The healthcare sector is facing a wide range of current and emerging challenges. However, research plays a vital role in addressing the various challenges, especially by developing evidence-based practices. Before applying the findings of any research study, it is imperative to subject it to critical appraisal or in-depth review to ascertain its quality. Nurse burnout is among the main problems facing nurses, and the issue affects the quality of care given to patients. However, nurses could prevent burnout through proactive behaviors as Otto and co-researchers investigate (Otto et al., 2019). A critical review of the study is provided.
Identifying the Phenomenon
The phenomenon is focused on the human experience with a natural setting, which is burnout that nurses experience as they provide care to patients in hospitals and other similar settings. The phenomenon is relevant to nursing since nurse burnout has serious impacts on the health of nurses, quality of care given to patients, and patient outcomes especially concerning safety (Otto et al., 2019). Addressing the phenomenon will help in improving the overall health and wellbeing of nurses and patients.
Structuring the Study
The researchers do not pose a specific question. However, the study sought to answer the question of whether specific proactive behaviors help nurses to prevent burnout. The research question specifies a distinct process to be studied: the link between self-initiated proactive behaviors and prevalence of burnout amongst nurses. The context is evident since the study entailed employees aged over 18 years and reported regular feelings of exhaustion. The research was done in a health care setup. The researchers used semi-structured interviews to collect data. Semi-structured interviews allow the researcher to probe towards gaining an in-depth understanding of the issue, concept, or phenomenon under consideration (Decher, 2016). For that reason, it was appropriate since the researchers were exploring an explored area of research.
The researchers do not report biases. They ought to have done so to help readers make the right decisions when interpreting and applying the findings. However, the researchers provided a structure of ideas that reflect their beliefs. They used the conservation of resources (COR) theory to structure their beliefs. According to the COR theory, prolonged exposure to stressors lead to depletion of resources and consequently, burnout (Otto et al., 2019). For that reason, proactive behaviors aimed at minimizing resource depletion could prevent burnout. The researchers used an appropriate sample, which comprised of employees working in the health care sector. Frequent exhaustion experience was one of the inclusion criteria in sample selection to ensure that the participants lived the phenomenon of interest.
Data Collection
Data sources and methods for gathering specific data are specified. Data came from people working in the health care sector and who experience exhaustion frequently. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Further, all participants were required to sign informed consent before being engaged in the research. Gaining informed consent is vital for ethical purposes (Resnik, 2018). The research dealt with human subjects such that ethical considerations were imperative.
Data Analysis
The researchers followed a structured process when analyzing data. In particular, they used the proactive process model, which has four core elements: envisioning, planning, enacting, and reflecting (Otto et al., 2019). The dimensions of data analysis are clear, and they can be followed logically. Further, the researchers paint a clear picture of participants’ reality by providing the actual words given during the interview. Further, the researchers provided their own interpretation from the data captured from the participants based on the model used for analysis. However, there is no evidence that other professionals confirmed the interpretation that the researchers gave.
Describing the Findings
When describing the findings, the researchers provide ample examples to guide the reader from the raw data to the synthesis given. For instance, the researchers present actual words from the participants when explaining a concept or synthesizing data. Moreover, the researchers link the findings to existing theories, particularly the COR and proactive process model.
Conclusion
Nurse burnout has severe implications for the health of caregivers and patients. However, as the study discussed shows, it is possible for healthcare workers to prevent burnout through proactive behavior. The qualitative study is structured such that findings from the same are reliable.