Critical appraisal of qualitative research for nursing practice Penn State College of Nurisng: 200W

Learning objectives Describe when intellectual critical appraisals of studies are conducted in nursing. Implement key principles in critically appraising qualitative studies. Describe the three steps for critically appraising a study. Conduct a critical appraisal of a qualitative research report.

Critical appraisal in nursing Broaden understanding Improve practice Provide a background

Qualitative critical appraisal How the qualitative methods impact the study’s: Credibility Meaningfulness Applicability in practice

Qualitative critical appraisal Step 1: Identify Components of the Research Process Step 2: Determining Strengths and Weaknesses Step 3: Evaluating the Trustworthiness and Meaning of Study Findings

Step 1 Identifying Components of the Research Process Title? Abstract representative of research study? Major components of research study presented?

Step 2 Determining Strengths and Weaknesses Trustworthiness Dependability Confirmability Credibility Transferability

Trustworthiness Rigor and Quality Combination of the following: dependability, confirmability, credibility, and transferability

dependability Documentation of steps of research process with rational for why those steps were taken Example: Selection of participants to fill in a specific gap in knowledge

confirmability Logical and Dependable Often supported by the use of an audit trail (e.g., like leaving small stones on a path to trace your steps)

credibility Confidence that results are accurate Enhanced by methods such as: Triangulation or going back to the participants to verify the answers Seeking out all negative cases to find out why

transferability Applicability in other settings with similar participants Example: Findings would be relevant in one medical center of similar size and location, but not perhaps in a large metropolitan medical center

Step 3 Evaluating the Trustworthiness and Meaning of Study Findings Combination of Steps 1 & 2

Questions? Comments?