20 Jan Complete the Quality

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 1 Discussion

Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice: Basic Concepts & Ethics

Part I: Introduction to EBP: Basic Concepts

Please read the attached article (Sacred Cow Gone to Pasture: A Systematic Review of EBP) and answer both questions:

Identify a sacred cow that you use in your practice. Now try to track back to identify its source. Was it a tradition (“This is the way it’s always been done”)? Authority (“Dr. So-and-so said so”)? Or systematic research (“An empirical study discovered this to be the case”)?

How do you think you might go about changing it?

Part II: Ethics

Please choose one of the following questions to answer. Choose the other two questions to respond to two peer’s postings.

If you knew a patient was being coerced into a study what would you do?

Researchers are offering $1000 to be in a drug trial study. Do you think this is ethical? Why or Why not?

You have been asked to participate in a study where group interviews will be conducted and confidential information is shared. Do you participate? Why or why not?

Instructions:

Make your initial post by 23:59 EST Wednesday.

Respond to two other classmates’ posts by 23:59 EST Sunday.

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 2 Discussion

Primary Steps in Research

Here are 5 variables that could be either independent (IV) or dependent variables (DV):

Depression

Blood pressure

Spirituality

Compliance with medical regimen

Falls during hospitalization

For each variable listed write two questions: one using the variable as an IV and the other question using it as a DV. Evaluate each other’s question to see if you agree with them.

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 3 Discussion

Rigor and Trustworthiness

1. Describe one research study that is from the quantitative paradigm and one study that is of the qualitative paradigm. You will need to go to the NKU Steely Library (online) to find examples of research studies.

2. Please choose one of the methods of determining trustworthiness and integrity of research discussed in the text and describe in detail. Provide an example of how it may be utilized. Provide an example of the chosen method. Be sure to include a reference(s) in APA format.

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 4 Discussion

Design and Samples

Please choose one of the following questions to answer. Choose the other two questions to respond to two peer’s postings.

Choice 1: What are the comparative characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research? (outline the differences)

Choice 2: Provide an example of a quasi-experimental design from an article in your topic of interest. Explain how it was implemented.

Choice 3: Compare and contrast non-experimental, experimental, and quasi-experimental studies. Which type of study do you think is most important in your practice, and why?

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 5 Discussion

Analysis

Read the article provided in the link below.

The Effects of an Online Theory-Based Bone Health program for Older Adults.pdfPreview the document

With your Discussion group, answer the following 2 questions.

1. Identify and describe the statistics used in the article

2. Are the statistical tests used appropriate based on the study aim, purpose, or hypothesis?

3. Is the population in the study considered to be a vulnerable population. Explain your rationale.

Use the link below to submit your Discussion responses.

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 6 Discussion

Reading and Critiquing Research Articles

Choose a problem area in your practice and develop 2 research questions utilizing both the PICO(T) and PIO formats. You can submit your postings using the link below.

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 1 Quiz

Question 1

The classic scientific method has its intellectual roots in which of the following?

Positivism

Empiricism

Determinism

Constructivism

Question 2

Which of the following is a hallmark of the scientific method?

Rigorous

Systematic

Flexible

Holistic

Question 3

When little is known about a phenomenon or the phenomenon is not clearly identified, the best type of research suited to uncover this is which of the following?

Identification

Prediction

Exploration

Description

Question 4

Evidenced-based nursing primarily uses which of the following to answer clinical questions?

Obtaining the newest research

Consulting an authority

Using intuition

Relying on experience

Question 5

Which of the following attributes is least characteristic of the traditional scientific method?

Emphasis on a holistic view of a phenomenon, studied in a rich context

Systematic measurement and observation of natural phenomena

Control over external factors

Testing of hunches deduced from theory or prior research

Question 6

Which of the following is a descriptive question that a qualitative researcher most likely would ask?

What is the nature of this phenomenon?

How frequently does this phenomenon occur?

