Running head: CRITIQUE 2 1

Critique 2

Susan Kelly

King University
CRITIQUE 2 2

Critique 2

Research was conducted, a qualitative review of data in healthcare. A multitude of data

was reviewed that is discoverable by healthcare professionals such as nurses. The qualitative

review was analyzed by Brennan and Bakken (2015). Both Brennan and Bakken are registered

nurses holding Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees, making them qualified to perform

research. The title of the article adequately reflects and identifies the research project. I had to re-

read the article as it did not fully capture my attention, it was a difficult read for me. The article

in various places identified data’s impact in changing healthcare. The nursing impact was

referenced various times. As stated by Brennan and Bakken (2015), nurses require data to

identify evidenced-based practice approaches, discoveries related to the disease process, along

with insight on patient experience facilitating process improvement initiatives. Brennan and

Bakken also state nurses are essential to data collection to demonstrate this evidence, as

everyone benefits from data collecting (2015).

Purpose, Research Problem, and Hypothesis

Brennan and Bakken’s research revealed the issue through analyzing a multitude of data

referred to as “big data” the goal is to reveal information not necessarily available through

traditional research. The introduction identifies how “nursing needs big data and big data needs

nursing” which brings forth the purpose of the paper (Brennan & Bakken, 2015, p. 477). There is

not a clear hypothesis; however, the article eludes to big data providing nurses with knowledge,

such as causes of infection, or consequences of climate change (Brennan & Bakken, 2015). As

stated by Brennan and Bakken, big data can identify hypothesis and answer via evaluation of

significant amounts of data. I agree as well, due to the amount of data available it would be

difficult reviewing all the data available on a particular topic. Therefore, research could be
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limited to a portion of the existing available data. Performing analysis on all available data would

provide a more accurate view point.

The reference section lists dependable references the researchers did not express the need

for more references. The articles referenced appeared relevant as they revealed data specific to

nursing such as nursing requiring data to be successful and how data needs nursing to be at full

range. Six percent of the references listed are current. Twenty-seven are dated within ten years of

publication of the article, and eighteen within five years leaving three written greater than ten

years prior to publication. The population utilized is nursing in general.

Theoretical or Conceptual Framework

The framework of this article was not clearly defined. The data analysis and findings

were retrospective. The researchers stated nursing’s participation is underway; alluding to the

study being in a current state. Longitudinal trends examine several domains assessing the study

trends (Grover, Burns, & Gray, 2013). However, it is my opinion the researchers are utilizing a

longitudinal trend as a framework for their analysis.

Operational Terms

Evaluating the research issue, the operational terms are identified as significant amounts

of data, or as the researcher’s state “big data.” Big data is relevant for this review. Big data will

provide insights that are not presently available with traditional research as identified by the

issue being researched.

Research Design and Population Sample

This article reviewed data and its importance related to nursing practice. There was not a

clearly identified study in this article. Brenan and Bakken (2015) state, “nursing’s participation

in the big data and data science initiatives now underway is essential to ensure that the
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discoveries not only be shaped by our profession’s unique understanding of the patient

experience but also that the discoveries lead to knowledge that is useful to nursing” (p.477). The

identified population is nursing. However, an exact number is unknown. There was no clearly

defined data collection methodology. It is my opinion this research does not pertain to traditional

research; it does depict the significance of research to nursing and healthcare profession.

Multiple times throughout the importance of collecting data and research related to nursing was

stated clearly. As stated by Brennan and Bakken (2015), data enables nurses to grow and mature

in nursing knowledge allowing nurses to develop enhanced strategies to improve healthcare. This

article could be classified as bias due to the credentials of the researchers. The researchers state

they are “nurses, leaders in biomedical informatics” (Brennan & Bakken, 2015, p. 477). The

researchers also point out observation and reflections based on their experiences in big data

initiatives (Brennan & Bakken, 2015, p. 477).

Assumptions/ Limitations

There are assumptions made by the researchers that nursing requires significant amounts

of data to increase their knowledge base that has not been inhibited through theories (Brennan &

Bakken, 2015). Limitations are not clearly identified due to the perception of the research being

ongoing.

Conclusion and Implications for Future Research

The researchers did not imply specific research in the future research, in general, will

announce nursing practice and knowledge shapes future practice. Brennan and Bakken (2015)

conclude, “as a professionals we have much to gain and much to contribute” (p. 483). Data

science develops the future of not only nursing but healthcare as a whole.
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References

Brennan, P. F., & Bakken, S. (2015). Nursing needs big data and big data needs nursing. Journal

of Nursing Scholarship, 47(5), 477-484. doi: 10.1111/jnu.12159

Grove, S. K., Burns, N., and Gray, J. R. (2013). The practice of nursing research: Appraisal,

synthesis, and generation of evidence, (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO.: Elsevier Saunders.