Research Methods in Psychology

Research Methods in Psychology

From your requests, I can now say choosing the right research methods in psychology is as important as getting reliable results. Thank you for contacting us, folks. I dedicate this exclusive guide to you (keep it ExpertWritingHelp.com for more of such updates). I’ve come to appreciate that in the world of behavioral science, the right methodology impacts the validity of your study. If it comes down to it, a handpicked research framework by our experienced psychology writers can mean your findings stand the rigorous tests of peer review, ethical scrutiny, and real-world application before publishing.

And if you’re reading this but not part of us, hurry and join your medical college buddies here!

Research Methods in Psychology

We welcome learners struggling with research methods in psychology to Contact Us for expert assistance 24/7/365. Don’t feel shy. Whether you’re designing the very first study of your life or preparing for graduate-level fieldwork, place a clandestine order and open limitless assistance from practicing psychology consultants, professional proofreaders, and writers who speak and dream psychology. We’re home to the largest database of peer-reviewed psychology journals, textbooks loaded with trending research methodologies, and a vault of verified tech tools that make things alot easier for you.

Pssssttt: All our writers are crowned PhD holders in their respective psychology disciplines. You get A+ grades for every assignment you drop on our easy-to-use dashboard, even with a 12-hour deadline. Did I mention we’re the most affordable online Research Methods in Psychology service, and the only one with a working REVISION and MONEY-BACK policy?

Beyond the Textbook: Why Research Methodology Matters

Mastering research methods in psychology isn’t optional, buddy. It’s the barest minimum any professor expects of you! We mentor you to understand the purpose of psychological research methods, prepping you for academic and career control over:

  • Causality: Can you say A causes B, or only that they’re alphabets?
  • Generalizability: Will your findings apply beyond the current sample?
  • Bias and Error Minimization: Are you gathering real data, or is yours some wishful thinking that shouldn’t be written on any paper?

Your research design affects funding eligibility, publication likelihood, and client outcomes in clinical or organizational settings. Guard it with your all!

🔗 Ready to apply real-world methodology in your next psychology paper or thesis? Check out our APA-compliant Research Design Toolkit!

❖     Experimental Research for Causal Inference

The gold standard for psychologists and assessors interested in “what causes what,” our Lab Reports scream “Excellence” from a heap. This is how we do it:

  • Structure: Expert data analysts manipulate the independent variable (IV) and observe changes in the dependent variable (DV) in a way that produces ethical, duplicable, and verifiable results
  • Control: Sign up for a highly structured control dataset with random assignment and control groups
  • Disciplines Where It Shines Best: If you’re in Cognitive Psychology, Behavioral Studies, or Treatment Effectiveness, crowd here!

Example: “A lab study measuring attention span after different doses of caffeine.” (You didn’t see this one coming, did you?)

Strengths:

  • Highest internal validity ratings
  • Replicable and justifiable results
  • The most powerful statistical conclusions amongst all research methodologies in psychology

Limitations:

  • Experimental research may lack ecological validity
  • Notable ethical constraints, especially with manipulation

🔗 Need help designing your lab-based experiment? Get our IRB-Ready Template package NOW!

❖     Descriptive Research

Want to describe behavior, not necessarily explain it? Descriptive research is best for observation and discovery (one of our speed-dial consultants just whispered this, let’s flatter them with positive Reviews😋)

This methodology includes:

  • Naturalistic observation (watch natural behavior without interference)
  • Case studies that dive deep into single individuals or selected small groups.
  • Surveys and questionnaires, when scale and speed are your research concerns

Strong points:

  • Excellent for hypothesis generation
  • Useful when experimentation is impractical or unethical

Shortcomings:

  • No causal conclusions
  • Highest potential for observer bias risks

Example: “Documenting behavior patterns of children in a bilingual classroom.”

🔗 Curious how to build a publishable case study? Talk to Us and link up with the best Psychology Case Study Builders

❖     Correlational Research

Best known for relationship mapping, I advise psychologists to use correlational studies when their research question starts with “Is there a connection between…?”