What is the average duration of this phenomenon?

What is the average intensity of this phenomenon?

Question 7

A researcher wants to explore the process by which men make decisions about treatment for prostate cancer. The researcher’s paradigm is most likely which of the following?

Determinism

Empiricism

Constructivism

Positivism

Question 8

Which of the following groups would be best served by the development of a scientific base for nursing practice?

Practicing nurses

Nurses’ clients

Nursing administrators

Health care policymakers

Question 9

Which of the following research focuses is qualitative?

Weekend and night outcomes of patients admitted to a specific hospital system’s trauma departments

Needs of nursing students living with chronic illness

Trends in hospitalizations of patients with antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis

Predicting risks for serious complications with abdominal surgery

Question 10

An especially important goal for the nursing profession is to do which of the following?

Document the role nursing serves in society

Conduct research to better understand the context of nursing practice

Establish a solid base of evidence for practice through disciplined research

Establish research priorities

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 2 Quiz

Question 1

Which of the following is the dependent variable (DV) in the research question, “Are serial 12-lead ECGs more accurate in diagnosing acute myocardial infarctions (MI) than a single initial 12-lead ECG?”

Accuracy in diagnosing an MI

Serial 12-lead ECGs

Single initial 12-lead ECG

Myocardial infarction

Question 2

In a research report, the statement of purpose is normally found where?

At the end of the introduction

At the beginning of the method section

In the first paragraph of the report

In the abstract

Question 3

A research hypothesis indicates the expected relationship between which of the following?

The independent variable and the dependent variable

The functional and causal nature of the variables

The statement of purpose and the research questions

Statistical testing and the null hypothesis

Question 4

The research question, “What is the decision-making process among intensive care unit nurses who decide to discuss spiritual issues with patients?” is which of the following?

Most likely to be addressed using a qualitative approach

Most likely to be addressed using a quantitative approach

Not researchable

Not appropriately worded

Question 5

Which of the following statements of purpose is least likely to demonstrate a bias on the part of the researcher?

Prove

Demonstrate

Show

Compare

Question 6

The hypothesis, “Women who jog regularly are more likely than those who do not to have amenorrhea” is which of the following?

Not testable

Null

Nondirectional

Directional

Question 7

Select the best description for the following: “Children who watch an average of 2 or more hours of television per day will have higher BMIs than children who watch less than 2 hours of TV per day.”

It is a directional hypothesis

It is a non-directional hypothesis

It is a non-directional research question

It is a directional research question

Question 8

If the problem statement from a proposed research study indicates the need to generate a theory relating to social processes (e.g., how persons within a social group interact with one another), the study design will most likely be which of the following?

Grounded theory

Quantitative study

Phenomenology

Ethnography

Question 9

The hypothesis, “A person’s emotional status is not affected by a relocation to a nursing home” is which of the following?

Not testable

Nondirectional

Null

Directional

Question 10

Which of the following statements of purpose is most likely to be from a qualitative study?

Explore lived experiences of refugee women and children from Afghanistan living in the United States

Investigate the effectiveness of music therapy for decreasing pain in post-operative adolescents

Compare the effectiveness of effleurage to therapeutic touch in decreasing maternal anxiety during an un-medicated vaginal birth

Evaluate the relationship between insurance status and number of emergency department (ED) visits

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 3 Quiz

Question 1

A nurse researcher studied women’s experience during the transition to menopause. Data were collected by interviewing 20 women in their 50s. The participants were also asked to maintain a daily diary for a month. Which form of triangulation was used in this study?

Data triangulation

Theory triangulation

Method triangulation

Investigator triangulation

Question 2

The maintenance of good, thorough documentation and a decision trail is especially critical during:

Member checks.

Negative case analyses.

Inquiry audits.

Thick description.

Question 3

A researcher randomized nursing home residents to a fall prevention intervention or to “usual care.” After outcome data are collected, control group members were offered the chance to receive the intervention. This control group strategy is called:

a “usual care” control group.

a wait-listed control group.

an alternative treatment control group.

an attention control group.

