I. Statement of the Phenomenon of Interest 1. Is the phenomenon of interest clearly identified?

In the article, Steiner et al., (2009) explained how web-based strategies influence the decisions by stroke survivors to use healthcare services in their first year of recovery. The authors used an experimental design to sample the caregivers and in the investigation of the effects of web-based interventions that the patients sought.

2. Has the researcher identified why the phenomenon requires a qualitative format?

The study undertaking by the researchers was qualitative because it required the collection of data from secondary sources of selected participants and further analysis before conclusions could be drawn.

3. Are the philosophical underpinnings of the research described?

The need to undertake the research was premised on the fact that over 80% of the stroke survivors within the first year after surgery while the remaining 20% percent needed first attention from caregivers. The use of web-based interventions during this period vs. non-use influenced the research.

II. Purpose

1. Is the purpose of conducting the research made explicit?

 The purpose of conducting was clearly specified as two-pronged. The first research question sought to find the reasons and motivations behind stroke survivors in using healthcare services during their first year of recovery. The second question sought to identify the existence of any difference between patients that used web-based interventions and those who did not.

2. Does the researcher describe the projected significance of the work to nursing?

The researchers have shown how the study is significant to the nursing field. For instance, through the study, nurses will appreciate the reasons why stroke survivors use healthcare services, learn ways of dealing with post-stroke complications and learn how to relate and educate the survivors on dealing with the challenges related to recovery. With the knowledge, the nurses can be able to develop appropriate educational programs to help stroke survivors when dealing with the challenges. The role of web-based interventions is emphasized.

III. Method

1. Is the method used to collect data compatible with the purpose of the research?

The purposive descriptive design was appropriate to the...

Moreover, the focus on the one-year recovery period enabled the researchers to focus on the efficiency of web-based interventions vs. nonuse among the individuals recovering from a stroke.
2. Is the method adequate to address the phenomenon of interest?

Given the conclusions drawn, I believe that the method is adequate in addressing the phenomenon. However, improvements can be made by increasing the sample size and the area under study. As seen from the study, only 73 people participated in the study from Michigan and Ohio. Perhaps increasing the sample size can help in enhancing the reliability of the conclusions drawn.

IV. Sampling

The researchers described clearly how they selected their samples. The participants had to be victims of stroke within the first year of recovery. The description also shows that they focused they research to Northern Ohio and Southern Michigan between 2002 and 2004. The sampling has categorically been stated as purposive and descriptive.

The informants used in the research were appropriate because they were stroke survivors and seeking web-based healthcare interventions from caregivers.

V. Data Collection

 The data collection procedures focused on human experience as it focused on the interventions adopted by caregivers of the stroke survivors. The data collection strategy involved the use of bi-monthly telephone interviews in stroke survivors on the reasons for visiting the hospitals and why they would stay overnight in the facilities. The 1999 NHIS survey questions were adapted for this study.

The issue of protecting the subjects or data saturation has not been addressed.  Nonetheless, the data collection methods are explicit.

VI. Data analysis

The main strength of this article lies in the fact that the authors have used an experimental approach to demonstrating the main message. The method is invaluable as it enhances the credibility of findings and the conclusions made. Moreover, it presents facts that have been tested and proven thereby reliable. In must be pointed out that the authors carried out a parallel control experiment to authenticate the variations that the study would bring (Steiner et al., 2009). Without the control experiment, it…