Course Explanation:

Rationale:

The research process is foundational to the DNP program. This course will provide a baseline for the research process at an advanced level. At the end of this course, students will be prepared for success with the completion of the scholarly project that culminates at the end of the program. Concepts to be covered in this course include evidence-based practice, research process, and program evaluation/outcomes.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. • Describe evidence-based practice, program evaluation, and quality improvement and their impact on health care.

DNP Essentials I; NONPF Scientific Foundations 1,2,3; Quality 1, 3 & 5, Practice Inquiry 1-5 Policy 1, 3 & 4; Health Delivery 1, 4, & 6, PLO 1-4

1. • Analyze the literature to determine quality indicators of evidence-based care.

DNP Essentials I, II,; NONPF Scientific Foundations 1-3, Practice Inquiry 1, 5 & 6, PLO 1 & 6

1. • Evaluate an existing program to determine strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the healthcare setting.

DNP Essentials III, IV, V; NONPF Health Delivery 1, 4, 6; Quality 2 & 3 PLO 1-3, 5, 6

1. • Analyze various forms of data through case study analysis and evaluation of research studies.

DNP Essentials I, IV; NONPF Scientific Foundations 1 & 3; PLO 1 & 6

1. • Value evidence-based practice through the integration of a Christian worldview.

DNP Essentials V; NONPF Ethics 1-3; Policy 2 & 3; PLO 1, 6 & 7

Course Homework Details:

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions Sessions:

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread will be evaluated based on the depth and breadth of the discussion. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates threads. Addresses course learning outcomes A & E.

The student will complete web-based modules reviewing research concepts as well as research case studies. Students will complete discussion questions related to the modules. Addresses course learning outcome D.

• The student will write a 7 – 10-page Research Article Critique in the current APA format.
• The page minimum is exclusive of the title and reference pages.
• The paper must include at least 5 references, which may include the course textbook and the Bible.
• Addresses course learning outcomes B & D.
• Students will identify and review a healthcare program.
• Application of program review elements will be utilized.
• This assignment should be at least 5 pages, excluding title and reference pages, and utilize a minimum of 3 scholarly resources.
• Addresses course learning outcome C.

Students will obtain 10 – 15 research articles on a topic of interest related to the implementation of a practice change. Information from the articles will be analyzed utilizing a research matrix. Addresses course learning outcomes A, B & D.

Students will search for peer-reviewed, quality research on a selected topic. Two identified articles will be analyzed and compared for research quality as well as usefulness in practice. The assignment is required to be at least five pages, written in APA format, and utilize at least five scholarly sources. Addresses course learning outcomes A, B, & D.

Students will utilize articles from the research matrix to write a synthesis of the literature. This is a formal paper that should demonstrate an understanding of research conclusions as a whole from several sources. The paper will be a minimum of five pages, excluding the title page, abstract, and reference page. Addresses course learning outcomes A-E.