NR 439 Week 6 Assignment Reading Research Literature (RRL) Worksheet

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-439: RN Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

NR 439 Week 6 Assignment: Reading Research Literature (RRL) Worksheet

Purpose of the Study

The central purpose of this research was to examine how adult inpatients in an acute care hospital perceived nurses’ Active Empathetic Listening (AEL) behaviors. The study sought to identify which specific listening behaviors patients viewed as effective or ineffective. Examples of these behaviors included maintaining consistent eye contact, sitting or standing in a position that directly faces the patient, and using appropriate facial expressions to show attentiveness. Because nurses are the healthcare professionals who typically spend the most time with patients, the researchers emphasized the importance of communication in shaping patient experiences. Moreover, patient dissatisfaction with communication has been associated with negative financial implications for hospitals, such as reduced Medicare reimbursements due to poor Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey outcomes (Myers et al., 2020).

Research Design

The study applied a quantitative comparative research design. It involved dividing participants into two groups to evaluate whether they could recognize variations in AEL behaviors among nurses. The design also explored how demographic differences—such as gender, ethnicity, or patient type (medical or surgical)—influenced perceptions of listening behaviors. Surveys were the primary tool for data collection, and they were distributed either by email or postal service. The quantitative approach provided a structured framework to score and categorize responses according to the presence or absence of AEL behaviors (Myers et al., 2020).

Sample

Participants were recruited from a large metropolitan hospital in the south-central United States. Eligible individuals met the following criteria:

The focus on recently discharged patients ensured their hospital experiences were still fresh, thereby enhancing the reliability of the survey responses (Myers et al., 2020).

Data Collection

Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained before beginning the research. The hospital’s Health System Information Systems Department collaborated with the Principal Investigator (PI) to identify eligible patients. In total, more than 5,000 surveys were sent out—3,000 through email and 2,000 via mail. The collection process lasted for eight months, yielding 305 completed responses. Based on the patients’ self-reported experiences, participants were categorized into either Group A (patients perceiving AEL behaviors) or Group B (patients perceiving limited or no AEL behaviors) (Myers et al., 2020).

Data Analysis

Statistical analysis included cross-tabulation and the chi-square test (Pearson chi-square and Cramer’s V). These methods allowed the researchers to determine whether demographic variables such as gender, ethnicity, primary language, surgical versus medical status, and recent hospital readmission influenced patients’ perceptions of AEL. This analysis provided valuable insight into whether certain patient groups were more likely to benefit from or recognize empathetic listening behaviors by nurses (Myers et al., 2020).

Limitations

The study faced limitations primarily related to recruitment and response rates. Many patients were unaware of the survey before discharge, which may have reduced participation. A low response rate of 305 out of over 5,000 surveys raised concerns about the representativeness of the findings. Consequently, the results may not fully reflect the experiences of the broader patient population, and selection bias could have influenced the data (Myers et al., 2020).

Findings and Discussion

The research provided important insight into how patients perceive Active Empathetic Listening. Results suggested that when nurses consistently applied AEL behaviors, patients reported higher satisfaction with care. However, unanswered questions remain—such as whether these behaviors influence long-term outcomes like adherence to treatment plans after discharge. Future studies should explore not only patient satisfaction but also the impact of AEL on measurable health outcomes and recovery rates (Myers et al., 2020).

Reading Research Literature

Engaging with research literature is fundamental for healthcare professionals, as it allows them to evaluate evidence-based practices. This assignment provided a framework for breaking down complex studies into manageable sections, including the purpose, design, sample, methods, and results. By critically analyzing such research, nurses and students can better determine which practices might enhance communication, improve patient satisfaction, and support high-quality outcomes in their clinical environments (Myers et al., 2020).

References

Myers, K., Krepper, R., Nibert, A., & Toms, R. (2020). Nurses’ active empathetic listening behaviors from the voice of the patient. Nursing Economics, 38(5), 267–276.