Vitamin a Deficiency After Gastric Bypass, Article Critique Example

Outline

Introduction

• Problem study was designed to solve
• Purpose statement

Literature review

Methodology

• Study design
• Sample and setting
• Identification and threats for threats of rigor
• Instruments used to collect data
• Data and collection procedures
• Data analysis

Conclusion

• Overall findings (strengths/limitations)

Abstract

Quantitative studies unlike qualitative aim at validating hypotheses through statistical interpretation. The foregoing study is a mixed method involving both qualitative and quantitative applications. Discussions are purely from the qualitative approach whereas statistical measurements of concepts are quantitative in nature. In this article critique the writer will embrace as critique of this mixed design where necessary.

Introduction

Problem

This study was designed to expose the fact that vitamin A deficiency occurs in patients who have had gastric bypass surgery. More importantly, it is underreported and ignored as a complication by surgeons and practitioners in the discipline. The researchers advanced that there are few studies to show a relationship between vitamin A deficiency and gastric bypass surgery. Therefore, it became imperative that they conduct a study showing its significance as considerations for after care interventions.

Purpose Statement

The purpose statement was not explicit, but implied in the introductory remarks. Its implication reads ‘few data are available on vitamin A deficiency in the gastric bypass population’ (Zalesin et.al, 2011).

Literature review

There was no extensive literature review. The researchers alluded to National Institute of Health data regarding the state of Obesity in America. In quantitative studies an extensive literature review may not be necessary since data is interpreted statistically. After a brief explanation they went into the methodology.

Methodology

These researchers used a retrospective chart review design.  ‘Retrospective case series is the description of a group of cases with a new or unusual disease or treatment. In this case it relates to Vitamin A deficiency and gastric bypass surgery.

• Sample and setting
• Identification and threats for threats of rigor
• Instruments used to collect data
• Data and collection procedures
• Data analysis

References

Retrospective Studies and Chart Reviews

Dean R Hess Respiratory Care • October 2004 Vol 49 No 10