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NU310
Unit 3 Assignment Worksheet
Directions

1. List the source in APA style and format

Patterson, E., Wan, Y. T., & Sidani, S. (2013). Nonpharmacological nursing interventions for the
management of patient fatigue: a literature review. Journal Of Clinical Nursing,
22(19/20), 2668-2678. doi:10.1111/jocn.12211
2. Is the review thoroughdoes it include all of the major studies on the topic?
Does it include recent research? Are studies from other related disciplines
included, if appropriate? (25 points)
The main purpose of this literature review article was to provide the reader with inclusive
and knowledgeable background about past and current information about nonpharmacological
nursing interventions for the management of patient fatigue. The introduction and the
background section include the purpose of the review and a short overview of the problem.
Furthermore, certain limits, restrictions and boundaries are also mentioned and clearly explained.
Also, the authors pointed out what was found in previous literature, which helps the reader to
draw conclusions and better understanding about the topic. The authors draw conclusions based
on research findings from 22 previously performed studies. Each research article was selected
based on certain criteria and critically evaluated. The data extracted for analysis and review
include wide period of time form 1990-2012, which according to the authors was done in order
to ensure that interventions reflected current clinical practice( Patterson, Wan, & Sidani, 2013,
p.2067). The methods used to gather the data for this article were also systematically clarified
and explained. Even though, the article presents enormous amount of research data and the
authors include many examples of work written by those who have written on this subject in the
past, I believe that more innovative approach should be adopted and additional studies included.

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The central focus of the review is patients attending outpatient clinic and suffering form variety
type of cancer. Little data was presented in regards of diverse population affected by fatigue as a
result of chronic conditions and also in different clinical settings. Also, no studies from related
disciplines were included in the literature review under discussion.
3. Does the review rely on appropriate materials (e.g., mainly on primary source
research articles)? (25 points)
The review rely on appropriate materials, such a primary sources research articles and
also existing literature review and systematic review, which all are important source of data and
information. Furthermore, the authors identify variety of methods used to search and explore for
appropriate literature, such as PUBMED, MEDLINE CINAHL and PsychINFO. Also, the article
include additional resources and wide variety of literature, such as guideline databases from the
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, the National Cancer Institute, the National
Comprehensive Cancer Network and the National Guideline Clearinghouse ( Patterson, Wan,
& Sidani, 2013, p.2070). Furthermore, the literature search is very broad and includes 288
publications, which contribute to the addition of significant studies that are crucial to the topic
discussed. Moreover, particular search strategies and principles used either to incorporate or
exclude the article from the review are clarified. Such an approach is useful for the reader to
conclude if the literature search is comprehensive and sufficient. However, I believe that the time
frame uses for literature search is too broad and does not include a lot of recent studies, which in
the healthcare field is very long period of time to consider due to the continuous changes that we
observe in the field. In order for the literature review to be accurate and comprehensive the data
collected should be current and to address the most recent trends about the topic discussed.
4. Is the review merely a summary of existing work, or does it critically appraise
and compare key studies? Does the review identify important gaps in the
literature? (25 points)

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The review authors clearly identify and compare the scientific strength and weaknesses of
the included studies. Also, short summary was included and selected data was critically
evaluated. Data extracted from several studies is appraised and compared. For example, based on
thorough and critical analysis the authors concluded that psycho-education is the most effective
method in controlling fatigue among the selected population. In addition, cognitive behavioral
therapy, exercise, acupressure and relaxation breathing exercise were also evaluated.
Furthermore, the authors identify and compare findings from previous and current reviews and
also address the lack of available literature that concentrates on nonpharmacological
interventions to relieve fatigue in the population under discussion. Significant gaps in the
literature are also recognized and acknowledged. According to the article limited numbers of
studies were included due to the insufficient data available to support and assists the proposed
discussion question. Furthermore, the authors take into account the effect size and conclude
that earlier publications are insufficient and inadequate in addressing effective practices that can
be implemented in clinical practice and support nurses in the management of fatigue by using
nonpharmacological interventions. However, more in-depth and rigorous interpretation and
critique of the available data should be included in order to meet the criteria for scientifically
effective and constructive literature review. Although, the authors identify the method uses and
criteria used for data extraction, I believe that more detailed and comprehensive analysis of
fundamental thoughts, comments, strengths, and weaknesses of the publications selected is
needed.
5. Is the review well organized? Is the development of ideas clear? (25 points)
The findings were well organized, divided, and reported objectively. Also the review is in
accordance with the APA standards and follows the recommended guidelines for such a
publication. Well presented and contains accurate citation and references. The article is also

