Select a research article that uses a randomized controlled trial focusing on a clinical nursing problem of your choice. Use this research article to address the following questions:
Select a research article that uses a randomized controlled trial focusing on a clinical nursing problem of your choice. Use this research article to address the following questions:
- Provide an APA reference of the article including a GCU permalink or working link used to access the article.
- Using the “CASP Randomized Controlled Trial Checklist,” found in topic Resources, evaluate the study. Based on your findings, summarize the critical appraisal of the selected research article.
- Do the benefits of the experimental intervention outweigh the harms and costs? Identify and discuss one other ethical consideration applicable to quantitative research studies such as this one.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
Sample Expert Answer
APA Reference:
Wong, C. L., & Choi, K. C. (2023). Effects of an immersive virtual reality intervention on pain and anxiety among pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 6(2), e230001. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.0001
Using the CASP criteria for evaluating randomized controlled trials, the study by Wong and Choi (2023) clearly addresses a well-formulated research question, evaluating the effects of immersive virtual reality (VR) on pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture. The participants were randomly assigned to either the VR intervention or control group, and an intention-to-treat analysis was used to account for all participants.
The study groups were similar at baseline, and aside from the VR intervention, both groups received equivalent care. While it’s not explicitly stated whether participants or investigators were blinded, the assessors were blinded to the outcomes, reducing potential bias. These approaches, specifically randomization and blinding of the research participants, helped to enhance the validity of the study (Monaghan et al., 2021). The results were comprehensively reported, showing significant benefits in reducing pain and anxiety, with precise estimates provided through confidence intervals.
The benefits of the immersive virtual reality intervention in this study were substantial, as it effectively reduced both pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture, providing a non-pharmacological approach to managing these common challenges in pediatric care. The minimal harms of the intervention, such as the potential for mild discomfort from wearing VR headsets, were negligible compared to its significant positive impact on the patients’ emotional and physical well-being.
Additionally, the cost of implementing VR technology in a clinical setting is relatively low, especially considering the potential long-term benefits, such as improved patient experience and reduced reliance on pharmacological interventions. Overall, the intervention provides a cost-effective alternative with promising outcomes that justify its use in clinical practice.
An important ethical consideration in this study is the potential for coercion in obtaining informed consent (Xu et al., 2020). Given the vulnerable pediatric population, it’s crucial that consent is obtained from parents or guardians and assent from the children, ensuring they understand the study’s purpose and procedures. The study should also address how it ensured participants’ autonomy and voluntary participation, minimizing any undue influence or pressure.
References
Monaghan, T. F., Agudelo, C. W., Rahman, S. N., Wein, A. J., Lazar, J. M., Everaert, K., & Dmochowski, R. R. (2021). Blinding in clinical trials: Seeing the big picture. Medicina, 57(7), 647. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57070647
Wong, C. L., & Choi, K. C. (2023). Effects of an immersive virtual reality intervention on pain and anxiety among pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 6(2), e230001. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.0001
Xu, A., Baysari, M. T., Stocker, S. L., Leow, L. J., Day, R. O., & Carland, J. E. (2020). Researchers’ views on, and experiences with, the requirement to obtain informed consent in research involving human participants: A qualitative study. BMC Medical Ethics, 21(1), 93.
Sample Peer Response
Hello Darren,
Your discussion highlights important insights into the study on evidence-based practice (EBP) training for nurses providing care to ventilated patients. Some of the benefits you have mentioned include improved nurse competency through EBP training. However, it is also important to assess potential harms, such as any unintended stress or pressure on the nurses from additional training requirements. The study did not report harm, but future research should continue to monitor this, especially as it scales. Ethically, informed consent is crucial. Participants must be fully aware of the potential risks, benefits, and purpose of the study prior to agreeing to their participation (World Medical Association, 2025).
Additionally, the ethical considerations around resource allocation should also be considered, particularly with the challenges posed by financial investments and time constraints, which could limit the feasibility of implementing this training universally. Thank you for sharing!
References
World Medical Association. (2025). World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical principles for medical research involving human participants. Jama, 333(1), 71-74.
