ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PART 3: RESEARCH ANALYSIS
Architect Daniel Libeskind is credited with saying “To provide meaningful architecture is not to parody history, but to articulate it.” The suggestion is that his work does not copy the efforts of others but relies on it.
Understanding the work of others is critically important to new work. Contributions to the nursing body of knowledge can happen when you are able to analyze and articulate the efforts of previous research. Research analysis skills are therefore critical tools for your toolbox.
In this Assignment, you will locate relevant existing research. You also will analyze this research using a tool helpful for analysis.
To Prepare:
• Reflect on the strategies presented in the Resources this Module’s Learning Resources in support of locating and analyzing research.
• Use the Walden Library to identify and read one peer-reviewed research article focused on a topic in your specialty field that interests you.
• Review the article you selected and reflect on the professional practice use of theories/concepts described by the article.
The Assignment:
Using the “Module 3 | Part 3” section of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template presented in the Resources, conduct an analysis of the elements of the research article you identified. Be sure to include the following:
• Your topic of interest.
• A correctly formatted APA citation of the article you selected, along with link or search details.
• Identify a professional practice use of the theories/concepts presented in the article.
• Analysis of the article using the “Research Analysis Matrix” section of the template
• Write a 1-paragraph justification stating whether you would recommend this article to inform professional practice.
• Write a 2- to 3-paragraph summary that you will add to your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan that includes the following:
o Describe your approach to identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed research.
o Identify at least two strategies that you would use that you found to be effective in finding peer-reviewed research.
o Identify at least one resource you intend to use in the future to find peer-reviewed research.
Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 3: Research Analysis
Step 1: Research Analysis
The topic of interest Post-operative pain management among surgical patients
Research Article Anderson, D. E., Duletzke, N. T., Pedigo, E. B., & Halsey, M. F. (2020). Multimodal pain control in adolescent posterior spinal fusion patients: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to validate the effect of gabapentin on post-operative pain control, opioid use, and patient satisfaction. Spine Deformity, 8(2), 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43390-020-00038-z
Professional Practice Use
Research Analysis Matrix Strengths of the Research Limitations of the Research Relevancy to Topic of Interest Notes
Step 2: Summary of Analysis
References
https://doi.org/10.1007/s43390-020-00038-z
Professional Practice Use:
The research presents a multimodal pain management protocol for post-operative pain control among adolescent patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery. The protocol incorporated gabapentin administration pre- and post-operatively along with scheduled ketorolac and PRN acetaminophen, hydromorphone and oxycodone. This protocol can inform professional practice in developing standardized evidence-based perioperative pain management plans, especially for minimizing opioid use in this patient population.
Research Analysis Matrix:
Strengths:
Prospective double-blind randomized controlled study design
Adequate sample size of 50 patients
Objective outcome measures of pain scores, opioid consumption and patient satisfaction
Demonstrated statistically significant reduction in early postoperative pain and opioid use with gabapentin regimen
Limitations:
Single center study
Restricted to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients only
Relevancy to topic of interest:
The research is highly relevant to the topic of post-operative pain management among surgical patients as it presents a validated multimodal protocol for the same. The findings can help optimize acute pain management in clinical practice.
Effectiveness of a Multimodal Pain Protocol Incorporating Gabapentin for Post-Operative Pain Management among Adolescent Patients Undergoing Spinal Fusion Surgery
Introduction:
Effective post-operative pain management is crucial for improving patient outcomes and satisfaction following major surgical procedures. However, over-reliance on opioids for pain control can lead to issues like prolonged use, drug dependence and adverse effects (Kong & Irwin, 2007). There is a need to develop standardized multimodal protocols for minimizing opioid consumption through incorporation of adjuvant analgesics. This paper analyzes a recent randomized controlled trial that validated the efficacy of a multimodal pain regimen including gabapentin for post-operative pain control among adolescents undergoing spinal fusion surgery.
