How might you predict future events in your practice? Why is it important, as a future DNP-prepared nurse, to consider such future events?

For a DNP-prepared nurse, future predictions might lead to better patient outcomes and care. Therefore, analyzing factors to predict or evaluate can assist in transforming nursing practice or healthcare delivery. The “statistical procedure most commonly used for prediction is regression analysis” (Gray & Grove, 2020).

This week, you will examine the application of linear regression. You will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the findings in a research study determined with linear regression, as well as explore alternatives to strengthen the aims of the study. You will also begin work on an Article Critique Assignment. While this Assignment is not due until Week 10, you are encouraged to begin this Assignment this week.

Reference: Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Analyze the use of regression analysis to support peer-reviewed research
• Analyze strengths and weaknesses of research studies*
• Recommend alternative quantitative and statistical methods to support research studies
• Analyze impact of research studies on nursing practice*
• Recommend changes to study designs and methodologies to support research studies*

*Assigned in Week 7 of Module 3 and submitted in Week 10 of Module 4

Learning Resources

Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)

Linear Regression Resources (click to expand/reduce)

Article Critique Resources (click to expand/reduce)

Discussion: Use of Regression Analysis in Clinical Practice

• Regression analysis provides the researcher with an opportunity to predict and explore future outcomes. Whether it is to determine prevention methods, promote opportunities for learning, or propose new treatments, looking towards the future can have a significant impact on patient care and sustained positive patient outcomes.
  This week, you explore regression analysis, paying particular attention to linear regression. Linear regression is used to “estimate the value of a dependent variable based on the value of an independent variable” (Gray & Grove, 2020). In your Discussion, you will apply your understanding of this statistical technique as it concerns use in a research study.

• Photo Credit: wutzkoh / Adobe Stock

For this Discussion, you will select an article on a study to examine the strengths and weaknesses in the use of linear regression. Consider how you might remedy the weaknesses associated with the application of linear regression and reflect on how the findings of the study that you selected might contribute to various areas of your practice.

Reference: Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.

To Prepare:

• Review the articles in this week’s Learning Resources and evaluate their use of linear regression. Select one article that interests you to examine more closely in this Discussion.
• Critically analyze the article that you selected and consider the strengths and weaknesses described.
• Reflect on potential remedies to address these weaknesses, and how the findings from this study may contribute to evidence-based practice, the field of nursing, or society in general.

By Day 3 of Week 7

Post a brief description of the article that you selected, providing its correct APA citation. Critically analyze the article by addressing the following questions:

• What are the goals and purposes of the research study that the article describes?
• How is linear or logistic regression used in the study? What are the results of its use?
• What other quantitative and statistical methods could be used to address the research issue discussed in the article?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the study?

Then, explain potential remedies to address the weaknesses that you identified for the research article that you selected. Analyze the importance of this study to evidence-based practice, the nursing profession, or society. Be specific and provide examples.

By Day 6 of Week 7

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days in one or more of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
• ·Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
• Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
• Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
• Suggest an alternative perspective based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
• Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 7 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 of Week 7 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 7

To Participate in this Discussion:

Week 7 Discussion

Assignment: Article Critique

• DNP graduates are expected to apply research findings and integrate nursing science into evidence-based practice. To develop your skills in this high level of nursing practice, you will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of a research study over the next several weeks using the concepts presented throughout the course.

• Photo Credit: ismagilov / iStock / Getty Images

• A brief, 1- to 2-paragraph overview of the study that you selected.
• An explanation of two to three strengths of the study and support for your selection (i.e., why is this a strength?). Be specific.
• An explanation of two to three weaknesses of the study and support for your selection (i.e., why is this a weakness?). Be specific.
• Note: The strengths and weaknesses that you identified should be in relation to design, sampling, data collection, statistical analysis, results, and discussion of the study that you selected.
• An explanation of proposed changes that you would recommend to improve the quality of the study, capitalizing on the strengths and improving on the weaknesses that you identified in the study. Be specific and provide examples.
• A final summary of the implications of this study for nursing practice.

The purpose of the analysis is to help you develop a deeper understanding of the research process, to inspire you to think critically and deeply about research on a specific topic, and to strengthen your ability to integrate research findings into evidence-based nursing practice. This Assignment also gives you practice in analyzing the research literature, which will support you when you begin your DNP project. Before you proceed, please review the rubric for this Assignment. Keep in mind that you will be working on your article critique throughout Weeks 8 through 10 with your critique due by Day 7 of Week 10.

The Assignment: (5–7 pages)

• Select a research article from the body of literature that you have reviewed related to the practice gap you have identified and for which you will develop for your DNP Project.
• Review the various quantitative research designs presented in the textbook readings and research articles.
• Consider the research design used in your selected article. Ask yourself the following questions.
  • Is the design appropriate for the study? Why or why not?
  • Would a different design provide better results? Why or why not?

You are not required to submit this Assignment this week.

Reminder: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of those required elements (available at https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates/general#s-lg-box-20293632). All papers submitted must use this formatting.

What’s Coming Up in Week 8?

• Photo Credit: [BrianAJackson]/[iStock / Getty Images Plus]/Getty Images

Next week, you will continue your exploration of quantitative data. You will analyze and interpret the use of nonparametric methods for quantitative research and consider the appropriateness of applying nonparametric methods to support your research aims.

Next Week