There were various challenges that were experienced while searching for the article. One of the problems was over abundance of information. The amount of information available on the article was a lot, and there was no central organization to help with identifying the required article. This led to confusion because some irrelevant documents were also retrieved during the search. The other problem was on the design of the website. The site was not designed in a manner that enhances easy navigation. The homepage was crowded posing difficulties in locating the required article. Some of the peer-reviewed articles were also restricted, for example, difficulties were experienced in finding the abstract and some information in the article.
Some of the articles that were retrieved were too long to be read within that short time. This posed a challenge because after reading the abstract one would think it was the best article to use, however, after critically examining the article one would later realize it was out of context. The content in some of the peer-reviewed articles was too deep to master and understand. A critical evaluation was also essential for one to know what was being discussed. Some of the articles could not be retrieved freely. One had to subscribe to access the article at a given fee, which was expensive considering the fact that this article was to be used once.
Some of the steps that were helpful in locating the peer-reviewed article were focusing on the topic of discussion. Understanding the topic was helpful in evaluating some of concepts surrounding the topic. This was followed by selecting an appropriate database to be used for research. Selecting the database was vital because, in some of the databases, the topic was not well covered compared to other databases. Most databases may not also contain all the information required regarding a given topic. The next step was identifying key concepts concerning the topic. This is because in the database that was used most of the articles were assigned standardized terms that were helpful in locating the articles quickly. After finding some of the articles that would be useful for the research, the next thing was evaluating if the information in the articles was relevant. This was done by reading the abstracts of the articles that were retrieved from the search. Critically evaluating the articles helped in identifying the information in some of the articles that would be useful in conducting the research. This was followed by attempts to locate the articles that had been selected. For example, to view the complete text in the database that was used for research, one needed to follow the links that appeared with the citations.
This database would be useful to the other colleagues who wish to conduct research. This is because, despite the long processes undertaken in searching the article, the database led me to the necessary article that pertains to my practice and my area of interest. This means that it would be a suitable database for anyone willing to conduct research because, as opposed to, other databases, which may lack sufficient information on a topic, the database had enough information that can be useful for anyone willing to conduct research. I would recommend this database for anyone searching for a peer-reviewed article.
The article evaluates how patients and caregivers can be involved in various aspects of health care. An examination of some of the strengths presented by this article shows that the article is convenient for the target audience. This is evident from the manner in which opinion is presented. For example, the article is divided into two parts, which makes it convenient for the reader to search for the information they require. An examination of the first part shows that the author examines how the involvement of patients can improve the provision of healthcare (Warne & McAndrew, 2005). The author examines the policies and the rhetoric of involving patients in the delivery of services and healthcare planning. In the second section, the author provides the reader with examples of innovative practices showing the importance of including patients in the education of caregivers.
The other strength is evident from the provision of a contextual background concerning the information that has been covered in the book. In this coverage, the author gives an illustration of factors that affect the practice and education of nurses. The author addresses bias by examining the history of the improvements made by institutions of higher learning in enhancing the education of nurses. He also examines the current approaches that have been used in the United Kingdom and globally to ensure nurses obtain professional education. Providing such is information is vital because the reader will be capable of evaluating some of the aspects that have not been involved in nursing education (Warne & McAndrew, 2005). Other than highlighting some of the strategies that have been used in the past in improving nursing education, the author attempts to provide a link the importance of involving patients in the patient centered method of educating nurses. The presentation of opinion in such a manner helps the reader to identify the problem or issue being addressed by the author. For example, the author highlights that the lack of patient experience knowledge is one factor that is missing in the theoretical and practical education of nurses.
This article is also useful because the author provides all the information that would be useful to the target audience. The audiences being addressed in this book are nurses and medical educators. The author also provides examples on some of the strategies that can be used in enhancing nursing education. An evaluation of the article shows that thorough research was conducted before drawing conclusions on the topic being discussed. For example, the author incorporates information from other studies to illustrate the importance of patient involvement in nursing education. For instance, one of the studies that has been used reveals that three patients were involved in teaching pre-registered nurses in the University of Manchester (Costello & Horne, 2001). This shows some quality in the evidence that has been used by the author in an attempt to ensure that the information is valid. The author not only examines the effectiveness of patient involvement in the education of caregivers, but also highlights some of the practical, organizational and ethical issues that need to be examined to ensure the process is effective.
Although this article presents several strengths evident from the presentation of opinion, its appropriateness to the target audience, the elimination of bias, and the quality of evidence, there are factors that should have been incorporated by the author to improve its quality. The author only provides general information on the methods that can be used in ensuring the participation of patients in the education of nurses. Although this information may be useful for the reader, the author should have tried to provide practical evidence by conducting research. Such information would have played a significant role in ensuring the information collected from other sources is valid.
- Costello J, & Horne M. (2001). Patients as teachers? An evaluative study of patients’ involvement in classroom teaching. Nurse Education in Practice, 1(2), 94-102
- Warne, T., & McAndrew, S. (2005). Using patient experience in nurse education. Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.
