches and whether or not they are truly successful in preventing bloodstream infections in low birth weight infants.

.The report, a systematic review, includes primary studies as one of the key inclusion criteria. These articles support primary research regarding bloodstream infections and their prevalence in the lives of low birth weight infants. These primary studies are included with other studies, such as those providing information regarding the reduction of bloodstream infections, those using randomized, controlled trial methods, controlled clinical trials, and those trials that have taken place in the neonatal intensive care unit.

The databases that were used by the reviewers are clearly identified in the study, including PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase, among others. These databases provide a comprehensive approach in order to identify as many studies as possible that meet the inclusion criteria so that they would be included in the study analysis.

Six sets of keywords are identified on the first page of the study and include bloodstream infection, hand hygiene, infection control, neonatal care, systematic review, and non-pharmacological. Each of these terms is used throughout the study and provides a basis for exploring the different focus areas of the study that are essential to achieving the final outcomes.

The reviewers used a variety of primary databases in order to identify over 288 possible studies, which were then categorized into several key areas regarding bloodstream infections in infants. Based upon the study results, it is evident that some of these studies provide evidence that the use of IV bundles may have a positive impact on patients in the prevention of bloodstream infections, but these studies are not significant in scope and practice. Therefore, additional studies must be explored that will be effective in improving intervention methods in this area.

References

Helder, O., van den Hoogen, A., de Boer, C., van Goudoever, J., Verboon-Maciolek, M., & Kornelisse, R. (2013). Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention of bloodstream infections in infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit: a systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 50, 819-831.