Question 4

The “Results” section of a quantitative research article summarizes results of the:

Statistical analyses.

Interpretation of study findings.

Measurement plan.

Study conclusions.

Question 5

A nurse researcher studied lapses in medication compliance among schizophrenic patients living in the community. In his journal article, the researcher reported that he had worked in psychiatric nursing for 15 years and had a nephew who was schizophrenic. Which quality-enhancing strategy is the researcher using?

Search for disconfirming evidence

Inquiry audit

Thick description

Researcher credibility

Question 6

A nurse researcher is studying how members of an immigrant community manage chronic health problems. The researcher spends 15 months in the field conducting interviews and making observations in the community. Which quality-enhancement strategy is described in this study?

Member checking

Reflexivity

Prolonged engagement

Audit trail maintenance

Question 7

Nurse researchers randomly assigned 50 participants to a 3-month smoking cessation intervention and 50 to be in the control group. At the end of the study, there were 40 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group. Which threat to internal validity would be especially salient in this study?

Maturation

Selection

Temporal ambiguity

Mortality

Question 8

Confidence intervals (CIs) address a key question relating to the appraisal of evidence for EBP. Which question do CIs address?

What is the cost of applying the evidence?

How precise is the estimate?

What is the magnitude of effects?

What is the quality of the evidence?

Question 9

In a study on patient’s fear of falling, a nurse researcher administered a questionnaire and asked about the participants’ educational attainment (1 = high school, 2 = some college, 3 = college degree, 4 = graduate degree). What is the level of measurement of the variable educational attainment?

Ratio

Ordinal

Nominal

Interval

Question 10

A researcher reported the age of onset of Alzheimer’s disease in a sample of residents in a memory care facility. What index of central tendency is likely to best communicate the information?

The average

The mean

The median

The mode

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 4 Quiz

Question 1

One weakness associated with cause-probing correlational research is which of the following?

Problem of self-selection into groups

Difficulty in linking the research to a theoretical framework

Inability to generalize the findings beyond the sample

Artificiality of the settings in which it occurs

Question 2

Which of the following is the most effective method for controlling participant factors?

Using a homogeneous sample

Statistical control

Matching subjects

Randomization

Question 3

The nurse wishes to study the opinions of high school students concerning the availability of health care services at XYZ High School during the past school year. What research design best fits with the study objective?

Trend study

Cross-sectional study

Follow-up study

Longitudinal study

Question 4

The nurse plans a study comparing the occurrence of anxiety disorders in military personnel deployed overseas with those who served strictly within the borders of the United States. What research design should be selected for this study?

Nonexperimental

Experimental

Cohort

Quasi-Experimental

Question 5

Which of the following can reduce the statistical conclusion validity of a study?

Low attrition

Low maturation

Low power

Low generalizability

Question 6

To study the effects of Healing Touch; what is the best choice to minimize confounding variables?

Offer another activity that gives similar time and attention to control group participants.

Offer to enroll only individuals who do not have any medical conditions.

Offer all participants a Healing Touch session when data collection is completed.

Offer a small payment for participants’ time.

Question 7

An important function of a rigorous research design in a quantitative study is to have control over which of the following?

Mediating variables

Confounding variables

Carryover variables

Outcome variables

Question 8

When addressing control of confounding variables, which of the following best describes the question to be answered by the researcher?

When will the data on the variables be collected?

Where will data collection occur?

What other variables may influence the results?

Who needs to know sensitive information about the research details?

Question 9

What study design flaw may lead to a failure to achieve statistical significance?

Cross-sectional data collection

Small sample size

Adequate exposure to the intervention

Variables precisely defined

Question 10

Studies that collect data at one point in time are called which of the following?

