Module 5 Discussion: ROL Synthesis of Findings
The synthesis of three articles illuminates the significant challenges surrounding hospital-to-home transitions for children with medical complexity. Parents frequently experience feelings of being unprepared and lacking the necessary training and resources for effective home care. Simultaneously, healthcare providers encounter constraints in terms of time and resources, thereby impeding their capacity to deliver comprehensive support. These challenges give rise to various issues, encompassing readmissions, diminished quality of life, and potentially harmful health outcomes, including mortality. Desai et al. (2020) validated a parent-reported hospital-to-home transition measure. DiFazio et al. (2023) investigated the opinions of parents and other caregivers following orthopedic surgery for cerebral palsy. A core set of outcomes for children with complex medical needs during the hospital-to-home transition was developed by Haspels et al. in 2023.
Similarities and Differences
The primary focus of all research endeavors is the transitions from hospital to home within pediatric care. These studies specifically aim to examine the viewpoints of parents and caregivers while also recognizing the critical significance of utilizing standardized measures. Although the focus of the three articles revolves around the transition from hospital to home for children with medical complexity, there are differences in their specific areas of emphasis and methodologies. Desai et al. (2020) concentrated on creating and validating a measure based on parental reports that assess the transition experience. DiFazio et al. (2023) examined the experiences of parents whose children have cerebral palsy, particularly those undergoing orthopedic surgery. In contrast, Haspels et al. (2023) contributed by developing a core outcome set for hospital-to-home transitions in children with medical complexity. Despite these variations, all studies provide valuable insights into addressing challenges and opportunities associated with such changes.
Conflicting Findings
Although there were no significant conflicting findings, DiFazio et al. (2023) emphasized a noteworthy divergence. Parents of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, particularly those who have undergone orthopedic surgical interventions, have expressed more favorable experiences in comparison to parents of children with alternative medical conditions. This highlights the importance of acknowledging the intricate requirements of children with medical complexity when formulating interventions to assist families during this crucial period of change.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Every article exhibits unique strengths and weaknesses. The study conducted by Desai et al. (2020) was methodologically rigorous and yielded significant findings in assessing the hospital-to-home transition experience. However, concerns have been raised regarding the applicability of the results, as the study was limited to a solitary healthcare facility. The survey conducted by DiFazio et al. (2023) contributes substantially to the comprehension of the challenges parents of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy face. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that the study’s constraints, including its confinement to a solitary medical facility and the utilization of a limited sample size, give rise to apprehensions regarding the generalizability of the results to a broader populace. The study by Haspels et al. (2023) offers a notable advancement in the field by creating a COS. However, it is essential to exercise caution as further validation of the COS is still required.
The synthesis highlights the importance of conducting additional research to create and assess specific interventions that cater to the distinct requirements of children with medical complexity and their families during the transition from hospital to home. Future studies should concentrate on refining and validating outcome measures, such as the COS developed by Haspels et al., and examining interventions that comprehensively understand the various challenges associated with this crucial care phase.
References
Desai, A. D., Zhou, C., Simon, T. D., Mangione-Smith, R., & Britto, M. T. (2020). Validation of a parent-reported hospital-to-home transition experience measure. Pediatrics, 145(2). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-2150
DiFazio, R. L., Miller, P. J., Geyer, D., Shore, B. J., Snyder, B. D., & Vessey, J. A. (2023). Parental caregivers’ perception of their transition from hospital to home in children with cerebral palsy who have undergone orthopedic surgery. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 69, 47–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2022.12.023
Haspels, H. N., de Lange, A. A., Alsem, M. W., Sandbergen, B., Dulfer, K., de Hoog, M., Joosten, K. F. M., van Karnebeek, C. D., van Woensel, J. B. M., & Maaskant, J. M. (2023). Hospital-to-home transitions for children with medical complexity: part 2—a core outcome set. European Journal of Pediatrics, 182(9), 3833–3843. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-023-05049-2
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In this DB, you will synthesize the three research articles (submitted in week 4) about your topic discussed in Modules 1 & 2. A synthesis includes an analysis of the aggregate of articles, not the individual articles. e.g. clustering and interrelating ideas from the studies to form an overall representation of the conceptual definitions, descriptions, interventions, instruments, and strengths and weaknesses of the body of knowledge represented by the articles. You should have citations to support all three articles in this synthesis. See the examples in Chapter 7 (in particular, Synthesizing Sources) and Chapter 18 related to Quantitative Research in Gray & Grove (2021). This is a discussion, not a paper! Be succinct and include the questions below.
Use the following questions to synthesize your three articles:
1. What are the conclusions drawn from the articles in relation to your topic?
2. Identify similarities and differences of the studies. These may include a discussion of the samples, research designs, and findings, for example.
3. Are there conflicting findings among the articles?
GUIDELINES
To receive full credit, your original post should include all elements requested in the prompt (prompt may have multiple parts and/or require an article to be attached). There are no responses required for this assignment, but you are able to respond.
Your online participation grade for this week has two parts: 80% for the post, and 20% APA.