Method:
Anderson et al. (2020) conducted a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 50 adolescent patients scheduled for posterior spinal fusion surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group receiving gabapentin pre- and post-operatively as part of a multimodal regimen or a control group receiving placebo. The regimen included scheduled ketorolac and PRN acetaminophen, hydromorphone and oxycodone. The primary outcomes measured were visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, total opioid consumption and patient satisfaction.
Results:
The treatment group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in early postoperative VAS pain scores and total opioid use compared to controls. No significant differences were noted in adverse effects, side effects or hospital stay between the two groups. Parents in both groups reported very high satisfaction with pain management.
Discussion:
This study provides Level I evidence for the effectiveness of incorporating gabapentin in multimodal protocols to optimize post-operative pain control and minimize opioid requirements in adolescent spinal fusion patients. The findings have important implications for clinical practice in developing standardized evidence-based perioperative pain management plans, especially for pediatric populations. However, the single center design limits generalizability. Further multi-center trials are needed to validate the results.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this randomized controlled trial demonstrates that pre- and postoperative administration of gabapentin as part of a multimodal regimen significantly improves acute pain management and reduces opioid consumption following spinal fusion surgery in adolescents. Gabapentin should be considered as a standard medication for perioperative pain control in this patient population.
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Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 3: Research Analysis
Introduction
Architect Daniel Libeskind’s perspective that meaningful architecture should articulate history rather than parody it holds true not only in the realm of design but also in the academic and professional development of individuals in various fields, including nursing. In this article, we delve into the importance of research analysis as a critical tool for nursing professionals to contribute to the body of knowledge in their specialty field. We will also provide guidance on conducting research analysis and offer insights into the integration of research findings into professional practice.
The Significance of Research Analysis
Research analysis is a cornerstone of academic and professional growth, allowing individuals to build upon existing knowledge and make informed decisions in their respective fields. Nursing, as a dynamic and evolving discipline, relies heavily on evidence-based practice to improve patient care, and research analysis plays a pivotal role in this process. As Architect Daniel Libeskind articulates history through architecture, nurses articulate progress through research analysis.
Locating and Analyzing Research
To begin your journey into research analysis, it is crucial to locate relevant existing research. Scholarly sources, such as peer-reviewed research articles, are indispensable in this endeavor. Using academic databases like Scholar.google.com, libraries, and reputable journals, you can access a wealth of information.
One example of a well-crafted research article in the nursing field is Anderson et al.’s (2020) study titled “Multimodal pain control in adolescent posterior spinal fusion patients.” This article explores the effects of gabapentin on post-operative pain control, opioid use, and patient satisfaction. It provides valuable insights into post-operative pain management among surgical patients, aligning with our chosen topic of interest.
APA Citation:
Anderson, D. E., Duletzke, N. T., Pedigo, E. B., & Halsey, M. F. (2020). Multimodal pain control in adolescent posterior spinal fusion patients: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to validate the effect of gabapentin on post-operative pain control, opioid use, and patient satisfaction. Spine Deformity, 8(2), 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43390-020-00038-z
Professional Practice Integration
Once you have identified a relevant research article, it is essential to analyze it effectively. Utilize tools like the “Research Analysis Matrix” to assess the strengths, limitations, and relevancy of the research to your chosen topic of interest. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive Assessment of the article’s contribution to professional practice.
Recommendation and Future Strategies
Based on your analysis, you can make an informed decision on whether to recommend the selected article to inform professional practice. In your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan, provide a brief justification for your recommendation.
In conclusion, research analysis is a vital skill for nurses seeking to advance their academic and professional journey. By identifying, analyzing, and integrating peer-reviewed research, nurses can contribute to evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes. As you continue your professional development, remember to employ effective strategies and utilize available resources to stay abreast of the latest research findings in your field.
Works Cited
Anderson, D. E., Duletzke, N. T., Pedigo, E. B., & Halsey, M. F. (2020). Multimodal pain control in adolescent posterior spinal fusion patients: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to validate the effect of gabapentin on post-operative pain control, opioid use, and patient satisfaction. Spine Deformity, 8(2), 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43390-020-00038-z
