Quantitative Research Critique - Research critique part 2

Quantitative Research Critique
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A quantitative study by Farmer et al. (2012) has been chosen for appraisal. The study is a randomized controlled trial regarding adherence to glucose lowering medications in the long-term treatment of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). It compares the adherence patterns of two groups, where the first is treated to a nurse-led consultation intervention, and the other receives the usual care. This paper will critically appraise sections of the article in order to gain an in depth understanding. The focus of appraisal is on the problem statement, protection of human participants, data collection, data analysis, problem statement, and interpretation of findings.
Problem Statement
The authors identified the problem from the onset in a clear and comprehensible manner. They noted that T2DM was a disease increasing in prevalence. Henceforth, they undertook a study to find the best practices in increasing adherence to glucose lowering medication, so as to decrease the disease burden. The authors noted that this was the first study of its kind, and it aimed at filling knowledge deficits in the care and follow-up of diabetic patients (Farmer et al., 2012).
Protection of Human Participants
The authors addressed the benefits of the study to the participants. The participants were to benefit from increased adherence to glucose lowering medication. This would mean proper sugar control among the subjects. The study did not pose any risks to the participants. It is imperative that human participants are protected from any risk during a study (Grove & Burns, 2008). The study recruited only participants with T2DM who could be able to give informed consent. An overview of the study with study procedures, role of participants, benefits of the study and measures to protect confidentiality were presented as informed consent forms to the prospective participants (Farmer et al., 2012).
Participation in the study was voluntary, and participants were free to withdraw from the study when they felt so. Only patients who were willing to take part in the study were randomized. The study was reviewed and approved by the London multi-center research ethics committee. With regards to the protection of human participants, enough measures were taken to realize this objective.
Data Collection
The authors identified major variables in the study. The primary outcome was identified as the percentage of days (over a 12 week period) in which the correct dosage number of glucose lowering medication was taken every day as prescribed. This data was collected by the use of an electronic device which recorded the timing and occurrence of drug opening. This method was described by the authors as being accurate and precise in collecting this data. Secondary outcomes included treatment satisfaction, satisfaction with communication with the nursing staff, functional status and medication adherence report scale (MARS). For treatment satisfaction, data were collected by a Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire, an apt and elaborate tool for this purpose. MARS tool was selected for its appropriateness in determining patient adherence and ease of use (Farmer et al., 2012).
Data was collected over a 12 week period, duration sufficient enough to assess for medication adherence. Data was collected by trained ...