Effects of Back Massage on Chemotherapy-related Fatigue

Effects of Back Massage on Chemotherapy-related Fatigue Shahida Abbasi This paper is aimed to critique on a quantitative research article. â€Å"Effects of back massage on chemotherapy-related fatigue and anxiety: Supportive care and therapeutic touch in cancer nursing† Written by Karagozoglu and Kahve (2013) as part of my assignment. The Problem The problem is significant to nursing as noted by Karagozoglu and Kahve (2013) that nurses are directly involved to provide care and deal with patients receiving chemotherapy and their experienced side effects. It is also mentioned that problem is significance to nursing, as nursing interventions intend to improve quality of life by reducing the stress level of the patient with cancer. Moreover, the purpose of conducting quasi experimental and cross sectional study research was to determine the effectiveness of back massage, a nursing intervention, on fatigue process which develops due to chemo therapy. Furthermore, on the anxiety level which develops, and has been explained explicitly. In my point of view this study can accomplish its purpose as Burns and Grove (2011) mentioned that effects of independent variables on dependent variable can be determined through quasi experimental studies. In addition, quasi experimental; a quantitative approach study design is best fit to determine the effectiveness of back message. In the article research variables back massage independent variable and fatigue as dependent variable has been explained with literature support, whereas I feel the dependent variable anxiety need more elaboration. The investigators promptly introduced the problem statement at the end of the introduction. In my point of view the answer to the problem provide insight into current issues in nursing practice because there was no study found which determine the effects of back massage in decreasing fatigue and anxiety of chemotherapy patients. In addition, the investigators has stated the assumptions very clearly that â€Å"back massage providing during chemotherapy reduces fatigue and anxiety† Moreover, limitations are not listed explicitly but reader can infer easily as evident by this statement, small sample size was used therefore, the findings of the study could not be generalized. The limitations of quasi study design are as mentioned in Polit and Beck (2012) noted that in interventional study participants show reluctance to be selected through randomization. Thus these assumptions and limitations are realistic. Review of the Literature The literature reviewed by the researchers is comprehensive, critical, and logical. Moreover, the literature was published during the period 1988- 2013 and most of them were not recent but relevant to the problem. The relationship to the research purpose is evident by the literature review. In addition to that the researchers included 21 recent research studies and of these three studies published in 2013 were also used. The investigators paraphrased the reviewed adequately did not use any quotation. The researchers made a case logically for conducting a new study based on the review Protection of Human Rights This study was designed to minimize risk and maximize benefits to participants. Moreover, the researchers indicated very explicitly that participants gave voluntary, verbal and written informed consent and no evidence of coercion was found. However, it is not evident in study that participants were invited to consent during periods of high stress. There is no evidence in the study that individuals can be identified and linked to study. The researchers very clearly mentioned that approval to conduct the study has been taken from an independent ethics committee of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine. Theoretical / Conceptual Framework The researchers did not describe any theory or framework to guide their study. Coughlan, Cronin and Ryan (2007) noted that theoretical frameworks tend to be better developed in experimental and quasi-experimental studies. Burn and Grove (2011) noted that a well-developed quantitative study is based on clearly stated framework and quality of frame work needs to be evaluated for practicality. However, in this study the absence of theory or frame work did not detract the researchers from the significance of the research. Hypothesis The investigators formally stated hypotheses. It is appropriate to have the hypothesis in quantitative study as the investigators were interested to test the effectiveness of back massage. Burns and Grove (2011, p.167) stated that this type of researches are required to have hypothesis in order to predict outcome. Moreover, hypotheses are naturally derived from the research problem and transform the problem into predictable results. In this study hypotheses contain two dependent and independent variables. Furthermore, the investigators stated hypotheses clearly and objectively and the prediction is evident. It is very obvious that these predictions are supported by the literature. Sampling The target population carefully described by the researchers i-e patients who at least underwent for chemotherapy. The target population was appropriate according to the study problem and desirability. However, resource limitations are not mentioned in the study. The investigators described sample selection procedures by giving strict eligibility criteria. However, it would be better if they had clearly mentioned the type of sampling procedure used. Moreover, the sampling method fits with the research design and level of inquiry of study. However, the authors did not describe potential sample biases. According to Polit and Beck (2012) under representation of the sample pertaining to research question should be acknowledge by the researchers. The sample is sufficiently large as Polit and Beck (2012, p.285) propose that small sample size will be adequate if researcher is certain about the strong