Week 6 TD1

Meta-Analysis and Meta-Synthesis

Meta-Analysis

Meta-analysis entails the combination statistical results from a number of studies to enable the researcher to develop a standard metric. The findings are statistically stronger than any other research would produce because of the relatively larger number of subjects involved, the diversity of the subjects or the accumulated results and effects. In most cases, meta-analysis is used to ascertain statistical significance where studies return conflicting results. It is also relevant where the researcher needs to develop a more accurate estimate of effect magnitude or when a more sophisticated analysis of harms or benefits is required. Similarly, it is applied to examine subsets that have statistically insignificant numbers.

Meta-synthesis

Meta-synthesis is a thematic analysis that entails a methodological approach to new knowledge development based on rigorous analysis of available QUAL research findings. It involves the formulation of a problem, design study, literature review, and evaluation of study and encoding of data for consequent analysis. In essence, meta-synthesis involves bringing together and breaking down research findings, examining them thoroughly, establishing essential features and combining various phenomena in a transformed whole. For this reason, it is the gathering of qualitative data to inform new interpretations of the field of research.

The main difference between meta-synthesis and meta-analysis is that meta-synthesis is used to develop a new theory while meta-analysis tests a hypothesis. In addition, the primary audience for meta-analysis is medical practitioners who need to understand the validity and applicability of a given theory. On the other hand, meta-synthesis targets researchers who have to develop a new theory.

Evidence-Based Practice for St. Louis Hospital in Summerville

The safety of patients and hospital employees has become an issue of concern because it affects nursing outcomes and employee morale (Stock, McFadden, & Gowen, 2010). In fact, available research shows that senior patients are most at risk of slip and fall accidents within health care institutions (Clarke, & Hill, 2012). A number of health and safety concerns are evident at the St. Louis hospital in Summerville. For this reason, the hospital has to take certain steps to rectify the situation to guarantee the safety of workers, patients, employees, and visitors. Firstly, the hospital’s playground is not safe because of a number of dogs that are tethered in strategic places. The dogs could bite people and inflict injuries or spread diseases. As a result, the hospital has to devise ways of ridding the hospital grounds of all dogs.

Similarly, the roads pose a safety danger for pedestrians because they do not have designated crossing areas. People crossing the roads are exposed to extreme danger from the moving vehicles. They could sustain critical injuries, and so the hospital has to create specific places where people can cross the roads safely. Research shows that motor accidents are one of the leading causes of fatalities across the country (Martins, Travassos, Mendes, & Pavão, 2011).

In addition, a number of children are allowed to cycle around the hospital under no supervision. Likewise, some of the bicycles have been abandoned on roads and gangways, which is a serious risk to other users. The stray dogs that abound on the hospital grounds could bite or injure the children; the hospital has to correct this anomaly before some of the children are injured. In addition, the lawn mower could also be a threat to the children. Similarly, the open manholes on some of the roads are ominous signs of impending accidents.

Discussion

Improvement of patient safety is of paramount importance. The St. Louis Hospital in Summerville ought to ensure hospital grounds are safe for all patients, employees and visitors. It should ensure young children do not become victims of avoidable accidents. It should fill all the manholes, designate safe playing grounds, mark all road crossings and ensure no dogs are allowed on the compound. However, research shows that safety management should be a continuous process to ensure everyone is sure of security (Naveh, Katz-Navon, & Stern, 2011). For this reason, employee safety and the quality of care should be the primary concern for the hospital.

===================================================================

Mr. Lowell, the nursing executive at St. Louis Hospital in Summerville, hears about your consultant work for the cities of Ironridge and Summerville, and he asks you to help him evaluate the hospital’s evidence-based practice program and recommend an EBP model. He strengthened the staff education department a few years ago with a new MSN-prepared director who could use a consultant to get the evidence-based practice program off of the ground.

QUESTION:

Preliminarily, you need to help the staff understand the differences between various translation documents. Therefore, in this discussion, compare and contrast two of these five types of research summaries: meta-analysis, meta-synthesis, systematic research reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and care protocols. What are the differences in their purposes, audiences, and authors?