Discussion
Purpose
The purpose of this discussion is for you to demonstrate an understanding of the DNP-prepared nurse’s role in the work of both appraising statistical tests in quantitative research studies and the application of descriptive statistical tests to a practice change project.
Instructions
Consider the following scenario:
As a DNP-prepared nurse working in a rural clinic, you have a large population of patients with type 2 diabetes whose weight exceeds a healthy body mass index (BMI) and are overweight or obese. You design an 8-10 week DNP practice change project to impact weight.
Based on an exhaustive search and appraisal of research studies, you select a statistically significant evidence-based intervention—an exercise program- to translate to your local rural clinic.
Before implementing the intervention, you retrieve aggregate data of weights for all participating patients.
You collect the same data, the patient weights, after implementation of the evidence-based intervention of the exercise program to your patients.
Pre-implementation and post-implementation data include the following.
Patient
Pre-Intervention Weight
Post Intervention Weight
1
225
218
2
196
190
3
190
188
4
229
225
5
292
288
6
188
178
7
188
190
8
201
190
9
179
172
10
191
186
As a DNP-prepared nurse, you will analyze descriptive statistics, such as measures of central tendency and variability, to describe outcomes of a practice change project. Reflect upon this scenario and the data presented.
What conclusions would you make at the end of this practice change project? What recommendations would you make to stakeholders for continuing the exercise program based on these results?
In order to respond to this discussion question, you will first need to complete the following calculations and consider responses to your analysis of the descriptive statistics.
Perform the following calculations:
Based on the data set provided, calculate the mean pre-implementation and post-implementation weight values for patients involved in this practice change project.
Now calculate the pre-implementation and post-implementation median weight of the patients.
Next, calculate the pre-implementation and post-implementation modes.
Finally, calculate the pre-implementation and post-implementation range of patient weights. If no outliers exist, the range will determine how close the weights are to the patients involved.
Based on your analysis of the descriptive statistics, what determinations related to the mean weights following implementation of the evidence-based intervention can be made?
As you reflect upon the weights of the patients, you observe that patient #5 has weights that are outliers. What does this do to your understanding of the data?
Please click on the following link to review the DNP Discussion Guidelines on the Student Resource Center program page:
Link (webpage): DNP Discussion GuidelinesLinks to an external site.
Program Competencies
This discussion enables the student to meet the following program competencies:
Integrates scientific underpinnings into everyday clinical practice. (POs 3, 5)
Uses analytic methods to translate critically appraised research and other evidence into clinical scholarship for innovative practice improvements. (POs 3, 5)
Appraises current information systems and technologies to improve health care. (POs 6, 7)
Analyzes health care policies to advocate for equitable health care and social justice to all populations and those at risk due to social determinants of health. (POs 2, 9)
Translates a synthesis of research and population data to support preventative care and improve the nation’s health. (PO 1)
Leads others in professional identity, advanced clinical judgment, systems thinking, resilience, and accountability in selecting, implementing, and evaluating clinical care. (POs 1, 4)
Course Outcomes
This discussion enables the student to meet the following course outcomes:
Evaluate selected statistical methods for the purposes of critiquing research to complement the critical appraisal of evidence. (PCs 1, 3, 5; POs 3, 5, 9)
Analyze research and non-research data for the purposes of critical appraisal and judgment of evidence for translation into practice. (PCs 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8; POs 1, 3, 5, 7, 9)