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organized in a way that contains all the major sections: introduction, background, the aim of the
review, methods use, search strategies, data analysis and conclusion. The organization is clear
and somewhat comprehensive. The methods used to gather the data for this article were clearly
explained. However, section assigned to the implication for further research should be also
included. To some extend the authors were able to propose the necessary for further research, but
more inclusive analysis need to be performed and attention need to be drawn to specific areas
that require consideration. Also, the authors need to further point out gaps that currently exists
and propose question that can contribute to the possible resolution of the predicament. The
development of ideas demonstrates knowledge in a clear and consistent way and the organization
of the materials used is objective, which is crucial to meet the requirements for comprehensive
and thorough literature review.
6. Does the review use appropriate language, suggesting the tentativeness of prior
findings? Is the review objective? Does the author paraphrase, or is there an
over reliance on quotes from original sources? (25 points)
Polit and Beck (2011) suggest that when describing a studys findings it is best to use
language that indicates the tentativeness of the results rather than making definite statements
about the research (p.95). With that being said, I believe that the article meets these requirement
and the information is presented in objective manner. Also, for the most part the article is written
in the writers own word, than just being merely as series of quotation. However, in the
introduction section I think that the authors need to limit the use of multiple quotations and
present the problem discussed in their own words, because the reader need to recognize that the
authors are able to understand and analyze the data, rather just explaining what other authors
have researched and discovered. The role of the reviewer is to summarize and evaluate evidence

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about a topic, pointing out similarities and differences and offering possible explanations for any
inconsistencies uncovered (Polit & Beck, 2011).
7. If the review is part of a research report for a new study, does the review support
the need for the study? (25 points)
In the data analysis section of the article the authors describe the methods used to
examine the pertinent information, which is by comparing and contrasting the components and
activities across all studies evaluating each type of intervention, and synthesising those
components and activities common to each intervention type (Patterson, Wan,& Sidani, 2013,
p.2671). This comparison is evident in the discussion section, where the authors relate their
findings to those form previous studies. Such a comparison is essential, because support the
general significance of the results and emphasizes how this particular study differs from other
text about the topic. With that being said the study offer important insights about the research
problem and support the need for new study and suggestions for further research. As a result of
limited number of data and research studies the authors proposition is that Further research is
needed to evaluate the effect of interventions such as acupressure, relaxation breathing, cognitive
behavioural therapy, energy conservation and nurse-delivered exercise interventions on patients
experience of fatigue. (Patterson, Wan,& Sidani, 2013, p.2675).
8. If it is a review designed to summarize evidence for clinical practice, does the
review draw reasonable conclusions about practice implications? (25 points)
The review concludes with a brief summary of the findings that describes current
knowledge and offers a rationale for conducting future research. The data presented is discussed
and synthesized, which contribute to the development of future studies and practical implication.
Also, the way the findings were summarized helps the reader to develop meaningful insight into
imperative issue in the nursing practice. The conclusions were based on findings and reasonably
stated. The article concludes by presenting some understanding into the relationship between the

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main subject of the literature review, which is the implementation of nonpharmacological
interventions in the management of fatigue, and large areas of disciplines and professions,
focusing mainly on the professional nurses. Overall it is a well-written article sending an
essential message for professional nurses and healthcare organizations.

References
Patterson, E., Wan, Y. T., & Sidani, S. (2013). Nonpharmacological nursing interventions for the
management of patient fatigue: a literature review. Journal Of Clinical Nursing,
22(19/20), 2668-2678. doi:10.1111/jocn.12211
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2011). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for
nursing practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Retrieved from
http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781451123913