NR505- Critical Appraisal Research 2022

Running head: HEALTHCARE 1
NR505- Critical appraisal
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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HEALTHCARE 2
Introduction
The perspective of caregivers is essential in order to ensure a smooth transition of
patients from hospital to their home settings (Mitchell et al., 2018). This assignment will use the
Johns Hopkins tool for critically appraise a qualitative research that focused on exploring the
lived experiences of parenting children who suffer from the development disorder autism, and
reside in rural regions (Dang & Dearholt, 2017). The article was published by Lindsey
Hoogsteen and Roberta L. Woodgate (Hoogsteen & Woodgate, 2013).
Critique of the article
Type of qualitative method
This qualitative research was a phenomenological study since it was based on the
principles of hermeneutic phenomenology. The major strengths of this research approach are that
it provides a detailed and profound understanding of the phenomena and also helps in collection
of impressive and rich data from the individuals (Hennink, Hutter & Bailey, 2020).
Participant sampling
The researchers recruited 26 families having children with autism by following the
purposive sampling procedure across two urban centres. This sampling strategy relies on the
judgment of the researchers for selecting members of a particular population for participation in
research. The major advantage is that it allows generalisation of the obtained data to a wider
population and also saves considerable time and money during data collection (Sharma, 2017).
Questionnaires/tools
The data collection method focused on subjecting all 26 families to semi-structured and
open-ended interviews. Semi-structured interviews are typically not based on a pre-determined

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list of questions and help in discussion of new ideas based on the responses of the interviewee
(Kearney, Freeman & Bacon, 2019). Asking open-ended questions was a correct approach since
they allow infinite number of possible answers, help in gaining unexpected insights, and also
provide a clear understanding of the perception and thought process of the respondents
(Greenhalgh, 2014).
Ethics
Presence of ethical approval is imperative for any investigation that includes human
participants with the aim of safeguarding that the safety, rights, dignity, and wellbeing of the
contributors are the main consideration of the investigation. The researchers obtained both verbal
and written consent from the participants and also maintained confidentiality. This was a correct
step since all research participants must be aware of the purpose, advantages and potential
drawbacks of the research (if any), and must also be ensured that their personal data shall not be
disclosed under any circumstance (Ryen, 2016).
Analysis of findings
The findings were organised into three themes that were (i) doing it on own, (ii) lack of
understanding and knowledge of the society, and (iii) he is not rain man. It was found that
limited knowledge of parents made it difficult for them to accept the autism diagnosis. They also
identified the need of a support in the form of follow-up appointments.
Limitations
The two major limitations were that the researchers failed to interview parents and
professionals who implemented autism programs, and chiefly interviewed Caucasian mothers
(Hoogsteen & Woodgate, 2013). Moreover, purposive sampling consisting of only mothers
reduced reliability of the results.

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Discussion
Hence, the article correctly discussed that more provision and assistance are desirable for
rural parents having children with autism.
Summary and future implications
Findings presented in this article can help in autism management in rural regions by
creating the provision for adequate support and follow-up appointments for the parents. It will
also help in conducting parent education campaigns that will promote autism management.
Conclusion
To conclude, the critique of this research article helped in identifying the challenges and
lack of support that parents having children with autism have to encounter in rural regions.