Research Analysis and Synthesis (RAS) Forum Discussion Overview

Before you begin working on any RAS forum discussions, thoroughly read the RAS Forum OverviewLinks to an external site. and RAS Forum RubricLinks to an external site.. 

For the rest of the term, you will use RAS discussions to analyze a set of research studies under the following scenario: Your facility has been debating whether or not gum chewing is an effective intervention to reduce length of stay for patients after surgery. You will be working with a team of nurses to develop research-based recommendations as to whether this innovation should be placed as part of the post operative care guidelines.  Each student will contribute to two different topic discussions per module. Outside sources should be used to contribute new information and support arguments. Remember that you are writing from the perspective of professional nurses, not students, so do not refer to yourself as a student or use casual language. Treat these posts as you would a very short paper. 

Each topic will require the following steps:

1. Download and study the Powerpoint presentation for the topic you are working on.
2. Use the RAS articles to complete the activity listed at the end of the Powerpoint.
3. Watch the walk-through video.
4. Reflect on your learning and do some research.
5. Post in the discussion.

Topics: 

• Module 2 Topic A: Identifying research problems, purpose statements, research questions, and hypotheses. Writing hypotheses and classifying them as null, alternative/research, directional, and nondirectional.
• Module 2 Topic B: Identifying study variables; classifying them as independent, dependent, or extraneous; and identifying the conceptual and operational definitions for each independent and dependent variable.
• Module 3 Topic A: Identifying and critiquing sampling methods (i.e. sampling type, inclusion/exclusion criteria, representativeness to population).
• Module 3 Topic B: Identifying and critiquing research designs (i.e. case control study, cohort study, randomized control trial, quasi-experiment, etc.), including describing the manipulation or treatment (if appropriate), controls used to strengthen the design, etc.
• Module 4 Topic A: Discussing how variables were measured, including levels of measurement, reliability and validity of measuring tools, and the strength of findings based on how measured
• Module 4 Topic B: Analyzing statistical data, evaluating findings, and drawing conclusions for practice.

Discussion posts

First, read any existing posts in the forum for the topic you are responding to. Then post at least one substantial response post per topic, utilizing at least one outside source per post. Response posts should be at least one fully developed paragraph and should thoughtfully reflect on, critique, or expand upon the post that you are responding to. Remember that “You did a good job!” posts will not receive any credit. The goal is to get a dialogue going with your classmates. You may respond to any posts in the thread, but avoid responding directly to the original topic if several other students have already done so. If you see an engaging discussion that has started, feel free to join in and add your input.

The four primary quantitative articles used for this scenario are as follows:

1. Asao, T., Kuwano, H., Nakamura, J., Morinaga, N., Hirayama, I., & Ide, M. (2002). Gum chewing enhances early recovery from postoperative ileus after laparoscopic colectomy. Journal of American College of Surgeons, 195(1), 30-32. http://doi.org/10.1016/s1072-7515(02)011791Download Asao, T., Kuwano, H., Nakamura, J., Morinaga, N., Hirayama, I., & Ide, M. (2002). Gum chewing enhances early recovery from postoperative ileus after laparoscopic colectomy. Journal of American College of Surgeons, 195(1), 30-32. http://doi.org/10.1016/s1072-7515(02)011791
2. Harma, M. I., Barut, A., Arikan, I. I., & Harma, M. (2009). Gum-chewing speeds return of first bowel sounds but not first defecation after cesarean section. Anatolian Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1(1), 1-3.Download Harma, M. I., Barut, A., Arikan, I. I., & Harma, M. (2009). Gum-chewing speeds return of first bowel sounds but not first defecation after cesarean section. Anatolian Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1(1), 1-3.
3. Matros, E., Rocha, F., Zinner, M., Wang, J., Ashley, S., Breen, E., Soybel, D., Shoji, B., Burgess, A., Bleday, R., Kuntz, R., & Whang, E. (2006). Does gum chewing ameliorate postoperative ileus? Results of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 202(5), 773–778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2006.02.009
4. Ngowe, M. N., Eyenga, V. C., Kengn, B. H., Bahebeck, J. & Sosso, A. M. (2010). Chewing gum reduces postoperative ileus after open appendectomy. Acta Chir Belg, 110(2), 195-199. https://doi.org/10.1080/00015458.2010.11680596Download Ngowe, M. N., Eyenga, V. C., Kengn, B. H., Bahebeck, J. & Sosso, A. M. (2010). Chewing gum reduces postoperative ileus after open appendectomy. Acta Chir Belg, 110(2), 195-199. https://doi.org/10.1080/00015458.2010.11680596

Additional resources that you will need:

• Article by Peek and Melnyk (2010)Download Article by Peek and Melnyk (2010)
• TOE Template

Topic A: Research Problems, Purpose Statements, Research Questions, and Hypotheses

1. Download and study the PowerPoint Presentation.
2. Use the RAS articles (Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4) to complete the portion of the table of evidence (TOE) that matches this topic.
3. Do some research.
4. Post in the discussion.