Time series

Cross-sectional studies

Crossover studies

Longitudinal studies

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 5 Quiz

Question 1

A researcher at a school of nursing decides to investigate the correlation between a pre- admission HESI examination, high school GPA, and SAT scores as a predictor of success in completing first year study. These admission variables will be reviewed again with grades achieved after the first year is completed. This use of data is known as which of the following?

Known-groups technique

Concurrent validity

Predictive validity

Construct validation

Question 2

Which aspect of reliability does the “Cronbach’s alpha” indicate?

Internal consistency of the measure items within one measure

Equivalence of two separate forms of a measure

The extent of expert agreement ensuring adequate content coverage

Measurement stability performance over time

Question 3

A nurse researcher is evaluating a revised self-esteem questionnaire to determine whether all of the items on the questionnaire actually effectively measure self-esteem. Which aspect of reliability is she evaluating?

Stability

Internal consistency

Equivalence

Validity

Question 4

If the coefficient alpha for a stress scale was computed to be .80, the scale would be which of the following?

Of unacceptably low reliability

More reliable than a scale with an alpha of .50

Of indeterminate reliability until the scale’s test–retest reliability was assessed

A valid indicator of stress

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of an ordinal measurement?

Score on the HESI preadmission or first year examination for nursing

Levels of education (associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree)

Gender (male or female)

Milligrams of a medication dosage

Question 6

One source of measurement error in social-psychological scales is which of the following?

Nonresponse bias

Attrition bias

Response-set bias

Selection bias

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a nominal measurement?

Hand dominance (right or left )

Age in years

Grams of carbohydrate intake

Emotional intelligence quotients

Question 8

The type of validity that employs primarily judgment in its assessment is which of the following?

Content

Concurrent

Predictive

Construct

Question 9

The aspect of reliability for which interobserver reliability is appropriate is which of the following?

Specificity

Equivalence

Stability

Internal consistency

Question 10

The level of measurement that classifies and ranks people in terms of the degree to which they possess the attribute of interest is which of the following?

Ratio

Interval

Ordinal

Nominal

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Module 6 Quiz

Question 1

Which is a major source of ideas for research problems?

Journal clubs

Nursing code of ethics

Nurses’ personal clinical experience

Evidence hierarchies

Question 2

“For the thousands of patients on chemotherapy, nausea and vomiting are common side effects. To date, interventions have been only moderately successful in reducing these effects. New interventions that can reduce or prevent these side effects need to be identified to improve the quality of life of these patients.” Which does this best represent?

A hypothesis

You Answered

A research question

A statement of purpose

A problem statement

Question 3

“This study aimed to understand the experience of living with a colostomy among patients who had surgery for colon cancer” is a:

research question.

portion of a problem statement.

statement of purpose.

hypothesis.

Question 4

In a statement of purpose, the researcher often communicates information beyond the substantive content of a study through:

the scope of the problem.

operational definitions of the research variables.

predicted relationships among variables.

the choice of verbs about what will be done in the study.

Question 5

A researcher’s statement of purpose indicates that the goal of the study is to understand the lived experiences of family members caring for a terminally ill child with cancer. What type of study is this?

Ethnographic

Grounded theory

Phenomenological

Experimental

Question 6

Which verb for a statement of purpose is least likely to suggest a bias on the part of the researcher?

Demonstrate

Compare

Prove

Show

Question 7

Which verb used in a statement of purpose is most likely to signify that the study is quantitative?

Explore

Discover

Understand

Evaluate

Question 8

Which is most likely to be a statement of purpose for a quantitative study?

The purpose was to explore the lived experiences of refugee women from Syria in need of health care.

The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of music for decreasing agitation in nursing home residents.

The purpose was to describe the experiences of people with untreated obstructive sleep apnea.

The purpose was to describe processes of families in managing the care of children with chronic illnesses at home.

Question 9

In the following research question, what would correspond to the C component in the PICO scheme? “What is the relationship between pregnant women’s smoking behavior and infant birth weight?”