relationship of the independent and dependent variables and it is described under the subhe ading of methods p.212.This study can be generalized on the target population and patients receive chemotherapy. The investigators have described the eligibility criteria to enroll participants on ( p.212) to ensure a representative sample. However, sampling error can be minimized by increasing the sample size. Research Design The investigators used quasi experimental and cross sectional design to determine the effects of the interventions. The design used for the level of inquiry of research question and purpose of research was appropriate as Burn and Grove (2011, P.151) mentioned that this study design is to determine the effects of back massage on independent variables. The researcher did not discussed potential effects of confounding variables and possible measures to control such effects (validity). Polit and Beck (2012) proposes selection of homogeneous sample to control confounder, however, statistical analysis can also be used for the same purpose. The researchers gave enough information based on which study can be replicated. Data Collection The instruments Personal Information Form, The State Anxiety part of Spielberger State- Trait Anxiety Inventry (STAI) Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) were used for data collection. Personal Information consists of nine questions for that detail is given under the subheading of Personal Information on p. 212. Moreover, State- Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) instruments developed by Spielberger et.al in 1964 has been used by Oner and Le Compte. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was given that shows validity and reliability. In addition, Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) developed by Mendoza et.al. (1999) which consists of 10 questions was used to assess fatigue, and the same scale was used by Cinar, Sezerli,Sarsmaz and Ments. The value of Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of the scale verifies its validity and reliability. However, rationale for the selection of instruments was not given. Instruments used in this study were congruent with research questions. Are results of these tests sufficient to indicate their use? The instruments are suitable for use with the study sample. Quantitative Analysis Determining the effectiveness of back massage is the third level of inquiry of study question, and for that quasi experimental and cross sectional study design is best fit. The investigators calculated mean and standard deviation for age. Chi-square test has been used for qualitative ordinal variables. A non-parametric Friedman test that is substitute of ANOVA has been used to analyze mean BFI score for intra group variability. Moreover, a Wilcoxon non-parametric test alternative to paired t-test was used to examine mean STAI scores of patients before, after and right after chemotherapy. Furthermore, Mann-Whitney U test was used for mean STAI and BFI score of patients before and right after chemotherapy. Despite the fact that data were normally distributed, non- parametric test have been used. The link between the analysis and findings are logical, clear, and are evident by statistical rejection of null hypothesis by P-value. The researchers did not go beyond the data during interpretation of the findings, and they presented statistical result both in the narration and in tabulated form. The investigators used inferential statistic that is enough eviden ce to establish the correctness of the statistical result as Coughlan Cronin, P., Ryan (2007) noted that statistical significance assist the investigators to rule out threat to validity. The investigator presented findings in a table which is clear, simple, and accurate. Conclusions and Recommendations Data analysis clearly explained in reference to research questions and hypotheses. Since the study sample was small, the researchers made appropriate decision; based on significant findings and did not claim for generalizations beyond the study sample or population. However, the results are applicable on our patients who are planning for chemotherapy. If we will implement this intervention to our context, then it will lead to increase comfort, decrease fatigue, and anxiety. Furthermore, there are no risks of implementing study findings mentioned explicitly or inferred. The authors also recommended that back massage during chemotherapy is effective intervention to be practiced to control the side effects especially fatigue and anxiety and this recommendation is well supported by the others studies. However, the investigators did not give recommendations for future research studies. To determine the efficacy of back massage, a nursing intervention is a unique study which is significance for nursing practice. In this study the investigators used quasi experimental and cross sectional study design. Moreover, the study purpose of the study is explicitly stated. The investigators tested hypothesis with instrument which are reliable and valid and they described the instrument very comprehensively. Moreover, sample selection was carried out on strict eligibility criteria. Study findings have been explained in narration and in table. Finally, investigators gave conclusion based on findings that back massage is effective nursing intervention to decrease the fatigue and anxiety of the patients who receive chemotherapy. The investigators also mentioned that study cannot be generalized other than target population. References Burns, N., Grove, S. K. (2012). Understanding Nursing Research: Building an Evidence-Based Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences. Polit, D. F., Beck, C. T. (2012). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice. Lippincott Williams Wilkins. Coughlan, M., Cronin, P., Ryan, F. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 1: quantitative research.British Journal of Nursing,16(11), 658-663.

