NS491: Lifestyle disparities amongst families with children suffering from a chronic illness: Researching Child Health Assignment, UOL, Ireland

Introduction

Lifestyle disparities amongst families with children suffering from a chronic illness or disability, became a matter of interest to researchers and study groups towards the end of 20^th Century. In comparison to their counterparts, it was identified that family life was experienced differently (for those with a chronically ill child), evidently having an impact on psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life in siblings of children with complex care needs (Fullerton et al., 2017).

The aim of this assignment is to critically analyse and synthesise the research process used in two given studies; Woodgate et al. 2016, Siblings of children with complex care needs: their perspectives and experiences of participating in everyday life. and Joosten et al. 2019, Hearing siblings’ voices: exploring the (online) support needs of siblings of children with a chronic condition. According to Parahoo,( 2014); the research process can be broadly classified into the following components; identification of research question, research design, sampling approach, collection of data, analysis of data and the dissemination of the findings.

An understanding of  these key steps of  the research process is vital for nurses and nursing students to support their evidence based nursing practice .Therefore research literacy enhances and collectively supports healthcare systems and healthcare workers to challenge the norm.