Critical Appraisal 1 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Critical Appraisal 1 - Research Paper Example The major study concepts include: sleep loss (deprivation or disruption) and cognitive-behavioral outcomes such as decreased sleep duration, increased daytime sleepiness, decreased alertness/drowsiness (vigilance) and increased accidents/errors (nurse & patients). Variable Identification and Definitions Independent Variable: Fatigue Countermeasures Program for Nurses (FCMPN) Conceptual Definition: â€Å"The 60-minute education component of the FCMPN included information about fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms: neurobehavioral and health effects associated with sleep loss or deprivation; and misconceptions about sleepiness. Strategies for managing alertness, minimizing fatigue, and maximizing sleep duration and quality were highlighted †¦Ã¢â‚¬  The program is discussed in detail in Scott et al. (2010, p. 252) article. Operational Definition: â€Å"The underlying concept of most fatigue countermeasures programs is that fatigue management is a joint responsibility of the emp loying institution and each employee. Comprehensive programs to manage fatigue in work setting usually include the following six elements: (a) education and training, (b) compliance with hours of service regulation, (c) appropriate scheduling practices, (d) countermeasures that can be instituted in the work setting, (e) design (ergonometric) and technology (fail-safe designs), and (f) research† (Scott et al., 2010, p. 252). ... 254). Sleep Quality Conceptual Definition: Not conceptually defined but a likely definition is the weariness on waking and all through the day. Operational Definition: â€Å"Subjective quality of sleep was measured using the PSQI† (Scott et al., 2010, p. 253). Daytime Sleepiness Conceptual Definition: Not conceptually defined but indicates the tiredness in individuals due to lack of or disruptive sleep. Operational Definition: â€Å"The ESS (Johns, 1991) was used to evaluate the severity of daytime sleepiness† (Scott et al., 2010, p. 253). Vigilance Conceptual Definition: â€Å"It is the inability to remain alert during and after work† (Scott et al., 2010, p. 253). Operational Definition: â€Å"Measured by drowsiness and unplanned sleep episodes at work and while driving† (Scott et al., 2010, p. 253). Risk for Accidents and Errors Conceptual Definition: â€Å"Number of incidents of motor vehicle crashes (MVC)† (Scott et al., 2010, p. 255) and  "mistakes involving medication administration, patient care procedures, and transcript issues† (Scott et al., 2010, p. 256). Operational Definition: â€Å"Accident or error data was calculated using data from the participants’ daily logbooks† (Scott et al., 2010, p. 253). Short-Term Memory: Conceptual Definition: â€Å"Mistakes involving medication administration, patient care procedures, and transcript issues† (Scott et al., 2010, p. 256). Operational Definition: â€Å"Error description was calculated using data from the participants’ daily logbooks† (Scott et al., 2010, p. 253). Problem Solving and Coping Conceptual Definition: Not conceptually defined but a possible definition is the ability to intercept and discover errors. Operational Definition: â€Å"Error description was calculated using data