Classical Argument

Tiffany E. Duncan Shannon Collins Eng 101 September 23, 2012 Classical Argument Remodeling a house on one’s own isn’t as cheap or as easy as it may seem, because more problems are often revealed during the demolition stage of remodeling. One can’t always prepare in advance for unforeseen problems when remodeling and it isn’t always cheaper doing them on one’s own rather than hiring a professional. I was able to prove this to myself when I was remodeling my own house.The original plan was to have all the remodeling completed within a year; my time spent on the project is now over double what I expected and I’m only about three fourths of the way complete. I had 6 projects that I wanted to do, keep in mind I live in an old farm house that was abandoned for 4 years before I began. I planned on: refinishing all of the cabinets throughout the house, installing all new windows, a complete bathroom remodel, new floors in the entire house, new ceilin gs in three rooms, and painting the entire house.I couldn’t remodel my house full time when it wasn’t livable being I’m a single mother of two. That made it even harder; but I also had less time to work than I planned because I also started attending college about one month into the renovation. When I started I expected to spend right around $5,000. 00. This was roughly the cost of all materials with about $1,000. 00 extra for anything that came up unexpected. For the most part I have done all the renovations myself with some help from family and friends; I’ve had to call in a professional once. My running total is around $10,000. 0, which is double of what I planned on spending and it’s still going up! The first project I began was refinishing the cabinets. This was quite a task; I took all the cabinet facings and doors off, sanded them as well as the cabinets and painted them. All the cabinets in my kitchen, 16 of them, took me approximately 5 mo nths to complete. Luckily my Dad was his own handy man so his tools and skills of the trade came in handy often! An unforeseen task came when I started redoing the ceiling’s in the bathroom, my bedroom, and the hall way. I learned the house wasn’t exactly built square.Just to be able to do my ceiling the correct way I had to add two inches to the ceiling rafters on about half the room. Not expecting this, I over spent $80 on this project. This was a small increase but every little thing you don’t expect adds up quickly. The entire ceiling project ended up costing me an extra $600 over my estimate. With the house not being square, drywall was wasted and it was harder to apply the mud tape (which led me to buy a more expensive tape). What should have taken approximately two weeks to complete took a total of two and a half months.For the bathroom remodel I allotted myself $600. 00 to spend; which is on the lower side for a complete bathroom overhaul. But I really d id my research on this one; a new toilet was $300 and a new bathtub $200. I was able to get cabinets from my mom when she was redoing her kitchen and I used those in the bathroom; which surprisingly saved me about $600. 00 if I bought them new. I just had to refinish them and paint them, and that little project still isn’t complete. When I tried to take the bathtub out, I removed seal and unhooked all the plumbing but it wouldn’t budge.I called a few of my family members to help remove it since it was a porcelain tub which is quite heavy. It still wouldn’t come out, the fit was too tight. We used a little intuition and decided to just cut the bathtub out. Once it was cut in half it did give us enough room to get it out. However, putting the new tub in became and even harder task. We tried every way possible to put it in, but there wasn’t enough room. It was even the same size as the old tub. When we measured the dimensions; it was out of square by almost three inches.So we had to tear down the wall at the end of where the bathtub would go, install the tub, and rebuild the wall. Supplies were costly for this bringing my expenses up $150 more than I planned and it added almost a weeks’ worth of work. The toilet was supposed to be an easy job; uninstall the old one, add a new seal and install the new one. Once the old one was taken off, we discovered it had been leaking on the floor; ruining approximately a 4’x5’ section. We had to rip the old floor out, install new floor rafters and new floor.This added $200 more to my quickly rising total, for my new toilet and about two extra weeks of work since I couldn’t begin doing the flooring myself. Now I was 10 months into the project and more than ready to move; since I was living with my mother while I was completing the renovation. I decided to redo the floors and paint next; I could redo windows after I moved in. I pulled the old flooring up first; this took 3 weeks and should have only taken a couple of days. Apparently the previous owners had pets and they used the restroom on the carpets numerous times.So instead of being able to just pull the carpet up, I had to scrape it up. This didn’t add on to my expenses since I was doing it myself, it just took a lot of patience because it took so long to do. Once it was all up, I had the floors inspected. To my surprise a support beam had given out under the front of the house. I had to call in reinforcements; my dad and brother were both great handymen for the project. They had to use three jacks and actually jack the house up while they cut out the floor over the broken beam, took the beam out and put a new beam in.This added about $700 onto my estimates but only an extra day worth of work. With the carpet up and the beam fixed, I was