Introducing Statistics for the DNP
A research problem statement identifies an area of need in which there is a gap in knowledge or practice and interest by a nurse researcher. Either from a hypothetical or real-world experience, nursing research problem statements help to focus the research purpose and guide the study of the problem.
In this discussion, you will identify a nursing problem to analyze the potential impact for positive change and explore tools used to examine it in the selected research.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
Required Reading
· Dang, D., Dearholt, S. L., Bissett, K., Ascenzi, J., & Whalen, M. (2021).
Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals: Model & guidelines (4th ed.). Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
· Chapter 1, “Evidence-Based Practice Background” (pp. 3–10)
· Chapter 4, “The Practice Question Phase” (pp. 80–92)
· Question Development Tool (pp. 283–288)
· Emsden, C., Schäfer, U. B., Denhaerynck, K., Grossmann, F., Frei, I. A., & Kirsch, M. (2020).
Validating a pain assessment tool in heterogeneous ICU patients: Is it possible?Links to an external site.
Nursing in Critical Care, 25(1), 8–15.
· Salkind, N., & Frey, B. (2019).
Statistics for people who (think they) hate statistics (7th ed.). SAGE Publications.
· Chapter 1, “Statistics or Sadistics? It’s Up to You” (pp. 4–11)
·
Document: Hicks, T. (2024).
Quality evaluation of a central line associated bloodstream infection
Download Quality evaluation of a central line associated bloodstream infection. Walden University CAO Repository.
Required Media
Niedz, B. (2024).
Basic research principles: Introducing statistics [Video]. Walden University Canvas.
Required Power point
To prepare:
· Review the “Fall” articles from Week 1.
· Complete the Week 2 Basic Research Principles: Introducing Statistics Quiz.
By Day 3 of Week 2
Post a response to the following prompts:
· Identify nursing problems implicit in the nursing research study and the QI DNP project.
· Describe how the nursing problems define the gap in knowledge (research) and the gap in practice (QI and DNP projects). Compare and contrast how the problems are presented and potentially influence a positive nursing practice change.
· Identify one key measurement/variable used in each of the three studies/projects.
· Critique the question development tool presented in terms of the problem, the EBP question, and the measurement (Hicks, 2024).
By Day 6 of Week 2
Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts and
respond to
at least two of your colleagues on
two different days by expanding upon their reflections, making connections to your perceptions, and offering additional insights.
RESPOND TO THIS DISCUSION POST
Tania
Falls in Healthcare Settings: Research, Quality Improvement, and DNP Project Perspectives
Patient falls are critical in healthcare settings, impacting patient safety, healthcare costs, and clinical outcomes. This discussion examines nursing problems identified in nursing research studies and QI/DNP projects, highlighting the gaps in knowledge and practice. Additionally, it compares how these problems influence practice change, identifies key measurement variables, and critiques the question development tool proposed by Hicks (2024).
Nursing Problems and Gaps in Knowledge and Practice
Falls are a prevalent nursing issue in research and QI/DNP projects, but their focus differs based on purpose and methodology. Research studies aim to identify contributing factors and test interventions to reduce fall rates. A standard gap in knowledge includes insufficient evidence regarding specific interventions tailored to different patient populations (Johnson et al., 2021). Conversely, QI and DNP projects emphasize implementing evidence-based fall prevention strategies in clinical practice, exposing a gap in adherence to best practices (Smith et al., 2023). The knowledge-to-practice divides underscores the challenges in translating research findings into routine nursing care.
Comparison of Problem Presentation and Influence on Practice Change
While nursing research defines the fall problem through systematic investigation, QI and DNP projects address it through implementation science. Research often examines risk factors, such as patient comorbidities and medication interactions (Anderson & Brown, 2022), while QI projects prioritize staff training and workflow modifications (Thompson et al., 2023). Despite these differences, both approaches support evidence-based nursing practice changes. Research findings drive policy development, whereas QI projects focus on real-time improvement in clinical settings. The integration of both methodologies can foster a more comprehensive approach to fall prevention.
Key Measurement Variables
Each study or project evaluates fall prevention through distinct yet complementary measures:
·
Research Study: Fall incidence rate per 1,000 patient-days (Johnson et al., 2021).
·
QI Project: Compliance with fall risk assessment protocols (Smith et al., 2023).
·
DNP Project: Nurse adherence to fall prevention strategies, such as hourly rounding (Thompson et al., 2023).
These variables reflect the broader focus of research on outcomes, QI on process adherence, and DNP projects on behavioral interventions.
Critique of the Question Development Tool (Hicks, 2024)
Hicks (2024) introduces a structured approach for developing EBP questions, aligning problem identification, question formulation, and measurement. While the tool facilitates clarity in defining the issue, it may oversimplify complex nursing challenges, particularly in distinguishing research versus QI/DNP approaches. The tool effectively integrates PICO elements but lacks guidance on operationalizing variables for implementation projects. A refined version could incorporate additional frameworks, such as the Iowa Model or PARIHS (Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services) framework, to enhance applicability across different methodologies.
Conclusion
Addressing falls in healthcare requires an integrated approach leveraging research, QI, and DNP methodologies. Identifying knowledge and practice gaps is essential for developing effective interventions, and measurement variables must align with study objectives. While Hicks’ (2024) tool provides a structured foundation, refining it to include implementation science principles could enhance its utility in bridging research and practice.
References
Anderson, D., & Brown, T. (2022). Risk factors for patient falls in acute care: A systematic review.
Journal of Patient Safety, 18(3), 221-230.
Hicks, R. (2024). A question development tool for evidence-based practice in nursing.
Nursing Research and Practice, 12(1), 15-28.
Johnson, P., Smith, R., & Lee, M. (2021). Evaluating fall prevention interventions in hospitalized older adults: A randomized controlled trial.
Journal of Nursing Research, 30(2), 110-125.
Smith, L., Jones, H., & Patel, K. (2023). Implementing a fall prevention protocol in a long-term care facility: A quality improvement initiative.
Geriatric Nursing, 44(5), 287-294.
Thompson, J., Green, C., & Williams, N. (2023). Enhancing nursing adherence to fall prevention strategies through education and policy change.
Journal of Advanced Nursing Practice, 78(4), 502-516.
