Sanford, J., Townsend-Rocchicciolli, J., Horigan, A., & Hall, P. (2011). A process of decision making by caregivers of family members with heart failure. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 25(1), 55-70.
Describe the data collection procedure.
This was a QUALITATIVE grounded theory study. Unstructured open-ended interviews were conducted in private mutually agreed on locations. Interviewers took notes and interviews were audiotaped. Interviews lasted from 45 minutes to 2 hours
what did the authors say about the reliability and validity of their data collection and analysis?
The authors did not address this point. On the contrary, they point out how their study contributes to previous studies on the topic.
What demographic information was reported?
The caregiver had to be related to the patient with heart failure, provide one activity of daily living, and/or assist the care recipient with two instrumental activities of daily living and not be paid for services. Demographic data collected included caregiver gender, marital status, ethnicity, employment status, income, living arrangement, and relationship to patient with HF
4) what were the variables that were studied?
Questions specifically related to decision making were asked.
5) How were the data analyzed after collection? Was there any special software used?
Data was transcribed verbatim, checked for accuracy, and entered into the NVivo qualitative software program. Researchers independently coded the data line by line after each interview and then met...
The core conceptual categories were identified, and links between them resulted in theoretical categories. A theoretical model was developed that describes the process of decision making by caregivers of family members with HF
6) Discuss the use of any figures, graphs and tables. Was the information conveyed in an understandable and meaningful way?
The two Tables (on decision-making questions and demographics) were clear and instantly comprehensible. The Figure was clear to. Both were referred to and elaborated on in text.
7) Discuss the authors' conclusions. Do you feel these conclusions are based on the data that they collected?
The authors concluded that decision-making of caregivers was a nonlinear process consisting of various characteristics.
The collected data, as well as previous studies seems to support their conclusions but their population sample was small, only 20 individuals and cannot be used to extend to a larger population.
The following questions pertain to: Schwarz, K., Mion, P., Hudock, D., & Litman, G. (2008). Telemonitoring of heart failure patients and their caregivers: A pilot randomized controlled study. Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing, 23(1), 18-26.
8) Describe the data collection procedure.
Participants were interviewed soon after discharge and 3 months later about effects of telemonitoring on depressive symptoms, quality of life, and caregiver mastery.
9) How did the authors address the reliability and validity…
