Comments on abstract, title, references

The title "Knowledge of Pharmacology of Analgesics among Nurses in a Tertiary Centre" was found to be apt, where a total number of 102 nurses were given a questionnaire which included 20 multiple choice questions based on the dosage forms, route of administration, mechanism of action and adverse effects of the commonly administered analgesics along with their educational qualifications and working experience. From his findings, the author finally concluded that the knowledge of pharmacology of analgesics among nurses is inadequate. The author also correlated knowledge and experience in the staff nurses and found a significant difference in knowledge based on their designation and experience. The article was found to be really helpful, since there need for an hour of supplemental Pharmacology education to the nurses in order to update their knowledge regarding the adverse effects, drug interactions, contraindications and other pharmacological effects of drugs which are most commonly used in the hospital scenario to prevent medication errors. 1. The total objective of the work was not stressed in the abstract, since the author also wanted to evaluate the correlation between knowledge of Pharmacology and experience of the staff and their level of education. 2. According to the Journal's (Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences) Guidelines, First and second references obtained from internet sources, requires correction, which has to include their access and year at the end. 3. According to the Journal's (Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences) Guidelines, when more than 3 authors, the author of the article should use et al after the third author in the references. But in the 3rd, 8th and 9th references more than 3 authors has been mentioned.

Comments on introduction/background

The introduction regarding "Knowledge of Pharmacology of Analgesics among Nurses in a Tertiary Centre" was clear. The research question has been outlined at the end of introduction but not complete. since the author also wanted to evaluate the correlation between knowledge of Pharmacology and experience of the staff and their level of education, which was not mentioned in the research question.The research question was justified based on its background, since now-a-days most of the medication errors occur due to lack of knowledge regarding the Pharmacology of drugs. The author particularly stressed on analgesics, because most of the diseases present a symptom of pain. So analgesics are most commonly used drugs by the nurses to administer to the patients in hospitals for treating pain. In turn nurses should require a sound knowledge of pharmacology of these drugs.

Comments on methodology

The study were found to be valid and reliable. But the selection of subjects in the study population was not clear. Since, the author initially included all registered nurses working in various wards in Father Muller medical hospital and students belonging to GNM, BSc Nursing and PCBSc, who were actively involved in administering medications in the hospital were included in the study but finally the third group contains only the students of BSc Nursing.

Comments on data and results

The data has been presented in an appropriate way, but still it requires a little correction. 1. The table-1 is showing only a part of the questionnaire, it would be more useful for the further researchers if the entire questionnaire was displayed. 2. The table-2 could be more effective, when the author presents an addition of educational qualification of nurses. Since, the division of group of nurses was done according to their educational qualification. 3. The study methods were found to be valid and reliable but a little correction was required at Figure-2 (overall knowledge and designation). The mean knowledge score percentage which was given in the results did not matched with the bar graph in the Figure-2.

Comments on discussion and conclusions

The conclusion has answered the aim of the study and it has been supported by both results and from previous literature.