NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper 

Grand Canyon University NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper  – Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Grand Canyon University NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

How to Research and Prepare for NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper     

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Grand Canyon University NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper  depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

How to Write the Introduction for NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper     

The introduction for the Grand Canyon University NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper      is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

How to Write the Body for NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper     

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper      assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

How to Write the Conclusion for NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper     

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

How to Format the References List for NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper     

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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Sample Answer for NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper 

Individuals, groups, and communities require optimal health to maximize their productivity and well-being. Due to their leading role in care provision and evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation, nurses should routinely identify practice problems and implement effective solutions. Sustaining these solutions is the foundation of high patient satisfaction, cost-effective care, and healthy clinical environments. The purpose of this paper is to describe the PICOT in terms of the population, intervention, comparison to previous practice, outcome, and time for implementing and evaluating the outcome.

Population Demographics and Health Concerns

Diverse populations face different health problems depending on multiple factors, including socioeconomic status, geographical location, education, and access to healthcare. Older adults (above 65 years) are a unique population facing many health problems due to their advanced age, declining physical strength, and a gradual loss of independence. Among many health concerns affecting older adults is type 2 diabetes. Fazeli et al. (2020) identified increasing age as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, among other issues such as being overweight and physically inactive. The impacts are profound, necessitating comprehensive, multimodal interventions to improve health outcomes. If improperly controlled, type 2 diabetes increases the risk for cardiovascular disease besides increased hospitalizations and healthcare costs (Cigolle et al., 2022; Evans et al., 2022). Other issues include significant physical impairment, which increases the risk of falls, and poor mental health.

Proposed Evidence-Based Intervention

As indicated in the PICOT (Appendix 1), the proposed intervention is a twice-weekly tailored physical exercise training program. Essential components include short physical exercises combining aerobic, flexibility, and balance training. Older adults with type 2 diabetes can exercise independently or get appropriate support from a family member, friend, or caregiver. Health equity is achieved when people have a fair and just opportunity to optimize their health potential (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). The intervention is centered on reducing the burden of diabetes, as Healthy People 2030 envisions. This further improves older adults’ quality of life and empowers them to overcome health issues stemming from health disparities.

Comparison of Intervention to Current Research

Multiple studies have compared the effectiveness of physical exercises with other interventions like dietary practices and usual care in type 2 diabetes management among older adults. Vieira et al. (2021) found that individuals combining dietary and exercise interventions record higher improvements in physical function than in the diet-only group. The results underline the significance of physical exercises in improving physical function and independence. In a different study, Mukherji et al. (2022) evaluated the outcomes of various frequencies of weekly exercise sessions to improve diabetes control. They included usual care, a once-weekly exercise group, and a thrice-weekly group. The primary finding was a significant improvement in HbA1c levels in the thrice-weekly group. These results confirm the value of weekly exercise training and the need for more than one session.

Expected Outcome for Intervention

Physical exercises have many advantages if implemented appropriately and consistently. The primary outcome is improved functional capacity and independent living among the participants. According to Pfeifer et al. (2022), functional capacity is a critical component of physical health, enabling older adults to perform routine tasks independently and prevent common impairments associated with aging. Improved muscle strength and balance further reduce the risk of falls, a common problem among older adults. These positive outcomes imply a healthier and more productive population and a significant reduction in clinical visits among patients with type 2 diabetes.

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Time Estimated for Implementing Intervention and Evaluating Outcome

Evidence-based practice interventions can take a short time or extended periods depending on their scope, resources needed, and the target population, among other factors. As stated in the PICOT (Appendix 1), positive outcomes are expected in eight weeks, which is the implementation period. During this time, participants are expected to have completed approximately sixteen sessions of physical exercise training. Outcomes will then be evaluated from the ninth week, and findings will be analyzed in the tenth week.

Support for Population Health Management for Selected Population

Supporting health management for older adults with type 2 diabetes requires a multifaceted approach guided by population health concepts and data. Nursing science involves applying theoretical and practical knowledge to address population health problems. A suitable example is applying middle-range theories to integrate research into clinical practice. The social Determinants of Health (SDOH) application involves exploring social and economic conditions influencing type 2 diabetes among older adults. They include marginalization, access to healthcare, food environment, and education (Hill-Briggs et al., 2020). Epidemiologic data describe the occurrence of health problems in older adults. It helps healthcare providers and policymakers to understand trends and determine effective interventions. Genetic data links health problems with genetic characteristics, while genomic data is about the cellular data of an organism. These data sets are essential in understanding how internal body structure and function influence health and well-being among older adults.

