This essay aims to critically appraise a range of sources of research evidence pertaining to the management of violence and aggression within an inpatient mental health setting, and also to discuss and explore the limitations of the research, and its implications for clinical practice.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction and Definitions
2. Evidence-Based Healthcare Movement
3. Literature Search Methodology
4. Primary Research Appraisal
5. Secondary Evidence Appraisal
6. Expert Opinion Appraisal
7. Factors Influencing Evidence in Practice
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this assignment is to critically appraise a range of research evidence regarding the management of violence and aggression in inpatient mental health settings, while exploring the limitations of this research and its implications for clinical practice.
- Critical appraisal of primary research on patient restraint
- Evaluation of secondary evidence via clinical practice guidelines
- Examination of the role of expert opinion and experiential knowledge
- Analysis of the hierarchy of evidence and its impact on nursing
- Investigation of barriers to implementing evidence-based practice
Excerpt from the Book
UTILISING EVIDENCE BASED CARE – Module Assignment
The following essay aims to critically appraise a range of sources of research evidence pertaining to the management of violence and aggression within an inpatient mental health setting, and also to discuss and explore the limitations of the research, and its implications for clinical practice.
Incidents of a violent and aggressive nature are frequently reported in healthcare settings (Secker et al, 2004 and Walker and Seifert, 1994). Delaney et al (2001) state that violent and aggressive incidents present unquestionable risks to the safety of both staff and patients, which must be addressed; furthermore, the potential for tragedy in this arena is highlighted by the BBC (2004) reporting of a recent incident of extreme violence in a French mental health hospital, which culminated in the “horrific” murders of two nurses. The subject of violence and aggression in mental health is the source of much debate, and it is widely acknowledged that the management of violent and aggressive incidents presents an increasing problem in the field of healthcare (Bowers et al, 2006; Dudley-Finnan, 2002; Duxbury, 1999; Duxbury and Whittington, 2005; Delaney et al, 2001; Ng et al, 2001; and Saverimuttu and Lowe, 2000).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction and Definitions: This chapter defines core concepts like research and evidence-based nursing, establishing the rationale for focusing on violence management in mental health settings.
2. Evidence-Based Healthcare Movement: This section details the emergence of evidence-based practice, the hierarchy of evidence, and the government initiatives driving its integration into routine care.
3. Literature Search Methodology: This chapter outlines the systematic process of sourcing primary and secondary evidence through electronic databases like CINAHL and MEDLINE.
4. Primary Research Appraisal: This section critically evaluates a pilot study by Bonner et al. (2002) concerning the subjective experience of physical restraint, using a structured research framework.
5. Secondary Evidence Appraisal: This chapter assesses NICE (2005) clinical guidelines on managing violent behavior, utilizing the AGREE framework to determine their validity and utility.
6. Expert Opinion Appraisal: This section explores the role of professional consensus and anecdotal evidence, such as the work of Hardy (2006), within the nursing practice framework.
7. Factors Influencing Evidence in Practice: This final chapter discusses the tension between quantitative hierarchy of evidence and humanistic nursing, exploring barriers to effective evidence implementation.
Key Terms
Evidence-based practice, mental health, violence and aggression, clinical guidelines, nursing research, critical appraisal, hierarchy of evidence, qualitative research, patient restraint, experiential knowledge, professional consensus, healthcare policy, inpatient settings, interprofessional collaboration, research methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this assignment?
The assignment focuses on the critical appraisal of various research sources regarding the management of violence and aggression in inpatient mental health facilities.
Which specific themes are addressed in the text?
Key themes include the definition of evidence-based practice, the application of hierarchies of evidence, the critical evaluation of qualitative research, and the challenges of implementing research findings in clinical practice.
What is the central research question?
The central question concerns how research evidence can be effectively appraised and applied to manage violence in mental health, while considering the limitations of current research methodologies.
What scientific methods are analyzed for evidence appraisal?
The author uses established frameworks like the Hek and Moule model for primary research, the AGREE instrument for clinical guidelines, and broader professional critique for expert opinion.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the theoretical background of evidence-based nursing, methodology for literature searches, detailed appraisal of primary and secondary research, and the socio-professional barriers to evidence implementation.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is best characterized by terms such as evidence-based practice, critical appraisal, mental health nursing, and the hierarchy of evidence.
How does the author view the 'hierarchy of evidence'?
The author highlights that the traditional hierarchy of evidence is often dismissive of qualitative research, creating tensions for mental health nurses who value humanistic and holistic approaches.
What is the role of 'experiential knowledge' in this context?
Experiential knowledge, or professional intuition, is presented as an essential component of nursing practice that must be balanced alongside scientific research to ensure effective patient care.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the implementation of evidence?
The author concludes that a "pluralistic context-driven approach" is necessary to bridge the gap between medical research demands and the complex, relationship-based reality of mental health nursing.
- Quote paper
- Timothy John Whittard (Author), 2008, Utilising Evidence Based Care, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/470790
