As future Nurse Practitioners (NPs), you will frequently rely on evidence-based practice (EBP) to inform clinical decisions, improve patient outcomes, and advance healthcare delivery. This assignment focuses on developing skills in critically appraising research literature by creating an "evidence grid" (also known as an evidence table or synthesis grid). An evidence grid is a structured tool that organizes key information from multiple studies, allowing for quick comparison and evaluation of evidence quality.
You will select a review paper (e.g., a systematic review or meta-analysis) or a professional clinical guideline relevant to NP practice. From this source, identify and analyze 10 cited research articles. For each article, evaluate its level of evidence using a standardized hierarchy, and compile your findings into a clear, tabular format. This exercise will enhance your ability to discern high-quality evidence, identify gaps in the literature, and apply EBP principles.
Due Date: [Insert date, e.g., Two weeks from assignment distribution] Submission Format: Submit as a Word document APA 7th edition style Include the evidence grid, a brief introduction (1–2 paragraphs), and a reference list in APA 7th edition format. Length: Evidence grid should cover 10 articles; total document up to 5 pages (excluding references). Grading: 100 points total.
Learning Objectives
By completing this assignment, you will be able to:
1. Locate and select a high-quality review paper or professional guideline in a topic area relevant to NP practice.
2. Identify and extract key research articles from the source.
3. Apply an evidence hierarchy to evaluate the level and quality of evidence in each article.
4. Organize findings into a professional evidence grid for synthesis and comparison.
5. Reflect on how the evaluated evidence could inform NP clinical decision-making.
Instructions
Step 1: Select Your Source Document
• Choose one review paper or professional guideline published within the last 5 years (2020–2025) that is relevant to NP practice. Examples of topics include chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), preventive care, mental health, or palliative care.
o Review Paper Options: Systematic reviews or meta-analyses from sources like Cochrane Database, PubMed, or Joanna Briggs Institute.
o Guideline Options: Clinical practice guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA), American Diabetes Association (ADA), U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), or Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
• Ensure the source cites at least 10 primary research articles (e.g., RCTs, cohort studies) that you can access via your university library or open-access platforms