Article Summary Sheet for Qualitative Study
APA citation of the article
Keywords
Conceptual/Theoreti
cal Framework
Introduction
Why is the study
being done (e.g. the
problem, concern,
issue)
Research questions
What are the central
concepts
Methodology and
Research Design
(also explain the
appropriateness of
the method used)
Participants and
Sampling Procedure
Method
Data Collection
Procedure (e.g.
interview, FGD,
observation)
Strategies used to
ensure
rigor/trustworthiness
Ramos, S. D. (2020). Reminiscence in the face of death of a Filipino
elderly with substance use disorder: The case of burt. OMEGA Journal of Death and Dying, 003022282097627.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0030222820976276
death, old adult, substance use disorder, recovery, reminiscence
The Conceptual/Theoretical framework on which this paper used was
Death Attitudes and the Elderly, Reminiscence, Death, and the Elderly
and Addiction in the Elderly. Some theories and models that were used
in this research was aging cohort’s attitudes towards death, terror
management theory perspective, the death anxiety model, 8A model of
death, and six categories of reminiscence.
To explore the case of a sixty-five year old individual with substance
use disorder, his reflections about death, and the types of reminiscence
he engages with.
how does an elderly person with substance use disorder reflect upon
death and dying and what forms of reminiscence does an elderly
diagnosed with substance use disorder engage with towards the end of
his life?
Reminiscence, Death, Old Age
In this research, a case study approach was used. This method is simply
appropriate since it is only used in limited number of participants being
investigated with real life contexts. Also, it allows to have an in depth
exploration of complex issues.
Burt, A 65 year old male, that was diagnosed with substance use
disorder. Given his stage of development and his diagnosis, Burt is a
possible candidate for this study.
Informed consent was given to the participant prior to the semi-structed
interview. The interview was auto-recorded and transcribed. Data
gathering was done in the treatment facility due to the participants
treatment program.
The author gave an informed consent prior to the interview. Also, the
data gathering was done inside the treatment facility, at an agreed time
and date, for not giving the participant a hard time for the participant’s
treatment program.
How did the
researcher examine
his/her own role,
assumptions, and
preconceptions?
Results
Data Analysis and
Presentation of
Results/Themes
Transcripts were organized into text segments and labelled with specific
descriptions. Codes that were generated manually. With the help of a
research assistant, the codes were cross checked the codes for intercoder reliability. Themes were derived by the author from aggregating
the codes and relevant information were then assembled for each theme,
thus, definitions and meanings were constructed in order to make an
Discussion
Main Findings
Consistency (or
inconsistency) with
past research
Conclusion
Implications of the research for real
life and for further research:
Main strengths and/or weaknesses of
the article:
General Comments
interpretation of the data gathered from the case. Also, Thematic
analysis was utilized in order to investigate, categorize, and make sense
of themes and emerging patterns from the participant’s responses The
original responses were interpreted to English for the international
audience.
Six prominent themes emerged from the participant’s narrative,
summarized under two categories: Burt’s Reflections on Death (a)
awareness of fleeting time and his own death, (b) spending the dying
days in recovery, and (c) death is losing your family and loved ones.)
and Dying and Burt’s Forms of Reminiscence While Facing Death ((a)
identity reminiscence, (b) milestones reminiscence, and (c) painful
reminiscence).
The participant’s awareness are similar to other people in his
developmental cohort, issues about death and the dying process, thus,
in Burt’s case it is more severe due to the his substance use disorder. On
the other hand, Burt’s Forms of Reminiscence recalls painful
experiences and factors that contributed to his present sense of self.
The participant holds awareness of his looming death, has specific ideas
on how to render meaningful activities in his dying days, and a
metaphorical idea of death in the form of losing his loved ones. Burt
also engages in reminiscence that reconciles his identity, has
recollections about crucial events that affected his life course, and
painful memories that continue to plague him with despair and guilt.
this study can help in strengthening current evidence-based treatment
approaches for substance use disorders, specifically
designed for the elderly. Also, It may be plausible to utilize
reminiscence therapy for a part of standard addiction treatment for old
people. The 8 A model can also be included in the therapeutic
interventions for the elderly with substance use disorders and as part of
their recovery program individuals with substance use disorders can be
educated in awareness in death. Also, Coping strategies would be a big
help for those elderly with substance use disorders. For future research,
Future researchers may employ multiple case studies to increase
empirical rigor and apply quantitative approaches to analyze the
different constructs stemming from the experiences investigated in this
study.
The conclusions from this study may have modest generalizations and
applicability given that only one case was examined. The findings may
only be limited to this particular cohort and cultural context. Expanding
this qualitative inquiry by describing the essence of mortality from the
experiences of the elderly suffering from substance use disorders
through a phenomenological study.
Overall, the study provides enough information hence that the
participant was only Burt. The findings were also limited due to limited
participants. It was a great research.
Evaluation Issue
Comment
The method used was appropriate to the study since the case study allows
an in depth exploration to the participant’s case.
Methodology used
The gathering of data was done inside the treatment facility. The
participant’s safety and treatment program were taken care of.
Ecological Validity
Population Validity
The sample size was limited only to one, it would be better if five or ten
participants were involved. Due to limited participants to this particular
cohort and cultural context, future researchers may use this study.
No bias as the participants were limited.
Bias
The use of instruments, models and theories were reliable this makes this
study also reliable.
Reliability
Informed consent were given prior to the interview.
Ethical Issues (was informed
consent obtained?)
Real life application
This study can prove that at the old age people most like to be aware with
death and their reminisce were also not broad especially the positive
emotions. It can be a stepping stones for those who wants to study elderly
people with substance use disorders.