Pregnancy status

Smoking

Not smoking

Infant birth weight

Question 10

“Women who jog regularly are more likely to have amenorrhea than those who do not jog regularly” is an example of which type of hypothesis?

Directional

Nondirectional

Null

Complex

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Journal Club Step 1 Critiquing the Research Process/Quantitative

Assignment Objectives:

Critique study objectives, questions, and hypotheses in research reports.

Demonstrate knowledge of methods to gather and organize information for a study.

Identify research problems generated from the practice setting.

Critique research problems and the purpose of a study.

Critique literature reviews for relevance, currency, and multidisciplinary sources.

Group Instructions

The class has been divided into 3 Journal Club groups who are to work together on written assignments for the next 3 weeks.

Each group should determine a leader who will collect the responses and put them into a single “Word” document to submit for grading. Note the group leader may be different each week.

The groups should divide the number of questions equally among members. The group leader may be exempt from developing responses if there are enough members to do the analysis work.

This assignment will also be used as a basis from which each student will write his or her final “Individual Research Critique” which is due near the end of this term.

Both the directions for the assignment and a template to use for compiling and submitting the group responses are provided in the links below.

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Journal Club Qualitative Research Review

Overview: Critiquing the Research Process/Qualitative

This week the Journal Clubs will critique a qualitative research article. Each Journal Club (group) will answer the critique questions and submit a group response in a scholarly format. Each group will address each component thoroughly from the content of the article and provide the rationale for each of the statements. If a research component is not addressed in the article, you must decide and explain whether or not this is justified.

Assignment Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify major research traditions of qualitative research

Describe the domain(s) of inquiry for qualitative research.

Analyze the design features from an assigned qualitative research study.

Qualitative Study Review

(Refer to Chapter 11 & 16 on Qualitative Research)

Access the group article listed for your group. The groups are the same as last time.

Read the article carefully, and then use the assignment rubric to critique each component of the research study.

Do not use the abstract for any of the critique components.

Answer the questions in “Critiquing the Qualitative Research Design” in the link below.

Provide an explanation of your answer and include examples or content from the study to support your response.

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

GROUP PEER EVALUATION

Fill out an evaluation for your group. Be sure to put your group number after your name. Submit the form via Canvas. For the group, indicate the degree to which you agree with the statements on the left, using a scale of the points designated in the first column.Total the numbers of points in each column.

YOUR NAME:

Evaluation Criteria

Points

Possible

:

:

:

Group member:

Comes to the group prepared for BSN level work

10

90% of group member’s discussion is based on readings and research not on individual experience to contribute to the assignment

15

Regularly offered ideas and suggestions

10

Contributes meaningfully to group, willingly took appropriate workload

15

Adheres to deadlines

15

Prepares work in a quality manner according to APA

10

Effectively communicates with other group members

10

Contributes overall to the success of the group

project

15

TOTALS:

100

NRP472 NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Assignment Critique of Research Article using JHNEBP Tool

Evidence level and quality rating:

Article title:

Number:

Author(s):

Publication date:

Journal:

Setting:

Sample (composition and size):

Does this evidence address my EBP question?

Yes

No-Do not proceed with appraisal of this evidence

Is this study:

QuaNtitative (collection, analysis, and reporting of numerical data)
Measurable data (how many; how much; or how often) used to formulate facts, uncover patterns in research, and generalize results from a larger sample population; provides observed effects of a program, problem, or condition, measured precisely, rather than through researcher interpretation of data. Common methods are surveys, face-to-face structured interviews, observations, and reviews of records or documents. Statistical tests are used in data analysis.

Go to Section I: QuaNtitative

QuaLitative(collection, analysis, and reporting of narrative data)
Rich narrative documents are used for uncovering themes; describes a problem or condition from the point of view of those experiencing it. Common methods are focus groups, individual interviews (unstructured or semi structured), and participation/observations. Sample sizes are small and are determined when data saturation is achieved. Data saturation is reached when the researcher identifies that no new themes emerge and redundancy is occurring. Synthesis is used in data analysis. Often a starting point for studies when little research exists; may use results to design empirical studies. The researcher describes, analyzes, and interprets reports, descriptions, and observations from participants.

