Describe the influence “levels of evidence” have on practice changes

Posted: March 14th, 2024

Disc 1,

Statistical significance refers to the likelihood that the results of a study are not due to chance, while clinical significance refers to the practical importance of the results in terms of their impact on patient care. In other words, statistical significance is a measure of the strength of the evidence, while clinical significance is a measure of the relevance of the evidence to real-world situations.

Using a quantitative research article from one of the previous topics, analyze the p-value. What is it? Is it statistically significant? If your p-value is not statistically significant, what is the clinical significance? Generalizability of research depends on a variety of factors. List three factors of generalizability, and discuss whether this research article is generalizable to the nursing problem you are researching.

Disc 2,

Describe the influence “levels of evidence” have on practice changes. Identify the most reliable level of evidence and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from this level of evidence.

Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education:

Disc 1:

The p-value is a measure of the statistical significance of a study’s results. It represents the probability of obtaining the observed results, or more extreme results, if the null hypothesis is true. A lower p-value indicates stronger evidence against the null hypothesis, and a higher p-value indicates weaker evidence against the null hypothesis.

Clinical significance, on the other hand, refers to the practical importance of the study’s results in terms of their impact on patient care or the potential for improving health outcomes. It is possible for a study to have statistically significant results but lack clinical significance, or vice versa.

If the p-value is not statistically significant, it does not necessarily mean that the study lacks clinical significance. The clinical significance of a study’s results should be evaluated based on the magnitude of the observed effects, the potential benefits or risks to patients, and the feasibility of implementing the interventions or treatments in clinical practice.

Generalizability refers to the extent to which the findings of a research study can be applied to other populations or settings beyond the specific sample or context of the study. Three factors that influence the generalizability of research are:

Sample characteristics: The representativeness of the sample in terms of demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and other relevant factors can affect the generalizability of the findings to the broader population of interest.
Study setting: The characteristics of the study setting, such as the type of healthcare facility, geographic location, and available resources, can impact the generalizability of the findings to other settings.
Study design: The methodological rigor of the study design, including the use of appropriate controls, randomization, and blinding techniques, can affect the generalizability of the results.
When evaluating the generalizability of a research article, it is important to consider these factors and assess whether the study population, setting, and design are representative of the broader nursing problem being investigated.

Disc 2:

Levels of evidence play a crucial role in informing practice changes in healthcare. The most reliable level of evidence is typically considered to be systematic reviews and meta-analyses of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies synthesize the findings from multiple well-designed RCTs, providing a comprehensive and robust assessment of the evidence for a particular intervention or treatment.

An example of a practice change that could result from this level of evidence is the adoption of a new treatment guideline or protocol based on the findings of a systematic review or meta-analysis. For instance, if a systematic review of RCTs demonstrates the superiority of a particular medication or treatment approach for a specific condition, healthcare organizations may update their practice guidelines to reflect this evidence and implement the recommended treatment as the standard of care.

Other levels of evidence, such as individual RCTs, cohort studies, and case-control studies, can also inform practice changes, but their reliability and potential for influencing practice may vary depending on the quality of the study design and the consistency of the findings with higher levels of evidence.

It is important to note that the process of implementing practice changes based on evidence involves not only considering the strength of the evidence but also evaluating the feasibility, costs, and potential barriers to implementation in specific healthcare settings. Multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals, administrators, and stakeholders, often collaborate to assess the evidence and develop strategies for effectively translating research findings into clinical practice.