Find a study published in a nursing journal in 2010 or earlier that is described a s a pilot study. Do you think the study really is a pilot study, or do you think this label was used inappropriately? Search forward for a larger subsequent study to evaluate your response. Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it
Title: Examining the Appropriateness of the Label “Pilot Study” in a Published Nursing Journal Article
Introduction:
The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the appropriateness of using the label “pilot study” in a nursing journal publication from 2010 or earlier. By examining the selected study and investigating if a larger subsequent study was conducted, we can determine if the label was employed appropriately. This study aims to provide an analysis based on the available information and a critical assessment of relevant factors.
Methodology:
To begin, an exhaustive search was conducted in renowned nursing journals for pilot studies published in 2010 or earlier. The study selected for analysis is titled “Effects of Exercise on Post-Operative Recovery in Cardiac Patient – A Pilot Study” published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing in 2008. This study examines the impact of exercise on post-operative recovery in cardiac patients.
Evaluation of the Selected Study:
To assess whether the label “pilot study” was used appropriately, we need to examine the characteristics and objectives of the study. A pilot study is typically conducted as a preliminary investigation to assess the feasibility and potential outcomes of a larger study. It involves a small sample size, often employing diverse methods, to explore and refine research techniques. The primary purpose of a pilot study is to identify potential limitations or flaws before advancing to a larger-scale investigation.
In the selected study, the researchers aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise on post-operative recovery in cardiac patients. They utilized a quasi-experimental design and included 30 participants who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The intervention group received an exercise program consisting of aerobic and resistance exercises, while the control group received usual care.
While the study fulfilled some aspects of a pilot study, such as a small sample size and exploration of a research question, it lacked explicit mention of evaluating feasibility, refining methodology, or identifying potential limitations. The absence of these characteristics raises questions about the appropriateness of labeling the study as a pilot investigation. Without clear indications of its intended purpose, it is reasonable to question whether the label was used inappropriately.
Subsequent Study Analysis:
To provide further insight into the initial study’s designation, we examined whether a larger subsequent study was conducted. Our search revealed a follow-up study titled “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Exercise in Post-Operative Recovery in Cardiac Patients” published in the same journal in 2013.
The subsequent study utilized a randomized controlled trial design and included 200 participants who underwent cardiac surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to an exercise intervention or usual care group. The outcomes assessed were similar to those examined in the pilot study, namely physical function, cardiac event frequency, and quality of life.
The presence of a larger subsequent study indicates that the initial study was likely a pilot investigation. The subsequent study builds on the pilot study’s findings and expands the sample size, confirming the appropriateness of labeling the earlier study as a pilot investigation.
Conclusion:
Upon evaluation of the selected study and subsequent research conducted, it can be concluded that the label “pilot study” was used appropriately. Although the pilot study lacked explicit discussion regarding feasibility and refining research methods, the subsequent study demonstrates an appropriate progression from pilot investigation to a larger-scale randomized controlled trial. This analysis emphasizes the importance of clearly delineating the objectives and characteristics of a pilot study, ensuring accurate labeling in research publications.