Go to Section II: QuaLitative

Mixed methods (results reported both numerically and narratively)
Both quaNtitative and quaLitative methods are used in the study design. Using both approaches, in combination, provides a better understanding of research problems than using either approach alone. Sample sizes vary based on methods used. Data collection involves collecting and analyzing both quaNtitative and quaLitative data in a single study or series of studies. Interpretation is continual and can influence stages in the research process.

Go to Section III: Mixed Methods

Section I: QuaNtitative

Level of Evidence (Study Design)

A

Is this a report of a single research study?

Yes
No
Go to B
1. Was there manipulation of an independent variable?

Yes
No
2. Was there a control group?

Yes
No
3. Were study participants randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups?

Yes
No
If Yes to questions 1, 2, and 3,this is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or experimental study.

LEVEL I

If Yes to questions 1 and 2 and No to question 3 or Yes to question 1 and No to questions 2 and 3,this is quasi-experimental.
(Some degree of investigator control, some manipulation of an independent variable, lacks random assignment to groups, and may have a control group).

LEVEL II

If No to questions 1, 2, and 3,this is nonexperimental.
(No manipulation of independent variable; can be descriptive, comparative, or correlational; often uses secondary data).

LEVEL III

Study Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question

Skip to the Appraisal of QuaNtitative Research Studies section

Section I: QuaNtitative (continued)

Is this a summary of multiple sources of research evidence?

Yes
Continue
No
Use Appendix F
1. Does it employ a comprehensive search strategy and rigorous appraisal method?

If this study includes research, nonresearch, and experiential evidence, it is an integrative review (see Appendix F).

Yes
Continue
No
Use Appendix F
B

2. For systematic reviews and systematic reviews with meta-analysis
(see descriptions below):

Are all studies included RCTs?
LEVEL I

Are the studies a combination of RCTs and quasi-experimental, or quasi-experimental only?
LEVEL II

Are the studies a combination of RCTs, quasi-experimental, and nonexperimental, or non- experimental only?
LEVEL III

A systematic review employs a search strategy and a rigorous appraisal method, but does not generate an effect size.

A meta-analysis, or systematic review with meta-analysis, combines and analyzes results from studies to generate a new statistic: the effect size.

Study Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question

Skip to the Appraisal of Systematic Review (With or Without a Meta-Analysis) section

Appraisal of QuaNtitative Research Studies

Does the researcher identify what is known and not known about the problem and how the study will address any gaps in knowledge?

Yes
No
Was the purpose of the study clearly presented?

Yes
No
Was the literature review current (most sources within the past five years or a seminal study)?

Yes
No
Was sample size sufficient based on study design and rationale?

Yes
No
If there is a control group:

Were the characteristics and/or demographics similar in both the control and intervention groups?
Yes
No
N/A

If multiple settings were used, were the settings similar?
Yes
No
N/A

Were all groups equally treated except for the intervention group(s)?
Yes
No
N/A

Are data collection methods described clearly?

Yes
No
Were the instruments reliable (Cronbach’s a[alpha] > 0.70)?

Yes
No
N/A

Was instrument validity discussed?

Yes
No
N/A

If surveys or questionnaires were used, was the response
rate > 25%?

Yes
No
N/A

Were the results presented clearly?

Yes
No
If tables were presented, was the narrative consistent with the table content?

Yes
No
N/A

Were study limitations identified and addressed?

Yes
No
Were conclusions based on results?

Yes
No
Complete the Quality Rating for QuaNtitative Studiessection

Appraisal of Systematic Review (With or Without Meta-Analysis)

Were the variables of interest clearly identified?

Yes
No
Was the search comprehensive and reproducible?