The Method:

  • Measures the extent of relationship between two or more variables
  • Uses correlation coefficients to assess research strengths and direction

Pros:

  • Non-invasive, and the overall most cost-effective method
  • Useful for researchers engaged in large-scale surveys and epidemiological studies

Cons:

  • No causation (correlation ≠ cause)
  • The Third Variable problem which has beaten scientists since 1901 (I made that date up, don’t go quoting yours truly!)

Example: “Exploring the link between daily screen time and anxiety in adolescents.”

🔗 Learn the secrets of building high-impact correlational studies. Enroll in our 3-Day Crash Course and walk the path with our psychology gurus!

❖     Quantitative Research

Perfect for psychologists looking to generalize findings, quantitative research is best for studies that call for measurable outcomes.

Possible Application:

  • The methodology of choice in experimental, correlational, and survey research
  • Since it relies heavily on statistical analysis, quantitative research is best for t-tests, ANOVA, regression, etc.

Best Used When:

  • Comparing group means
  • Tracking changes over time using longitudinal designs

Argument For:

  • Objective and scalable
  • Allows for hypothesis testing and replication

Argument Against:

  • In certain cases, quantitative research oversimplifies complex psychology phenomena
  • Assumes all variables are quantifiable

🔗 Ace SPSS and Data Interpretation with the upcoming “Statistics for Psychology Majors” workshop. See our dashboard notifications for dates and time.

❖     Qualitative Research

Psychologists exploring meaning, identity, or trauma from lived experiences for thematic insight will find qualitative methods irreplaceable. Just like I did some 17 years ago. Methodologies under qualitative research include:

  • Semi-structured interviews
  • Thematic analysis
  • Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

Strengths:

  • Offers a rich, narrative-based insight
  • Qualitative research is ideal for under-researched populations

Limitations:

  • Research results are hard to replicate
  • Relatively high potential for researcher bias

Example: “Exploring post-traumatic growth in war veterans using IPA.”

🔗 Writing a qualitative dissertation chapter? Buy cheap IPA Coding template from us!

❖     Mixed Methods are Best for Depth + Breadth!

Mixed research methods combine the strengths of qualitative and quantitative research. They’re, therefore, best for research that demands both depth and breath.

Structure:

  • Researchers use quantitative surveys for general trends
  • Later, they follow up with qualitative interviews to add context

Mixed research methods are recommended for:

  1. Complex, real-world problems, And
  2. Studies where both numerical data and contextual meaning are called for

Example: “Survey and diary study on the emotional effects of remote work on therapists.”

🔗 Learn how to design a dual-strategy study. Place an Order for a Mixed Methods Planning Guide here.

 Evidence-Based Assessment & Psychometrics

If you’re working in clinical, educational, or occupational psychology, using validated instruments is the minimum best practice. Below are 3 Key elements of psychometric testing:

  • Reliability – Consistency across time and settings
  • Validity – Measures what it claims to measure
  • Standardization – Normed on a relevant population

Examples:

  • Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
  • WAIS-IV for IQ Testing
  • MMPI-2 (Personality Inventory)

🔗 Need fast access to licensed psychological instruments? Unlock our Test Bank and Admin Guide TODAY!

A Decision Guide to Choose the Right Research Method

You’ve got the tools, but which method fits your study? Lemmie nudge you to decide like a pro…

Decision Matrix

Research Goal Best Method Example
To determine cause-effect Experimental Impact of therapy on PTSD symptoms
To explore personal experience Qualitative (IPA) Identity formation after divorce
To find associations Correlational Social media use vs. academic performance
To describe a phenomenon Descriptive Sleep habits of adolescents
To combine breadth and depth Mixed Methods Remote work effects on therapists’ well-being

 

🔗 Want a fillable version of this decision tool? Get customized Research Planner PDF Templates at a fraction of the cost!

Key Concepts That Shape Every Research Method

Whether you’re choosing experimental or descriptive designs, we have just the right expert to assist you. Our niche psychology research experts understand the mechanics behind making your essay shine with academic rigor. Here’s a sneak-peak:

Variables and Operational Definitions

  • Independent variable (IV): Manipulated variable
  • Dependent variable (DV): Measured outcome
  • Operational definitions: Specify exactly how variables are measured

Why it matters:

  • Enhances reproducibility
  • Reduces ambiguity
  • Improves ethical transparency

3 Key Sampling Techniques and Sample Designs

  • Random sampling: Every member has equal chance
  • Stratified sampling: Proportional representation
  • Convenience sampling: Easily accessible subjects

Factors to consider:

  • Sample size
  • Population diversity
  • Sampling bias

🔗 Don’t guess your sample size. Use this Psychology-Specific Sample Calculator for starters!

