Please read through these step by step directions for a better understanding of the assignment. At the end you will see a video presentation going over the rubric and how to submit. 

Step 1: Introduction

Write an introduction to the topic and end the paragraph with a thesis statement. The introduction should include 2-3 attention grabbing statements and end with 1 concise thesis statement that describes the overall purpose of your paper.

Step 2: Describing Quantitative Research

Describe what quantitative research is in your own words.  Then discuss how and what type of Quantitative Data you would collect related to your POI. For example, if I was interested in changing a policy on pain scales in the pediatric setting, I might collect data on how many pain scales are used in the facility, what pain scores are at what point a pain score (data) warrants medication administration to a patient and their expected level of relief. It is not necessary to include the design of a study in this section. 

Step 3: Appraisal Tools, Studies and Matrix

Locate your 2 quantitative studies so you can appraise each separately with the tool below. Students must include: one (1) meta-analysis or systematic review AND one (1) single study, e.g. randomized control trials, quasi-experimental studies, correlation or observational studies, case control or retrospective studies, cohort studies.  Mixed studies may be used for the single study, but you can NOT use it for the next assignment. Once you have found 2 different quantitative study designs as specified, complete the appraisal tool for each study using the following link.

Appraisal Tool -PDF document use this tool to appraise both quantitative studies separately. Attach the completed sections to your paper or with your assignment.  Download Appraisal Tool -PDF document use this tool to appraise both quantitative studies separately. Attach the completed sections to your paper or with your assignment. Only complete the section of the tool related to the quantitative appraisal unless you have a mixed methods study in which case you will complete all sections of the tool. 

Appraisal Tool Word Document 

Download Appraisal Tool Word Document

• Follow all the steps carefully as the tool will guide you which step to move to in each section of the tool. 
• Review this video  (Links to an external site.)to help you complete the tool. (click on “video” in blue)Creating an Evidence Matrix Create an evidence matrix of the 2 appraisal studies for this assignment. There is an example provided to you below. Include both studies used in the appraisal from this paper on the matrix. Keep this matrix as it will be used on the following paper as well AND NU 611 if you are in the DNP track, so be sure to put it in a safe place that you will be able to easily find again. The matrix determine if students can  identify the study design, methodology, findings, results, limitations, level of evidence. The matrix should be included as an appendix OR you may upload as a separate attachment if needed. Use either link below to complete, one is a pdf, the other is a word document. 
• Matrix  PDF  Download Matrix  PDFyou will need to complete the matrix for this assignment 
• Matrix Word Document 
• Download Matrix Word Document
• SUBMISSION:
• You will need to submit your 2 studies, completed appraisal tools and completed matrix (with each quantitative study included on it) along with your assignment. The documents may be submitted separately or merged to the paper. 

Step 4:  Article Discussion

Use the information from your appraisal tool to discuss in detail the following information for each study: 

1. Purpose , research design and methodology (steps, procedures and strategies for gathering and analyzing data) used in each study
2. Data Collection describing the procedures devleoped to guide the collection of data in each study 
3. Concepts of validity, reliability and other related terms that are applicable to each study. A full discussion of the terms and support directly from each study is expected.  Use the text book required readings to assist with this section. 
4. Results and clinical implications 
5. Level of evidence and quality of evidence ratings (according to tool). Discuss what the level and quality ratings mean in relation to strength of the evidence and decision to sue (or not use) this information to guide practice. You need to fully support this section from evidence in the study and other resources. Understanding the levels of evidence tells you about the type of study performed, design, methods, etc. and if those findings should be applied to your own practice area. Grade of Recommendation is  important because it helps you make a judgement about the quality of evidence; together they impact the decision about implementation into practice.

The following tool can be used to help you determine strength and quality, but this information is also  listed directly on the tool.

John Hopkins Evidence Rating Scale (Links to an external site.)

Other helpful links to understanding this information can be found in the required and recommended resources.

Step 5: Applicability to Practice and Future Research

Discuss how the two studies may influence your practice by supporting how the findings can influence at least three (3) fo the Institute of Medicine Aims: safety, efficiency, effectiveness, patient-centered, timely, and equity. You must first discuss what the aim means first. Then, show how the aim can be met through the recommendations from the article that apply to your practice setting. 

Step 6: Conclusion:

Provide a conclusion to the paper summarizing all main points. A conclusion should NOT state any new information that was not previously addressed in the paper. It should not re-state the purpose of your writing, but summarize the writing. Determining the main points of each section of the paper (body of text) will help you formulate your conclusion.

Step 7: Turnitin 

Be sure to submit your paper to turnitin. You do not have to submit your matrix or the appraisal tools to turnitin as they will skew your similarity report findings. If this happens, please just let your instructor know and re-submit the paper without those items.