Introduction
In this assessment, you will write a short paragraph that explains the differences between a quality improvement or performance improvement (QI/PI) project and a research study, using the MEAL plan format.
Demonstration of Proficiency
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:
Competency 3: Address assessment purpose in a well-organized text, incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.
- Differentiate a QI/PI project from a research study.
Compose a passage with appropriate structure as shown in the MEAL plan.
Produce text with minimal grammar, usage, spelling, and mechanical errors.
Note: The assessments in this course must be completed in the order presented; subsequent assessments should be built on both your earlier work and your instructor’s feedback on earlier assessments. If you choose to submit assessments prematurely, without considering and integrating your instructor’s feedback, your assessment may be returned ungraded, resulting in your loss of an assessment attempt.Introduction
Scholarly writing and the application of nursing research are two vital skills that you will use often as you progress through your doctoral program. In this assessment, you will construct a well-developed paragraph that differentiates between a quality or performance improvement (QI/PI) project and a research study. This paragraph will also provide you an opportunity to review the basics of academic writing, organization, and sentence structure.Instructions
Describe the differences between a QI/PI project and a research study.
Choose a project idea that might serve as a potential DNP project. Describe how the focus of the project would be a QI/PI project rather than a research study.
Construct a well-developed and well-organized paragraph using the MEAL Plan.
- Label the parts of the paragraph appropriately by placing the letters M, E, A, and L before their respective parts.
The paragraph should start with a non-referenced topic sentence that captures the main point of the paragraph. Subsequent sentences should support or explain the topic sentence.
- The paragraph should be in your own words and should not include direct quotes.
- The paragraph should be no more than 250 words.
- This skill will be important for you to master before you create your project charter, which must be written professionally, yet succinctly.
Expert Solution Preview
A quality improvement or performance improvement (QI/PI) project and a research study are two distinct endeavors in the realm of healthcare. While they share certain similarities, such as their aims to enhance patient outcomes, their methodologies and objectives set them apart.
A QI/PI project focuses on improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery within a specific healthcare setting or organization. It aims to identify current practices, assess their effectiveness, and implement interventions to enhance patient care. QI/PI projects utilize existing knowledge, best practices, and evidence-based guidelines to make informed decisions regarding interventions. These projects often involve collaboration between healthcare professionals, administrators, and stakeholders, who work together to address specific issues, such as reducing medication errors or minimizing hospital readmissions.
On the other hand, a research study is designed to generate new knowledge, expand existing theories, or validate previous findings. Research studies employ rigorous methodologies, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation, to answer research questions and contribute to the broader body of scientific knowledge. They involve systematic investigations, usually conducted in controlled settings, with the use of experimental or observational designs. Research studies often adhere to ethical considerations, involving human subjects, and undergo review by research ethics committees.
In the context of a potential Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project, the focus would be on a QI/PI project rather than a research study. A suitable project idea might involve implementing a bundled care approach to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAI) in a healthcare facility. The QI/PI project would involve conducting a comprehensive assessment of current HAI rates, identifying contributing factors and gaps in current practices, and designing and implementing interventions to reduce HAI rates. The project would leverage existing evidence-based guidelines and best practices to guide decision-making and intervention implementation. Through this project, the aim would be to enhance patient safety, improve healthcare outcomes, and optimize resource allocation within the healthcare facility.
In conclusion, a QI/PI project and a research study differ in their methodologies, objectives, and outcomes. While research studies aim to generate new knowledge, QI/PI projects focus on improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery in a specific setting. The example of a potential DNP project highlights how the focus can be shifted towards a QI/PI project through the implementation of evidence-based interventions to address specific healthcare issues.
