Report Example: Evaluating Symptom Experience of Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes & Stress

The study conducted by Lenore Hernandez and colleagues explores the high risk of diabetes-related distress in older persons due to their great prevalence of comorbidities. Currently, over 30 million individuals in the United States are affected by the disease. Older persons make up the highest percentage of the affected population, with the numbers expected to triple by the year 2050 (Hernandez et al., 2019). The older generation tends to have a low functionality status, and their bodies have a great prevalence of comorbidities hence increasing their susceptibility to the infection. The main characteristics of Type 2 diabetes are burnout, frustration, and worry, which are all common aspects associated with the majority of individuals in the older population. The objective of the study was to pinpoint co-occurring signs and signs that are unique to the elder people in regards to the participants. The research was also meant to develop new medical strategies that will be more effective in addressing the unique challenges experienced by older adults regarding Type 2 Diabetes (Hernandez et al., 2019).

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The researchers used the interpretive description, which is a qualitative method of study that works by investigating details of the situated narratives addressing the action of interest. The design focused on the living experience of the participants and the meaning they have derived from their lives (Hernandez et al., 2019). Using interpretive interviews, the researchers investigated the daily lifestyle of older individuals and their familiarity with Type 2 diabetes. The questioning was characterized by both reflexive and narrative questions. The narratives were meant to address direct experiences with the disease in question while the concrete was for the participants to provide personal insight on the matter.

The design used aided the researchers in gathering reliable information from the life experiences of individuals suffering from Type 2 diabetes. The method was effective in eliminating bias in the study results from the interviewers as it applied a practical approach without requiring any extra input. However, the reliability of the information was not accounted for because participants were not required to provide any evidence, such as medical health records.

The study included people above 65 years who were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, considering that is the time when they start receiving Medicare benefits. Another inclusion criterion applied for participation included older adults experiencing diabetes-related distress (Hernandez et al., 2019). The Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) was used to evaluate the distress levels in various dimensions including regimen, interpersonal, emotional, and physician interaction distress. Participants were recruited via flyers posted at local community centers, and additional individuals were vetted from a veteran healthcare system in Northern California. The study gathered 16 volunteers (Hernandez et al., 2019). The inclusion technique applied was viable for the study; the participants can be viewed as a direct reflection of the older adult population. The application of the DSS ensured that all participants met the inclusion criteria.

Data collection for the study was done via two face-to-face dialogues that were documented and later transcribed for analysis. The first interview was demographic-based, which was followed up by a patient health questionnaire (PHQ) that was meant to assess depression symptoms (Hernandez et al., 2019). The interview questions were devised using a symptom management system theory that included an objective to discover symptom experience, management, and outcomes. A PHQ-9 scale was used to determine whether participants suffered depression in addition to the Type 2 diabetes distress (Hernandez et al., 2019). The techniques applied by the researchers enabled the acquisition of first-hand information with great depth. The interviewers also developed a healthy relationship with the participants by giving them the freedom to control their personal health details. However, the method used can lead to personal data biases that affect the outcome of the study.

The data analysis of the transcribed texts was conducted via thematic and narrative methodologies. The analysis was based on the gaps identified, resources available to fill the gap, major concerns from participants, and the outcome. Open coding was applied to identify repetitive themes, which were then narrated to enhance understanding (Hernandez et al., 2019). Applying both techniques of analysis, the researcher was able to interpret the narrative data and provide deep and valid insight regarding Type 2 diabetes in older adults. With well-analyzed data, the researchers were able to support their hypothesis with credible evidence.

The results of the study were well represented in tables, thus enhancing better understanding. The first table was an interview guide used by the interviewers to ensure successful interaction with the interviewees. Table two of the study represented the clinical and demographic characteristics of the participants. Table three of the study presented the results of the health questionnaires administered to participating individuals (Hernandez et al., 2019).

From the data analysis, the researchers found out that older persons with Type 2 diabetes distress encompass a range of substantial symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms reported include pain, diarrhea, hypoglycemia, fatigue, lack of balance, and frequent falls (Hernandez et al., 2019). These findings confirm that older adults suffer from co-occurring symptoms in regards to Type 2 diabetes.

The long-term objective of the research was to recognize new methods that will be more effective in addressing the challenges experienced by older persons regarding health care services. The researchers recommend the adaption of physical activities for the affected individuals. Nurses are also urged to identify patients with high risks of falls and help coordinate care focusing on muscle strengthening in advance (Hernandez et al., 2019). The study identified a gap in health care plans meant to deal with neuropathic pain and ignorance regarding diarrhea symptoms experienced by older adult Type 2 diabetes patients. The main identified cause of diabetes-related distress was hypoglycemic symptoms. Hence, health workers should devise programs that educate older diabetic patients about the avoidance and treatment of hypoglycemia (Hernandez et al., 2019).

The tests conducted were suitable for the study. Additionally, the tables showing the findings are clear and easy to read. The researcher’s tables are consistent with the summaries provided, which makes understanding the results easier. However, the majority of limitations identified in the paper are associated with the clients; there are no cons registered from the research practices. Such an issue proves that the researcher who conducted the study is biased. Also, there were no assumptions made about the data, and no two groups were compared to balance the study.

The use of the interview-style instruments to conduct the study caused a large margin of error seen throughout the paper. The research should be redone with a larger group of participants to attain a better explanation that is more objective instead of being subjective to the information that participants provided. In the medical community, research and evidence-based practices are essential aspects. However, it is not ideal to recommend this study for nursing practices; the topic of study is viable, but considering other studies covering the same topic seems a better option. In theory, the study shows great potential, but some biases and limitations are limited. The author, however, provided room for more research studies regarding the topic.

Reference

Hernandez, L., Leutwyler, H., Cataldo, J., Kanaya, A., Swislocki, A., & Chesla, C. (2019). Symptom experience of older adults with type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related distress. Nursing Research, 68(5), 374-382. https://journals.lww.com/nursingresearchonline/FullText/2019/09000/Symptom_Experience_of_Older_Adults_With_Type_2.6.aspx