A guide to critiquing a research paper. Methodological appraisal of a paper on nurses in abortion care.

In this paper, we have taken a previously published article on nurses' judgements in abortion care performing a systematic critique of the merits of this research using a recognised critiquing framework. OBJECTIVES DESIGN: The qualitative paper chosen for the critique is a grounded theory design and the research terms and terminology associated with this method such as symbolic interactionism are defined. The published paper reported on findings from a study exploring the characteristics of nurses in abortion care. REVIEW METHODS: A published critiquing tool has been applied. It was chosen because it is pragmatic, clearly laid out and accessible as full text to the people likely to need it. It comprises two stages, the first of which centres on the believability of the research. The second stage is more detailed and examines the research process and establishes the credibility of the research in its application to practice. OUTCOME: Develop critical and analytical skills through methodically appraising the merits of published research. CONCLUSION: Nursing as an evidence-based profession requires nurses at both pre- and post-registration levels to be able to understand, synthesise and critique research, this being a fundamental part of many nursing curricula. These have become core skills to acquire since implementing up to date evidence is the cornerstone of contemporary nursing practice.

Nurses in abortion care: identifying and managing stress.

The psychological impact of abortion on the women undergoing the procedure is well researched, but little is known about the potential psychological impact on nurses working in abortion care. The proportion of medical abortions in the UK is rising compared to surgical abortions. A recent research study found that being more directly involved in the procedure places more emotional demands on the nurses. This emotional labour required by nurses working in abortion care may increase their stress levels. This paper examines the potential increase in stress in nurses caused by medical abortions. A model of stress comprising stressors, moderators and stress outcomes was used as a framework for this examination. Research on abortion and mental health nursing was applied to managing stress in abortion care; this included coping mechanisms, prevention and intervention strategies. This showed that stress, burnout and coping are important issues in abortion care. On this basis, recommendations for practice have been formulated to inform practice for nurses and managers in abortion care.

Stress, burnout, coping and stress management in psychiatrists: findings from a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Research into stress among psychiatrists has attempted to identify stressors, which can lead to physical illness and psychological distress. AIMS: The aim of the study was systematically to review the current evidence for the effectiveness of stress management interventions for those working in the psychiatric profession. METHOD: A systematic review of the current literature was conducted into stress and stress management within the profession of psychiatry. RESULTS: Twenty-three international studies were included in the psychiatry section of the review. Psychiatrists report a range of stressors in their work, including stress associated with their work and personal stresses. One personal stress, which psychiatrists find very difficult to cope with is patient suicide. Coping strategies include support from colleagues and outside interests. No studies evaluated the use of stress-management interventions for psychiatrists. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatry is a stressful profession. Psychiatrists identified several stressors in their professional and personal lives.