NR 505 Week 6: Statistical and Clinical Significance Discussion

Sample Answer for NR 505 Week 6: Statistical and Clinical Significance Discussion Included After Question

NR 505 Week 6: Statistical and Clinical Significance Discussion

NR 505 Week 6: Statistical and Clinical Significance Discussion

For those developing a quant study, what would the implication be for advanced practice if the hypothesis is accepted?

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NR 505 Week 6: Statistical and Clinical Significance Discussion

Title: NR 505 Week 6: Statistical and Clinical Significance Discussion

For my particular study, if the hypothesis were accepted, it would mean that prophylactic antibiotics are effective in reducing surgical site infections.  Through research and in my current practice, I have found that prophylactic antibiotics are very beneficial in reducing infections.  The implication would be that all surgical patients should be treated prophylactically before surgery with an antibiotic.  However, there are definitely some flaws in this thinking. From my research I have learned that there are many variables that could not be included in the PICOT question and variables so significant that in my opinion may question the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotic use.  Some of the major variables include the type of surgery, the length of surgery, co-morbidities, wound classification, and how invasive the surgery.  Much of the surgeries that involve percutaneous “sticks” for access do not require antibiotics beforehand although many in the industry, including my own department, use them.  This type of research could be considered very useful as it is evidence based and could help to improve patient outcomes significantly (Schub & Walsh, 2017). I’m excited upon completion of this research to take to my team of physicians and PA’s to review our current practices for our patients.

Schub, E. B., & Walsh, K. C. (2017). Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Implementing. CINAHL Nursing Guide

The difference between statistically significant results and clinical significance is very interesting. For this discussion, respond to each of the following topics.

• Distinguish between statistical and clinical significance of results.
• Would it be possible to have research study results that supported the acceptance of the null hypothesis and demonstrate clinical significance? Provide a hypothetical example that supports your answer.
• If you question the credibility of the results from a qualitative study, would the information have clinical significance for your practice area? Why or why not? Provide a hypothetical example that supports your answer.

ORDER NOW FOR INSTRUCTIONS-COMPLIANT, ORIGINAL PAPER NR 505 Week 6: Statistical and Clinical Significance Discussion

Statistical and clinical significance of research are both very important within the medical community and both are only productive when they bring change or influence on the patient population. According to El-Masri (2016) a statistically significant result shows the observed effect is not likely due to chance. For example, the values assigned to rule out the null hypothesis are based on pre-determined criteria. Statistical significance allows the researcher to make determinations based on the study findings and data as to the true value this research will have on the patient population. Clinical significance measures the magnitude of the relationship between the independent variable and the outcome variable (El-Masri, 2016). Clinical significance is measured by the value it brings to quality of life, patient outcomes, and cost. Healthcare professionals must be careful to ensure the results of the study are credible and they can be transferred to positively impact a patient population.

In my opinion, I believe you can accept the null hypothesis and still demonstrate clinical significance. My understanding of clinical significance is the impact it brings to the patient population from the research data available whether the results show productive change or harmful change. “Was the treatment plan effective?” and “Does it have significance within the clinical practice?” are questions that help determine clinical significance. For example, a hypothetical research study on a group of clinically depressed patients utilizing cognitive behavior therapy as the independent variable showed no statistically significant difference between the control group and the independent group than the null hypothesis is accepted. However, the clinical results of the data showed many participants responded well to cognitive behavior therapy and verbalized improved mood, outlook, and quality of life. The researcher could look at confidence intervals to determine if cognitive behavior therapy had clinical significance on the depressed patient population and could produce change within the clinical setting such as improved quality care outcomes, patient satisfaction, or a reduction in hospital stays. Clinical significance refers to the real-life impact of research findings (El-Masri, 2016).

According to Connelly (2014) the clinical significance of a study must be determined by the clinician because they know the needs of their patient population and the practice setting in which they operate. In my opinion, if I questioned the credibility of the qualitative study I could still potentially find clinical significance in my practice area. For example, a hypothetical study on veterans’ suicide risk post deployment with in-depth interviews on a sample size of approximately 20 veterans to discuss their experience with re-integration into society and the effects on their mental health needs. The credibility of the data could be in question simply because the saturation of the data did not occur. However, as a clinician working in a rural setting with a large veteran population, I see how certain questions regarding post deployment and mental health needs could improve the quality of life and possibly reduce the suicide risk within my patient population then I have discovered clinical significance while questioning the credibility of the study.

Connelly, L.M. (2014). Statistical and clinical significance. Medsurg Nursing: Official Journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, 23(2), 118-9.

El-Masri, M. M. (2016). Statistical versus clinical significance in nursing research. The Canadian Journal of Nursing Research = Revue Canadienne De Recherche en Sciences Infirmieres, 48(2), 31-32. doi:10.1177/0844562116677895

     When looking at the difference between clinical and statistical significance of results it is important to know the difference between the two. With clinical significance of research it is looked at in terms of whether or not they have real palpable effects on the daily lives of patients or any healthcare decisions that are made (Polit & Beck, 2017). For example if you are looking at people with HIV and they are taking their medications appropriately and they have no significant change in illness then this is considered a clinical significance result. When looking at statistical significance is based on several different assumptions and is driven by research which is determined by the research questions. Statistics are used to answer questions of probability by using the scientific method in order to determine if the hypothesis needs to be rejected or accepted. Statistical significance decides on if a difference exists statistically between the groups (Phil, 2014).

      Would it be possible to have research study results that supported the acceptance of the null hypothesis and demonstrate clinical significance?

     So lets say that pain management and using relaxation techniques with yoga helps reduce pain then the clinical statistical probability would have to show that this is possible in order to not make this a null hypothesis. So as long as the evidence supported and showed that it demonstrates a clinical significance with results then they would have the data results to go from that shows to improve human care and life.

If you question the credibility of the results from a qualitative study, would the information have clinical significance for your practice area? Why or why not?

      If I questioned the results from a qualitative study the clinical significance could affect my practice area. Say for example that the information is incorrect and I am educating my patients about how exercise will help with their PPD symptoms by improving their mood and then say this study show to be false, the patients will have a lack of confidence in me and also will be armed with information showing something different. It is important to have accurate evidence based practice information throughout ones career to educate themselves and their patients (Phil, 2014).

Phil, P., (2014). Beyond statistical significance:clinical interpretation of rehabilitation research literature. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 9(5). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4197528/ Polit, D. F. & Beck, C. T. (2017). Essentials of nursing research: Appraising evidence for nursing practice (9th ed.). Philadelphia PA: Wolters Kluwer Health. Retrieved from online e-books