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Discussion

Does this research topic seem too easy for master thesis?

I am in need of your opinions! :) I am currently working towards my master's degree and trying to decide which topic to do my review of literature on which will eventually evolve into my thesis/capstone project. I am opened to suggestions...no hurt feelings here! Thank you!

Topic of interest: Music therapy in ventilated patients in the adult intensive care unit.

Problem: Restlessness of ventilated patients is normally controlled through sedation and/or anxiolytics. However, this practice often leads to difficulties in weaning due to patient's inability of taking adequate spontaneous breaths. Prolonged ventilation is not only hazardous for the patient but also costly. Many studies have been performed on music therapy use in the neonatal unit; however, few studies have been performed on the use of this intervention in the adult intensive care unit (Austin, D., 2010; Lee O., Chung Y., Chan M. & Chan W., 2005; ).

Purpose: To study the effects of music therapy on decreasing anxiety and restlessness in ventilated patients in the adult intensive care unit.

Type of study: quantitative study reviewing amount of sedation used and physiological signs during exposure to music therapy

Hypothesis: Ventilated patients in the adult intensive care unit demonstrate lower levels of anxiety and restlessness requiring less sedation when exposed to music therapy.

Austin, D. (2010). The psychophysiological effects of music therapy in intensive care units. Paediatric Nursing, 22(3), 14-20. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Lee, O., Chung, Y., Chan, M., & Chan, W. (2005). Intensive care music and its effect on the physiological responses and anxiety levels of patients receiving mechanical ventilation: a pilot study. Journal of Clinical Nursing,14(5), 609-620. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

My first choice was the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring in patients requiring intensive insulin therapy in the intensive care unit. However, I have been told that I "could" do this, but the feasibility would be difficult. It would be awesome to do though! :)

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    Here is my second topic:

    Research problem: With the rise of diabetes, many patients in the intensive care unit are on intensive insulin therapy requiring hourly, sometimes every 15 minute, glucose checks. Glucose checks at most facilities consist of pricking the patient’s fingers. While insulin infusions are very effective in decreasing dangerous glucose levels, patients still complain of not only lack of sleep but also pain caused by repetitive finger pricking. Findings have shown repetitive finger sticking consequences to include development of massive scarring, callous formations, and loss of sensibility (Heinemann, 2008). In addition, potential for measurement errors, increased risk of infection, and excess workload on nurses were also shown as negative factors to this type of glucose monitoring (Weiss & Lazar, 2007). Numerous studies exist on continuous glucose monitoring of type I diabetic patients; however, few studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring of patients subjected to intensive insulin therapy in the intensive care unit.

    Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness and practicality of continuous glucose monitoring in patients receiving intensive insulin therapy in the intensive care unit.

    Type of study: Quantitative

    Method: Glucose results obtained from both finger-pricks and glucose sensors will be compared for accuracy and a likert scale will be used to reveal patient satisfaction????

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    Both topics sound wonderful and definitely not easy.

    They would both make a great thesis but the one that looks at glucose monitoring might require greater collaboration with MD (due to MD orders).

    If you decide to do the effect of Music Therapy, be sure to check for resources at the American Holistic Nurses Association. Good Luck!

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