ready to paint. It took me 3 months to get everything painted. I ended up having to buy Kilz to cover up stains, trimming to replace what was already mis sing or broken, and a lot of paint supplies. It took me three months to paint the whole house, and I ended up about $500 over budget on supplies then I anticipated. I was going to do my floors myself, but it wouldn’t have saved me any money once I purchased the trimming and the tools needed to install the carpet.Plus I was so exhausted from working on everything else I opted to hire in professionals to install my carpet. I did have to get on a list for installation, adding a week of just waiting to my time. It was worth it once the floors were in, it looked great and I was finally getting my energy back. Remodeling a house on one’s own isn’t as cheap or as easy as it may seem. It took me 14 months until I was able to move in my house. I had planned on being finished within 12 months and my work was only half done. Not to mention I was already over $2500 being past my estimates on the house.It took a lot to be able to do the renovations myself, running into probl ems every time I turned around. I had to hire in professionals once but I probably should have a few more times. I tried to stay as close to my budget as possible. Many of the factors that rose my spending were because more problems were revealed during the demolition stage of remodeling. One can’t always prepare in advance for unforeseen problems when remodeling and it isn’t always cheaper doing them on one’s own rather than hiring a professional.

What Peace Corps Essay Samples Is - and What it Is Not

What Peace Corps Essay Samples Is - and What it Is Not Finding the Best Peace Corps Essay Samples Applicants who aren't selected initially shouldn't be discouraged and are encouraged to re-apply. Last, consider where you're submitting your application. But if it comes to the wire, your motivation statement will be a deciding factor. For that reason, it's important to take into consideration your motivation statement from the very get-go. Motivation is a physiological reply and a sense of willingness. The statement is one that the selection board will utilize to measure your urge to turn into an officer and the degree of commitment you've got to reach that objective. Those choices raise your motivation as you understand intuitively that you're making your destiny. For men and women that are applying, I wished to provide a couple of suggestions on how best to compose a strong resume and motivation statement. Think about your motivation statement for a cover letter. New Questions About Peace Corps Essay Samples You may also become different discounts on our site which will help you to save some more money for future orders or anything you want to spend them on. The product that we're likely to produce will get a decrease price whilst still maintaining its fashionable appearance and athletic qualities. The adaptions we're likely to make to be able to satisfy our consumers, is by tweaking the classical characteristics that the bomber jacket acquires. Our customer support will gladly tell you whether there are any special offers at the present time, in addition to make sure you are getting the very best service our business can deliver. What Needs to be Done About Peace Corps Essay Samples Peace Essays foster the reason behind worldwide relation, where citizens of all countries of the planet share the frequent objective of peace and tranquility. A Peace Essay can be written by means of an author or a columnist from any area of the planet, about the recent wars that have happened. I made a decision to attend nursing school for a number of reasons, a major one being the desire to help in the physical well-being of others. That idea was not put into account by the USA government, but nonetheless, it eventually led up to the creation of worldwide work camps. You also have to earn a personal commitment to yourself as a region of the military. Some people today find this exciting, while the idea debilitates others. New Ideas Into Peace Corps Essay Samples Never Before Revealed Teaching would give me, definitely, the very best experience in interacting with diverse individuals. I know with the correct educational tools i will succeed in life as a consequence of the present information age, education is the secret to societal. Learning a new language is going to be one of my main challenges. At our essay assistance, essays are always delivered in a brief moment. Contrary to other companies, we're safe and skillful group of writers that are deeply concerned in regards to the academic writing tasks. You are able to make an application for the precise job which you desire! Don't be scared to explore positions outside your main experience area also! How to Find Peace Corps Essay Samples Online Given the opportunity, serving in the Peace Corps would let me use the info I have become familiar with over the last few years in regions of the world that would greatly gain from it. Moments such as this are a part of the main reason why I would like to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Individuals who attempt to enter the Peace Corps need to write such a statement as part of their application. With Peace Corps, sustainable development is going to be my only duty. It is an excellent opportunity to learn English from native speakers! There are lots of great advantages to joining the Peace Corps. Your regional Peace Corps recruiter is not difficult to find! As a Peace Corps volunteer one needs to be consciously conscious of the stereotypes and work towards the frequent aim of the coalition.