Key search terms stated
Yes
No
Multiple databases searched and identified
Yes
No
Inclusion and exclusion criteria stated
Yes
No
Was there a flow diagram that included the number of studies eliminated at each level of review?

Yes
No
Were details of included studies presented (design, sample, methods, results, outcomes, strengths, and limitations)?

Yes
No
Were methods for appraising the strength of evidence (level and quality) described?

Yes
No
Were conclusions based on results?

Yes
No
Results were interpreted
Yes
No
Conclusions flowed logically from the interpretation and systematic review question
Yes
No
Did the systematic review include a section addressing limitations andhow they were addressed?

Yes
No
Complete the Quality Rating for QuaNtitative Studiessection (below)

Quality Rating for QuaNtitative Studies

Circle the appropriate quality rating below:

A High quality: Consistent, generalizable results; sufficient sample size for the study design; adequate control; definitive conclusions; consistent recommendations based on comprehensive literature review that includes thorough reference to scientific evidence.

B Good quality: Reasonably consistent results; sufficient sample size for the study design; some control, and fairly definitive conclusions; reasonably consistent recommendations based on fairly comprehensive literature review that includes some reference to scientific evidence.

C Low quality or major flaws: Little evidence with inconsistent results; insufficient sample size for the study design; conclusions cannot be drawn.

Section II: QuaLitative

Level of Evidence (Study Design)

A

Is this a report of a single research study?

Yes
this is
Level III
No
go to II B
Study Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question

Completethe Appraisal of Single QuaLitative Research Studysection(below)

Appraisal of a Single QuaLitative Research Study

Was there a clearly identifiable and articulated:

Purpose?
Yes
No
Research question?
Yes
No
Justification for method(s) used?
Yes
No
Phenomenon that is the focus of the research?
Yes
No
Were study sample participants representative?

Yes
No
Did they have knowledge of or experience with the research area?

Yes
No
Were participant characteristics described?

Yes
No
Was sampling adequate, as evidenced by achieving saturation of data?

Yes
No
Data analysis:

Was a verification process used in every step by checking and confirming with participants the trustworthiness of analysis and interpretation?
Yes
No
Was there a description of how data were analyzed (i.e., method), by computer or manually?
Yes
No
Do findings support the narrative data (quotes)?

Yes
No
Do findings flow from research question to data collected to analysis undertaken?

Yes
No
Are conclusions clearly explained?

Yes
No
Skip to the Quality Rating for QuaLitative Studies section

B

For summaries of multiple quaLitative research studies (meta-synthesis), was a comprehensive search strategy and rigorous appraisal method used?

Yes
Level III
No
go to Appendix F
Study Findings That Help Answer the EBP Question

Completethe Appraisal of Meta-Synthesis Studies section (below)

Appraisal of Meta-Synthesis Studies

Were the search strategy and criteria for selecting primary studies clearly defined?

Yes
No
Were findings appropriate and convincing?

Yes
No
Was a description of methods used to:

Compare findings from each study?
Yes
No
Interpret data?
Yes
No
Did synthesis reflect:

Yes
No
New insights?
Yes
No
Discovery of essential features of phenomena?
Yes
No
A fuller understanding of the phenomena?
Yes
No
Was sufficient data presented to support the interpretations?

Yes
No
Complete the Quality Rating for QuaLititative Studiessection (below)

Quality Rating for QuaLitative Studies

Circle the appropriate quality rating below:

No commonly agreed-on principles exist for judging the quality of quaLitative studies. It is a subjective process based on the extent to which study data contributes to synthesis and how much information is known about the researchers’ efforts to meet the appraisal criteria.

For meta-synthesis, there is preliminary agreement that quality assessments should be made before synthesis to screen out poor-quality studies1.

A/B High/Good quality is used for single studies and meta-syntheses2.

The report discusses efforts to enhance or evaluate the quality of the data and the overall inquiry in sufficient detail; and it describes the specific techniques used to enhance the quality of the inquiry.