Abstract
In the current essay, an evaluation plan is developed for the final evidence-based practice project. The present paper consists of several parts to provide a comprehensive and concise piece of writing. First of all, the rationale for the methods used in collecting the outcome data is described. Secondly, how the outcome measures evaluate the extent to which the project objectives are achieved are discussed. Thirdly, it is presented how the outcomes will be measured and evaluated based on the evidence, and validity, reliability, and applicability are addressed. Fourthly, strategies to take if outcomes do not provide positive results are discussed. Lastly, implications for practice and future research are evaluated and presented.
Rationale for Methods
The rationale for selecting the methods and instruments for the current PICOT project is concerned with the need to collect data on patients’ physiological parameters and their correlation with their daily tablet intake. A survey is a convenient method of data collection that would be easy to implement regularly, without taking too much time from the participants’ and researchers’ schedules (Jones, Baxter, & Khanduja, 2013). Surveys are more direct compared with interpreting usage data and are less costly and time-consuming in the long run.
Outcome Measures
Outcome measures represent tools for assessing the current status of patients and provide a score, and interpretation of results. Therefore, before introducing an intervention, and outcome measures will be used for providing baseline data (Krasny-Pacini & Evans, 2018). Once the intervention has begun, the same tool will be used in a series of consistent assessments to determine whether any progress is taking place among the patients. With the results obtained with the help of outcome measures, it is possible to conduct an aggregated analysis that would be focused on determining the quality of care. Self-reported measures and clinician-reported measures apply in the current scenario. The self-report measures will be captured with the help of a survey in which the participants would reflect on their personal experiences with taking medication while the clinician-reported measures are concerned with assessing the impact of medication on the improved well-being of the study participants.
Measuring and Evaluating Outcomes: Validity, Reliability, Applicability
Validity is achieved when the scores from a measure represent the variable they were intended to represent. To ensure study validity, the selected sample should be randomized when possible, the size of the sample should be appropriate, and the study should be completed by researchers that have no interest in seeking particular results. Reliability refers to the consistency of research across time, items, and researchers. To enhance reliability in the present research, it is necessary to implement the calculation of internal consistency (Taber, 2018). For instance, when conducting the survey, it is recommended to include some questions that would have the same focus. Applicability is associated with the extent to which the results of a study are likely to impact the general practice. Assessing the applicability of the current project is possible through recommending procedures, and program planners can use them for adapting evidence-based interventions and integrating them into future clinical practice.
Strategies to Take When Outcomes Do Not Provide Positive Results
If the outcome measures do not provide positive results, it is possible that the implemented methodology was ineffective, and a new one should have to be carried out, which means that the study would be implemented from the start. An evaluation of the methodology should be put in place to identify limitations that have hindered research outcomes. In a new study, the focus should be placed on ensuring that the research is patient-centered. Further planning is needed to provide care that would not vary through quality predominantly because of the range of issues that emerge in the course of an intervention. Therefore, the main strategy is changing the methodological framework to handle the problems that did not allow for the reaching of positive results. It is also possible to implement a similar study with a different sample and control group if there was an issue with the sample.
Implications for Practice
The research presents vast opportunities for being applied in future practice. In the light of professional, financial, and research factors, there is a need for improving the health outcomes of the aging population. As hypertension is a severe issue that adversely affects the well-being of older individuals, a compressive intervention is needed. The current project aimed to address the issue by establishing consistent adherence to antihypertension drugs. The project studies both patient self-management and the clinical aspect of care. Therefore, implications for future practice must consider the patient education component that would support the use of medication prescribed to individuals by their healthcare providers. The study can be reproduced in the context of other healthcare issues because of the need to inform patients about the importance of their self-monitoring and self-management when adhering to a specific care regimen. Overall, there is a need to empower patients to actively participate in their care to make the process reciprocal and as effective as possible.
References
Jones, T. L., Baxter, M. A., & Khanduja, V. (2013). A quick guide to survey research. Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 95(1), 5-7.
Krasny-Pacini, A., & Evans, J. (2018). Single-case experimental designs to assess intervention effectiveness in rehabilitation: A practical guide. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 61(3), 164-179.
Taber, K. (2018). The use of Cronbach’s alpha when developing and reporting research instruments in science education. Research in Science Education, 48, 1273-1296.