Major Ethical Considerations in Psychological Research

As future professionals, you must uphold ethical standards. Not just for IRB approvals, but to ensure human dignity and scientific credibility with every research!

Core Ethical Principles

  • Informed Consent ensures participants know what they’re signing up for
  • Confidentiality clauses keep personal participant data private and anonymized
  • Minimize Harm (physical and psychological risks must be addressed to the full)

⚖️ Landmark Ethical Cases to Study

  • Milgram’s obedience study taught the importance of emotional debriefing
  • Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment showcased the necessity of early intervention
  • Facebook Emotion Study (2014) raised concerns around online manipulation and consent in digital spaces

Modern Ethical Challenges

  • AI-generated data collection tools
  • Facial recognition in emotion tracking
  • Data scraping from social media without user knowledge and/or consent

🔗 If you’re planning a study with vulnerable populations, get our Ethics Approval Fast-Track Checklist

4 Emerging Trends in Psychological Research Methods

Psychology is no longer confined to clipboards and lab rats (someone lay a rose stem on Pavlov’s grave and send me the check!) The future is digitized, automated, and collaborative – and so are research methods in psychology.

💻 Online and Web-Based Research

Web platforms now support:

  • Virtual experiments using tools like PsyToolkit or Gorilla
  • Crowdsourced participants via Prolific or MTurk
  • Cyber ethnography for studying digital behavior

Strengths:

  • Fast data collection
  • Access to diverse (actually, global) samples

Caution:

  • Risk of inattentive participants
  • Consent processes need stronger UI/UX designs

🔗 Contemplating your first online study? Get Our Step-by-Step Web Research Manual

📊 Bayesian Analysis in Psychology

Bayesian methods are becoming a respected alternative to frequentist statistics in behavioral science. They characteristically:

  • Update probability as new data comes in
  • Are useful in small sample sizes or exploratory studies
  • Fit snugly with tools like bayes4psy (R package)

Applications:

  • Reaction time analysis
  • Psycholinguistics
  • Memory studies

🤖 AI and Automation in Research

Large Language Models (LLMs) and other AI tools now assist with:

  • Literature reviews
  • Variable operationalization
  • Hypothesis generation using causal graphs

Cautions:

  • AI lacks contextual understanding (it’s a bot, duh!)
  • Ethical issues in plagiarism and manipulation

🌍 Crowdsourced Psychological Science

Collaborative platforms like Open Science Framework (OSF) allow:

  • Real-time study replication
  • Peer-reviewed protocol uploads
  • Data transparency and reproducibility

Benefits:

  • Reduces “researcher degrees of freedom”
  • Promotes evidence-based assessment (EBA)

Psychology Research Methodology Limitations and What to Watch Out For

No method is perfect. But you’d do yourself good to avoid these pitfalls:

🚫 Common Errors

  • P-Hacking – Cherry-picking data to reach significance
  • Small Sample Sizes reduces generalizability
  • Unclear Operational Definitions leads to unreliable measures
  • Sampling Bias – Over- or under-representation of key groups

✅ Mitigation Tactics

  1. Pre-register studies on OSF
  2. Use pilot testing to validate tools
  • Apply blind coding in qualitative research
  1. Use stratified random sampling when possible

🔗 Avoid career-killing research mistakes. Download a “What Not to Do” Psychology Checklist from our dashboard

GIS Dissertation Topics in Urban Planning

GIS Dissertation Topics in Urban Planning & Management

Are you a GIS student in the United States of America or Canada or United Arab Emirates? Then you need to consider application of GIS techniques in urban planning and management for your dissertation or thesis or capstone project.

