C361 Evidence Based Practice Article Research Appraisal

WGU C361 Task 1: Evidence-Based Practice – Quantitative and Qualitative Article Analysis

Course: C361 – Evidence-Based Practice and Applied Nursing Research

Assessment: Task 1: Research and Non-Research Evidence Appraisal

Year: 2025

Professor’s Note on This Assessment

Welcome to Evidence-Based Practice. This task is often a stumbling block because it requires you to be very precise with the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) tools. You are not just summarizing articles here; you are “levelling” them. Think of this as a logic puzzle: does the study design (Methodology) match the Level you assigned it? That is where most students get sent back for revisions. Be meticulous with Appendix E and F. Use the template provided in the course, but ensure your narrative flows logically.

Task Overview

In this assessment, you will identify a clinical practice problem from your experience, formulate a PICO question, and appraise two pieces of evidence: one quantitative research study and one non-research article. You will use the JHNEBP model to determine the strength and quality of the evidence and recommend a practice change.

Competencies Assessed

• Competency 1: The graduate analyzes the impact of clinical practice problems on patient outcomes and healthcare organizations.

• Competency 2: The graduate develops a PICO question to guide the search for evidence.

• Competency 3: The graduate evaluates the quality and credibility of quantitative and qualitative research.

Assessment Instructions

A. Clinical Practice Problem & PICO Analysis

1. Problem Description: Discuss a clinical practice problem you have observed in your workplace or clinical setting.

   • Impact on Patient: Explain how this problem negatively affects the patient (e.g., increased pain, infection risk, length of stay).

   • Impact on Organization: Explain how this problem negatively affects the organization (e.g., financial cost, liability, readmission rates).

2. PICO Components: Identify the four components of your PICO question based on the problem above:

   • P (Patient/Population): Who is the specific patient population?

   • I (Intervention): What is the new intervention you are proposing?

   • C (Comparison): What is the current standard of care or comparison group?

   • O (Outcome): What specific, measurable outcome do you hope to achieve?

3. Evidence-Based Practice (PICO) Question: Construct a complete PICO question using the components identified above.

B. Research Evidence Appraisal (Quantitative/Qualitative)

Locate one peer-reviewed research article (published within the last 5 years) that directly addresses your PICO question.

1. Background/Purpose: Summarize the background or introduction of the article. What was the author’s purpose in conducting the study?

2. Methodology: Describe the research methodology used (e.g., Randomized Controlled Trial, Quasi-experimental, Descriptive, Qualitative Phenomenology).

3. Level of Evidence: Identify the Level of Evidence (Level I–III) using the JHNEBP Research Evidence Appraisal Tool. Note: You must explicitly state the level.

4. Data Analysis: Summarize how the researchers analyzed their data (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, thematic coding).

5. Ethical Considerations: Summarize the ethical protections mentioned (IRB approval, informed consent). If none are mentioned, state that they were not discussed.

6. Quality Rating: Assign a Quality Rating (High, Good, or Low/Major Flaw) using the JHNEBP tool.

7. Analysis of Results: Analyze the results/conclusions. Does this study support your proposed intervention? Explain how it answers your PICO question.

C. Non-Research Evidence Appraisal

Locate one peer-reviewed non-research article (published within the last 5 years) that addresses your PICO question. This could be a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG), Quality Improvement (QI) project, or Systematic Review of Opinions.

1. Background/Purpose: Summarize the background or introduction of the non-research article.

2. Type of Evidence: Identify the specific type of non-research evidence (e.g., Literature Review, Expert Opinion, Case Study, QI Project).

3. Level of Evidence: Identify the Level of Evidence (Level IV–V) using the JHNEBP Non-Research Evidence Appraisal Tool.

4. Quality Rating: Assign a Quality Rating (High, Good, or Low/Major Flaw) using the JHNEBP tool.

5. Analysis of Recommendations: Analyze the author’s recommendations. How does this article support your proposed intervention?

D. Recommended Practice Change

1. Recommendation: Based on the evidence from parts B and C, recommend a specific practice change for your organization.

2. Stakeholders: Identify three key stakeholders (e.g., Nurse Manager, Pharmacy, IT) you would need to involve to implement this change. Explain why each is important.

3. Barriers: Discuss one specific barrier to implementation (e.g., staff resistance, budget, lack of equipment).

4. Overcoming the Barrier: Identify one strategy to overcome the barrier discussed above.

5. Outcome Measurement: Identify one specific outcome (from your “O” in PICO) you will measure to evaluate the success of the change.

E. Sources

• Provide a reference list for all sources cited.

• Ensure the two primary articles (Research and Non-Research) are clearly identified.

Learning Resources

• Alexander, S., Diegel-Vacek, L. and Williams, C. (2024) ‘Increasing rates of bedside shift report and improving patient satisfaction scores: A quality improvement initiative’, MEDSURG Nursing, 33(4), pp. 170–174. Available at: https://doi.org/10.62116/MSJ.2024.33.4.170.

• Blackerby, H. (2024) ‘Implementing bedside shift reporting on an adult medical-surgical unit: An evidence-based intervention for inpatient fall reduction’, Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects, Paper 1123. Available at: https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/1123.

• Jimmerson, J. et al. (2021) ‘Bedside shift report: Nurses’ opinions based on their experiences’, Nursing Open, 8(3), pp. 1393–1405. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.755.

• McAllen, E.R. and Stephens, K. (2018) ‘Moving shift report to the bedside: An evidence-based quality improvement project’, OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 23(2). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol23No02PPT03.

• Wong, A. (2023) The effects of nursing bedside shift report on patient safety and satisfaction: A systematic review of the literature. Master’s Thesis. San Jose State University. Available at: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.xyhe-8d5n.