CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF QUALITATIVE ARTICLE

Running head: CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF QUALITATIVE ARTICLE
CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF QUALITATIVE ARTICLE
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF QUALITATIVE ARTICLE1
Introduction
Engagement in comprehensive and detailed critical appraisals of selected evidence based
research is of utmost importance since they inform the readers and researchers on the validity,
significance, rigor and methodological quality of the same. Usage of comprehensive critical
appraisal tools assists in the enhancement of critical thinking skills and also ensures the inclusion
of high quality studies during implementation of thesis or primary research (Hong et al. 2018)
Thus, the selected article which has been chosen for critique is the qualitative study by Fraser,
Kee and Minick (2006) which aimed to explore the subjective experiences of patients with
severe COPD living at home for improved understanding of chronic illness impact and coping
strategies. Using interviews and thematic analysis, the authors expounded upon three themes
which highlighted the emergence of every fatal challenges of COPD, the invasion of persistent
symptoms of dyspnea and the coping strategies used to mitigate shortness of breath. The findings
of this research thus hold relevance for future nursing practice in the form of improving aspects
of patient centered care to COPD patients where personal experiences and coping strategies used
by them can be integrated into their clinical care plan of disease management (Fraser, Kee and
Minick 2006).
Thus, with respect to the same, the following will provide an extensive and elaborate
critical appraisal of the qualitative study implemented by Fraser, Kee and Minick (2006). The
critical appraisal will comprise of evaluating in detail, major sections of the research paper,
mainly the title, the credentials of authors, the introduction, the literature review, the key
research methodologies chosen, the findings of the study and additional areas of research validity
which were identified.

CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF QUALITATIVE ARTICLE2
Discussion
Title and Author
Upon close examination of the title of the article, it can be clearly and accurately
understood that the study conducted by Fraser, Kee and Minick (2006) aims to examine and
evaluate the perspectives, feeling and opinions of individuals who are living with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Clarity of the title of this research can be attribute to
the usage of reasonably understandable terms whereas phrases and words like ‘living with’ and
‘perspectives’ accurately demonstrate not just the participant’s experiences with COPD but also
upon the fact that the study is likely to be qualitative and subjective in nature. The usage of a title
of commendable clarity and accuracy can be considered an advantage since it makes it easier for
the reader to understand the focus of the research problem as well as informs him or her
beforehand of the possible content to be expected from the research article (Trainor and Leavey
2016; Fraser, Kee and Minick 2006).
Additionally, upon close examination of the credentials of the authors involved in the
study by Fraser, Kee and Minick (2006) it can be understood that the authors are specializing in
nursing or are doctorates respectively in the field of nursing. Clearly mentioning the credentials
and designation of the authors is a major strength of a research since it informs the reader
regarding the field of practice engaged in by the respective authors. This in turn communicates to
the reader that the article or research is trustworthy since it has been performed by researchers of
commendable designations and expertise (Williams, Boylan and Nunan 2020). However, it must
be informed that the authors mentioned their credentials here in abbreviated forms like ‘RN’,
‘MS’ or ‘PhD’ whose full forms may not be known to readers or laymen with low health literacy
or those who are not accustomed to the field of nursing and research. Thus, addition of the

CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF QUALITATIVE ARTICLE3
authors’ credentials in full form would have greatly improved upon the clarity and accuracy of
the title section of the research (Fraser, Kee and Minick 2006; Williams, Boylan and Nunan
2020).
Introduction of the Article
Upon close examination of the introductory section of the study by Fraser, Kee and
Minick (2006) it can be understood clearly that the focus of the investigation of this research is
to evaluate the experiences of patients inflicted with COPD. Such clarity of the issue can be
demonstrated by the author presenting a brief introduction to the disease characteristics of COPD
followed by giving a brief description on how healthcare professionals like the lead author, are
inspired to better understand patient’s subjective experiences throughout their professional
careers. Thus, an introduction combined with a balance of scientific data as well as personal
experiences can be considered a strength of this research since it clarifies the reader of the
investigative issue at the first instance and also ensures that a rapport is developed between the
researchers and readers (Bennett et al. 2017; Fraser, Kee and Minick 2006).
From the introduction section, it can be observed that the research by Fraser, Kee and
Minick (2006) clearly arrives at the issue of exploring the perspectives and experiences of
patients with COPD without rambling or given unnecessary repetitive information. This can be
observed in the form of a well-structured introduction section where a brief introduction of the
issue is clearly segregated and followed by the background of the issue being investigated. A
well-structured, segregated and brief introductory section is thus a strength since it makes it
easier for the reader to under the context of research investigation without having to read through
excessive or repetitive information (Mays and Pope 2020; Fraser, Kee and Minick 2006).