Introduction To Measuring Job Satisfaction Business Essay - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 916 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Management Essay Type Narrative essay Did you like this example? Employee job satisfaction can be distinguished from its indicators; indicators in this case mean effects of job satisfaction towards employees performance. According to Stephen P. Robbin, the effects of job satisfaction toward employees performance are (Robbins, 1996, p. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Introduction To Measuring Job Satisfaction Business Essay" essay for you Create order 182-183): Satisfaction and productivity A company that has more satisfied employees tends to become more effective compared to a company that has less satisfied employees. Satisfaction and absenteeism Employees that have a low job satisfaction level tend to have a high absenteeism level, even though it is not absolute. Satisfaction and employee turnover An employee who has a high level of job satisfaction tends to stay at the company because they have a high loyalty to the company. Measuring Job Satisfaction There are two ways to measure job satisfaction that are normally used, they are (Robbins, 2005, p. 85): Single global rating It is a method by asking individuals to answer questions, the respondent will circle one number from 1-5. Summation Score This method distinguishes main components in a job and asks the employee about their feelings toward each component. Factors used as an evaluation rating are: Personal desirability, appropriate rewards, supportive co-workers, availability of working equipment, supportive management and company policies. These factors will be rated in normal scale numbers and then will be summed up to create a total score of job satisfaction. Loyalty Definition of Loyalty In the past loyalty was measured by how long an employee stayed in the company, but nowadays loyalty is measured by commitment. According to Malayu S.P Hasibuan employee loyalty is the willingness of an employee to maintain and protect the company, inside and outside the job from irresponsible people (Hasibuan, 2000, p. 94). According to Indayati Utomo, loyalty is a sense of responsibility; it is not only responsibility but also the sense of belonging. If an employee follows and order from his boss, it means he gives an input to do the best for the company. In this case the employee is being proactive. And according to Wignoyo Subroto, employee loyalty towards a company means the willingness of an employee to have a good relationship with the company; even if they should sacrifice their personal interest without expecting anything back from the company. In conclusion, loyalty means the willingness of an employee to keep working and staying in the company and having comm itment towards the company that the employee works for. Loyalty these days has been redefined as a commitment; it is how willingly the employee is committed to their job. Employees not only join the company physically but their mind, attention and their dedication are for the company. Loyalty Theory If someone from a high position in the company resigns, it will increase the cost of recruitment, selection and training. It will also affect the companys efficiency because the company should find and prepare a new employee to fill the empty position. Therefore, it is very important for a company to keep their employees, especially the best employees that are willingly to give their best for the company. That is why a lot of companies need this type of employee, and it is easy for them to move from one company to another. The top rated employee can choose a company that gives them a higher salary and provide great working conditions. Therefore, the company should maintain their employees loyalty to keep their employees committed to them. Managers view their subordinates loyalty if their subordinates: a. Follow all orders from managers. b. Work hard and do their tasks. c. Finish all tasks successfully. d. Protect the manager and not become a backstabber. e. Respec t the manager. f. Remind the manager when they do something wrong. g. Are aware of the job value and job norms. h. Have a commitment towards the company. In reality, loyalty is an important condition to increase productivity in a work place. It is mentioned that employees loyalty can be viewed from: Strong bonds with the company even though the company may have a difficult time. Work hard as possible to achieve the companys goals. Act positively with co-workers. Easily adapt to organization changes. Have a low absenteeism rate. Meanwhile, the employees loyalty toward the company could happen if: The employee believes that they can remain in the company. The employee believes if they remain in the company they will receive rewards. The employee honors the rewards, in another words it means that their motivation to stay with the company is to receive that reward. Job security, which is a feeling that assumes the company will not lay off their employees, only creates loyalty in the lower level. Therefore, employees also need promotion, rewards, a chance to develop, and everything that creates job satisfaction will affect employee loyalty to their company in the end. Loyalty Measurement In measuring employee loyalty and commitment towards the company, there should be a benchmark to measure it, and those benchmarks are as follow: The employee should be in one particular company. The employee knows about the companys business and their customers well, so it will create productivity. The employee participating maintains a good relationship with their customers for the companys benefit. The employee promotes the company that they work for as an ideal place to work, has a good future for the employee and has more advantages compared to other companies. The employee put their maximum effort and work serious with their job. The employee does not have the willingness to resign or move to another company. The employee attendance is high.