Lesson 9 Discussion

1. Now that you know how to search, appraise, and synthesize the evidence, find an EBP systematic review, guideline, or protocol to help you resolve the proposed problem in your EBP project. 
2. Use one of the secondary source articles from the EBP group project  (preferable a systematic review).
3. Title the discussion with the name of your EBP project.
4. Initial post: Your post should be within a range of 150-200 words.
5. Write a paragraph synthesizing the following questions:

   Identify the variables of interest. Does it has clearly stated objectives with pre-defined eligibility criteria for studies
   a systematic search that attempts to identify all studies. Describe the search methods. Keywords, databases, inclusion, exclusion criteria.
   Were clinical and methodological similarities between compared studies. Were the studies homogeneous or heterogeneous?
   Was the assessment of the validity of the findings of the included studies (e.g. risk of bias)
   Were methods for appraising the strength of evidence (level and quality) described.
   Were conclusions based on results?

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1

Formal Paper- Critical Evaluation

Adrian Santiesteban

Miami Dade College

NUR3165

Professor Roxana Orta

1/27/25

Article Critique

Article Title: An Evening Light Intervention Reduces Fatigue and Errors During Night Shifts: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors: Mariève Cyr, Jay Olson, Marie Dumont, Julie Carrier, and Diane B. Boivin

Date of Publication: April 2023

Journal: Sleep Health

Introduction

The study “An Evening Light Intervention Reduces Fatigue and Errors During Night Shifts: A Randomized Controlled Trial” investigates the impact of evening light exposure on nurse fatigue and error rates during night shifts. The peer-reviewed Sleep Health publication describes research evaluating whether an easily implemented intervention improves nurse well-being and patient safety.

Purpose and Theoretical Framework

This study aims to determine how evening exposure to bright light affects nurse fatigue while decreasing shift-work errors among nurses. Research scientists work to resolve a fundamental problem that identifies how disrupted circadian rhythms affect workers performing night shifts. Researchers investigate light exposure as a powerful non-drug therapeutic method that strengthens circadian rhythms to enhance cognitive processes and improve alertness levels and work performance outcomes (Cyr et al., 2023). Chronobiology forms the basis for this theoretical framework by exploring how biological rhythms affect health and human behavior. The proposed framework demonstrates how synchronized light exposure to natural body rhythms counter shift work consequences. The study expands upon previous chronobiology and sleep science research by applying those conceptual foundations to healthcare environments. The research utilizes this framework to develop scientific evidence demonstrating targeted light exposure effectiveness in reducing nursing fatigue while improving patient care safety. Circadian alignment approaches create significant work environment benefits for shift-based professionals beyond the scope of nursing personnel, according to this study’s theoretical perspective.

Identification of Knowledge Gaps

The study reveals that current scientific research lacks sufficient data about practical measures to decrease nurse fatigue when working night shifts. Previous research investigated multiple strategies but lacks substantial evidence about pre-shift light exposure effectiveness in practical hospital environments.

Research Design and Methodology

A randomized controlled trial observed 57 healthy full-time nurses from rapidly rotating shift schedules. Researchers distributed participants between two groups; one underwent evening brightness treatment while following morning light shields, and the other received nutritional alertness instruction (Cyr et al., 2023). The research period was extended over multiple weeks using combination methods, including automated sleep measurement by actigraphy and standard surveys that captured participants’ fatigue experiences and alertness ratings.

Strengths and Weaknesses

A notable strength of this study is its randomized controlled design, which enhances the validity of causal inferences—objective and subjective measurements used in assessment work together to deliver detailed insights about intervention results. However, the study’s sample size is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings (Cyr et al., 2023). The study incorporated objective measurements to reduce potential reporting bias in self-reported data.

Results and Interpretation

Experimental group nurses reported diminished tiredness and decreased nighttime shift errors compared to control group nurses. According to the study results, patient safety and nurse performance markedly improved when nurses had access to evening lighting. The research team linked these study results to the original investigation by demonstrating new contributions to existing field understanding.

Significance and Implications

This research reveals actionable approaches to improve nurse well-being while maintaining safe patient care through night shifts. These findings show that basic methods, including monitored environmental illuminance, demonstrate significant advantages (Cyr et al., 2023). According to new research findings, healthcare institutions should implement light exposure protocols as part of their fatigue management strategies.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that exposure to evening light successfully decreases fatigue levels and reduces accuracy rates among nurses scheduling shifts after daylight hours. Despite certain research constraints, this study establishes vital groundwork for future studies and practical healthcare initiatives focusing on targeted outcome-improving interventions.

Reference

Cyr, M., Artenie, D. Z., Bikaii, A. A., Lee, V., Raz, A., & Olson, J. A. (2023). An evening light intervention reduces fatigue and errors during night shifts: A randomized controlled trial.
Sleep Health,
9(3), 373–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2023.02.004