Conclusion

Evidence-based practice is the foundation of improved health outcomes in healthcare facilities. Its implementation requires nurses to explore issues hampering health and propose appropriate interventions. As proposed in this paper, the weekly physical exercise intervention is expected to improve functional capacity and independence among older adults with type 2 diabetes. These outcomes predict better physical health, which helps to prevent health complications associated with advancing age. Importantly, it will help to reduce clinical visits for avoidable health issues among this population.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). What is health equity? https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/whatis/index.html

Cigolle, C. T., Blaum, C. S., Lyu, C., Ha, J., Kabeto, M., & Zhong, J. (2022). Associations of age at diagnosis and duration of diabetes with morbidity and mortality among older adults. JAMA Network Open, 5(9), e2232766-e2232766. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.32766

Evans, M., Chandramouli, A. S., Faurby, M., Matthiessen, K. S., Mogensen, P. B., & Verma, S. (2022). Healthcare costs and hospitalizations in US patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: a retrospective database study (OFFSET). Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, 24(7), 1300–1309. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14703

Fazeli, P. K., Lee, H., & Steinhauser, M. L. (2020). Aging is a powerful risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus independent of body mass index. Gerontology, 66(2), 209-210. https://doi.org/10.1159/000501745

Hill-Briggs, F., Adler, N. E., Berkowitz, S. A., Chin, M. H., Gary-Webb, T. L., Navas-Acien, A., Thornton, P. L., & Haire-Joshu, D. (2020). Social determinants of health and diabetes: A Scientific Review. Diabetes Care, 44(1), 258–279. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci20-0053

Mukherji, A. B., Lu, D., Qin, F., Hedlin, H., Johannsen, N. M., Chung, S., … & Palaniappan, L. (2022). Effectiveness of a community-based structured physical activity program for adults with type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 5(12), e2247858-e2247858. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.47858

Pfeifer, L. O., De Nardi, A. T., da Silva, L. X. N., Botton, C. E., do Nascimento, D. M., Teodoro, J. L., … & Umpierre, D. (2022). Association between physical exercise interventions participation and functional capacity in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Sports Medicine-Open, 8(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00422-1

Vieira, E. R., Cavalcanti, F. A. D. C., Civitella, F., Hollifield, M., Caceres, S., Carreno, J., … & Queiroga, M. R. (2021). Effects of exercise and diet on body composition and physical function in older Hispanics with type 2 diabetes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(15), 8019. https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fijerph18158019

The health and well-being of individuals and communities depend on measures used across societies to optimize population health. A suitable quality improvement initiative for improving population health is an education program on childhood obesity prevention and management. According to Delgado et al. (2021), population health improvement focuses on the health outcomes of a group of individuals in a particular population. Therefore, improving its management is essential for better health of the entire population. Health education programs in healthcare facilities and schools are associated with positive outcomes by improving decision-making regarding dietary choices and physical activities (Smith et al., 2020; Yuksel et al., 2020). Healthcare providers’ role in their implementation is to guide the target population (children and their parents) in adopting healthy lifestyles to prevent and manage obesity. Doing so is crucial in improving health and reducing obesity-related patient visits to healthcare facilities. Importantly, it can help to shield children from the multifaceted dangers of obesity, including poor academic performance, low self-esteem, and low quality of life.

Translational research can influence the development of the initiative by guiding its implementers on translating basic science to humans, patients, and clinical practice. As Acharjee (2023) posited, translational research brings together scientists and clinicians to develop research questions, testing plans, and new interventions for improved health outcomes. The education program on childhood obesity and management requires a comprehensive plan to test its effectiveness and translate it to humans and patients. For instance, implementers should ask the right questions about its appropriateness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation time. If found feasible, the initiative can be replicated in other populations to help them prevent and manage childhood obesity. Successive improvements can also be made in future translations to ensure the dangers of childhood obesity are effectively addressed in healthcare organizations and communities.

Sample Answer 2 for NUR 550 Benchmark – Evidence-Based Practice Project: PICOT Paper 

Trauma occurs when individuals are overwhelmed by circumstances or events and counters them with extreme horror, fear, and helplessness. Excessive stress overwhelms an individual’s coping capacity. Trauma can stem from exposure to abuse, discrimination, neglect, violence, and accidents (Shalaby & Agyapong, 2020). This paper seeks to describe populations with traumatic experiences and an intervention to address the concern and discuss factors that influence health management.

Population’s Demographics and Health Concerns

According to the National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH), 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced a traumatic event at least once. Almost all children who observe a parental homicide or sexual assault will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Likewise, 90% of sexually abused children, 77% who school shootings, and 35% of youths exposed to community violence develop PTSD (NCBH, 2020). Trauma is associated with adverse effects on physical and mental health as well as social and occupational functioning.  Physical effects include headaches, excessive sweating, palpitations, altered bowel patterns, and being easily startled. Mental impact includes fear, anxiety, depression, emotional swings, increased alcohol and drug use, and sleeping difficulties (Mikhail et al., 2018). Furthermore, individuals socially isolate themselves due and have diminished interest in activities.

