Critical Appraisal of Research
Master of Science in Nursing, Walden University
NURS 6052, Section N – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice
13:55:31 GMT -05:00
, Introduction
Over the past decades, prescription opioid abuse has gained much attention from public
health officials due to the soaring numbers of sufferers. Despite efforts aimed at limiting the
number of opioids prescribed, such as with Prescription Monitoring Programs (PMP) for patients
and physicians, and strict guidelines for the clinicians who prescribe them (Lobo et al., 2020).
Many studies have been completed to help determine trends and patterns in incidences of OUD
and how patients progress to that point from initial receipt of the medication. By utilizing a
critical appraisal, one can identify possible best practice solutions.
Critical Appraisal Process
An important concept involved with scientific research deals with examining a study’s
worth for use in clinical practice; this process is known as critical appraisal (Fineout-Overholt,
2019). This 4-step process can provide nurses with confidence in knowing that they are
reviewing credible evidence so that they can provide the best practice in their patients’ care
(Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). During my critical appraisal of four research articles, it
became evident that clinicians who prescribe opioids need to provide better means of educating
patients to prevent events of opioid use disorder (OUD) and drug overdose.
Best Practice
Most studies identify the trends and mention potential for improvement by means of
educational or behavioral methods to help prevent OUD, but do not delve into possible solutions.
One study, however, was quite successful when implementing a repeated multi-dose brief
behavioral intervention addressing opioid overdose and related risk behaviors, referred to as
REBOOT (Coffin et al., 2017). This study detailed specific counseling sessions based on
assessing patterns in opioid usage, re-educating regarding misuse of medications, and
13:55:31 GMT -05:00
Master of Science in Nursing, Walden University
NURS 6052, Section N – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice
13:55:31 GMT -05:00
, Introduction
Over the past decades, prescription opioid abuse has gained much attention from public
health officials due to the soaring numbers of sufferers. Despite efforts aimed at limiting the
number of opioids prescribed, such as with Prescription Monitoring Programs (PMP) for patients
and physicians, and strict guidelines for the clinicians who prescribe them (Lobo et al., 2020).
Many studies have been completed to help determine trends and patterns in incidences of OUD
and how patients progress to that point from initial receipt of the medication. By utilizing a
critical appraisal, one can identify possible best practice solutions.
Critical Appraisal Process
An important concept involved with scientific research deals with examining a study’s
worth for use in clinical practice; this process is known as critical appraisal (Fineout-Overholt,
2019). This 4-step process can provide nurses with confidence in knowing that they are
reviewing credible evidence so that they can provide the best practice in their patients’ care
(Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). During my critical appraisal of four research articles, it
became evident that clinicians who prescribe opioids need to provide better means of educating
patients to prevent events of opioid use disorder (OUD) and drug overdose.
Best Practice
Most studies identify the trends and mention potential for improvement by means of
educational or behavioral methods to help prevent OUD, but do not delve into possible solutions.
One study, however, was quite successful when implementing a repeated multi-dose brief
behavioral intervention addressing opioid overdose and related risk behaviors, referred to as
REBOOT (Coffin et al., 2017). This study detailed specific counseling sessions based on
assessing patterns in opioid usage, re-educating regarding misuse of medications, and
13:55:31 GMT -05:00
