Right Hemisphere Stroke Outcomes

The purpose of this paper is to present a critique of an empirical study of right hemisphere stroke outcomes in relation to a patient's cognitive status following the stroke---a study conducted by Rebecca A. Sisson (1995). In brief, Sisson's research measured the functional ability, and emotional, behavioral, and cognitive status of a small group of first-time right-hemisphere stroke patients at four periods of time: a) ten days following the stroke; b) one month following the stoke; c) three months following the stroke; and d) six months following the stroke. The measurement of cognitive status was the Neurobehavioral Rating Scale (NRS). The measure of functional ability was the Barthel Functional Index (BFI).

Statistical analyses of collected data were said to indicate a positive linear relationship between cognitive status and functional ability following a stroke. Based on findings, it was concluded that nurse planning should include an assessment of mental functioning and its possible impact on the patient's future health care needs.

Since the study's primary purpose was an examination for relationship between the two variables cited in the title (cognitive status and functional ability) with an emphasis upon using cognitive status to predict functional ability following stroke, the title can be said to clearly reflect the research focus.

The abstract is quite comprehensive and well-written. In one paragraph, it informs th

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95) discussed the findings of each study in relation to its methods and how these methods may have operated to place limits on the internal validity of generalizability of the research. The result of this comprehensive analysis of existing work is that Sisson's study seemed needed to expand the existing research and important to improving scientific understanding of mental functioning and stroke outcome. However, what was especially problematic about the review was the fact that several of the cited studies were between eight and ten years old. It would be far easier to place confidence in the notion that Sisson's study was significant and needed if more current research had been cited. Theoretical Framework Sisson (1995) does not cite or test any theoretical framework in relation to either stroke outcomes or stroke care. Given that the study was really a quick, concrete examination of a specific kind of stroke and a few selected outcomes, a comprehensive theoretical framework did not seem needed to place it in context. Methods Design The study used a descriptive, correlational design which seems appropriate given that the research purpose was merely to explore for and describe any observed relationship between the f

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