Proposed Evidence-Based Intervention

The proposed intervention incorporates peer support in trauma-informed care to accelerate the recovery process.  Peer support involves having persons from diverse backgrounds sharing common trauma experiences (Shalaby & Agyapong, 2020). The intervention uses peer support workers, individuals with lived trauma experiences, and who have received special training to be part of the care team. Based on their similar experiences and the shared understanding, patients may trust their peer support worker and be more willing to engage in treatment.  

Incorporating peer support supports Healthy People 2020 goal of improving mental health through prevention and ensuring access to appropriate, quality mental health services. The intervention will improve the mental health outcomes of persons with trauma experiences. It will help prevent mental health issues such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, and alcohol and substance use disorders.

Comparison of the Intervention to Previous Practice or Research

Previous practice in trauma-informed care entailed using behavioral health counselors. Crisanti et al. (2019) compared cognitive behavioral therapy intervention groups guided by certified peer support workers with groups led by behavioral health counselors for trauma survivors with PTSD. At six months after baseline, persons in the peer-led sessions had a higher therapeutic alliance and stronger connection than those in the counselor-led sessions. The study shows that peer support can increase patient engagement and ultimately accelerate the recovery process.

Expected Outcome for the Intervention

Incorporating peer support is expected to increase patients’ engagement in treatment and thus accelerating their recovery. Since patients will share their trauma experiences with peer support workers who have experienced similar experiences, it will promote a shared understanding and increase patients’ trust (Shalaby & Agyapong, 2020). Peer support is expected to help patients overcome social isolation caused by trust issues by creating trust between patients and the peer workers.

Time for Implementation and Evaluation of the Outcome

The intervention will be implemented within six months. Patients will be randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. The intervention group will be assigned to a peer support worker, while the control group will be provided the usual trauma-informed care without peer support. Evaluation will be conducted six months after the implementation of the peer support care. The recovery scores of patients in the intervention group will be compared to those of the control group to evaluate the difference in recovery and outcomes.

Synthesis of Nursing Science, Determinants of Health, and Epidemiologic, Genomic, and Genetic Data in the Management of Population Health

Nursing science is applied to support patients with trauma experiences in line with the principles of safety, respect, and trust. Nursing science is also applied in delivering patient-centered care to improve patient engagement and the quality of trauma-informed care (Fleishman et al., 2019). Social determinants such as living in under-resourced or racially segregated neighborhoods and experiencing food insecurity can result in toxic stress.  Social determinants that should be considered in trauma screening include poverty, neighborhood crime and violence, and racism (Mikhail et al., 2018). Health providers should increase protective factors to mitigate exposure to trauma and environmental factors that contribute to it.

Trauma mainly affects minority racial groups, children, adolescents, and older adults.  The data can be applied in trauma-informed care by emphasizing screening for trauma experiences among high-risk populations. Youssef et al. (2018) found that trauma exposure can be passed to offspring transgenerationally via the epigenetic inheritance mechanism of DNA methylation alterations. The genetic data can be synthesized in trauma-informed care by emphasizing trauma screening to persons whose close relatives were exposed to trauma.

Conclusion

More than 70% of the U.S population has encountered traumatic events such as homicide, sexual assault, shooting, and community violence. Trauma is associated with adverse effects on physical and mental health and impairments in social and occupational functioning. My proposed intervention is to incorporate peer support in trauma-informed care. Peers work together with patients to create relationships where they share their strengths and support each other’s healing. Peer support is expected to increase patient engagement and accelerate recovery. The intervention will be implemented over six months using an intervention and control group.

References

Crisanti, A., Murray-Krezan, C., & Reno, J. (2019). Are treatment groups led by peers as effective as groups led by counselors for treating posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder? https://doi.org/10.25302/5.2019.ce.12114484

Fleishman, J., Kamsky, H., & Sundborg, S. (2019). Trauma-informed nursing practice. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 24(2). https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol24No02Man03

Mikhail, J. N., Nemeth, L. S., Mueller, M., Pope, C., & NeSmith, E. G. (2018). The social determinants of trauma: a trauma disparities scoping review and framework. Journal of Trauma Nursing| JTN, 25(5), 266-281.

National Council for Behavioral Health. (2020, July 17). Trauma Infographic. National Council. https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/

Shalaby, R., & Agyapong, V. (2020). Peer support in mental health: Literature review. JMIR mental health, 7(6), e15572. https://doi.org/10.2196/15572

Youssef, N. A., Lockwood, L., Su, S., Hao, G., & Rutten, B. (2018). The Effects of Trauma, with or without PTSD, on the Transgenerational DNA Methylation Alterations in Human Offsprings. Brain sciences, 8(5), 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci8050083