In 2025, the role of GIS in urban planning & management can’t be over-celebrated. I mean ~ you’ve heard of the mythical London subway, or spent a lazy afternoon at a public park within your city. All that is resilient GIS urban planning and management at work! For example, Dickinson (Texas) are revitalizing their downtown with an ambitious vertical, mixed-use plan. Know what? some of the GIS expert in such teams sought GIS assignment help to assist with their GIS coursework for four years ~ ask them!

Did you even know the city of Portland (Oregon) is living proof of  GIS-aided city planning and management? The initial zoning plan perfectly balances environmental preservation with urban developmental needs. Cool, huh?

So, What is this GIS Thing?

The most student-friendly explanation is “a tool that combines maps with data to solve real-world problems.”  Geographic Information System (GIS) quietly changes the inhabited world through precision mapping, modelling, and meticulous geospatial data analysis. The gray-haired urban planner can’t hide their joy ditching the fossilized Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for ultra-modern softwares like ArcGIS and QGIS according to Geo Week News.

Definition: GIS (Geographic Information System) is integration of various data sources into a single spatial platform enabling specialists to analyze complex relationships, visualize potential impacts, and make informed decisions regarding sustainable urban development, efficient infrastructure projects, and community planning.

(See an abridged list of American universities offering GIS qualifications here).

Why GIS?

The indispensable application of GIS in urban planning presents city planners with powerful data analysis / visualization capabilities for evidence-based decision-making. To counter complex urban challenges, GIS adds value in addressing zoning, environmental management, infrastructure development, and disaster management.

For this reason GIS professionals are highly sought worldwide in development of smart cities and future cities. By focusing your GIS dissertation/thesis/capstone in urban planning and city management you will be setting yourself to success and a high-paying career.

What does it take to succeed as a GIS professional in urban planning?

  • Be a graduate from an accredited institution in your region
  • Spatial and attribute data for the specific location you’re planning for (Hey, we’ll also help you collect GIS data! (You can hire our GIS assignment writer for assistance)
  • Computers and GPS devices fitted with software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

Benefits of Learning GIS for Students

GIS skills are in high demand across numerous industries, making it a priority value-addition to your academic toolkit. Here are 4 major benefits you’ll enjoy after bagging GIS-related credentials:

●    Wider Career Opportunities

Urban planning & management, environmental consulting, private consultancy earning bundles of crisp Benjies in fees, and government institutions are some employers where GIS skills are in very high demand.

●    Additional Academic Advantages

GIS can enhance research projects, theses, or dissertations – thereby adding to the existing authoritative literature. This comes with bonus academic advantages such as learning to concisely communicate ideas to an academic (or the general) audience.

●    Skill Development

Interactions with GIS softwares gives you technical skills and proficiencies no school will ever teach you. Most trending data analysis tools will intuitively train you in soft skills like critical thinking and data-driven problem-solving.

●    Networking

GIS, more than any other discipline, creates exclusive opportunities to connect with urban planning and management professionals. GIS conferences, workshops, and even their online communities are virgin minefields for trending practices, up-to-date tech innovations, and the most recent methodologies.

 

Expert Writing Help helps high-school graduates to write winning applications for those aspiring to join GIS-related programs. No school has ever turned down our expertly-crafted personal statements and statement of purposes!

GIS Dissertation Topics that Focuses on Urban Planning & Management in 2025

Are you a GIS student in Canada or United States? Below is a list of 5 prominent applications of GIS in urban planning that you can use for your GIS dissertation/ thesis or capstone projects.

➔     Land Use Planning

Students can use GIS to analyze and amend state zoning laws. We assisted a Brazilian student to write a dissertation proposing land use changes, little did they know it’d find a way to the heart of government policy! SUBSCRIBE now to enjoy top-of-the-table land use planning homework help!

➔     City Traffic Planning

Using GIS to model traffic flow and to design public transit routes, our previous clients have made footprints in UAE, Canadian, American, and European city transportation planning and management. Go on, PLACE AN ORDER and enjoy massive 2025 discounts!

➔     Environmental Management

In an era of “Going Green” and sustainable environmental management, our professional GIS consultants are willing to share their experience to students. Analyze urban green spaces, pollution levels, or climate change impacts in your coursework like a pro you’ll soon become! Contact Us TODAY for GIS assignment help in environmental management.

➔    Disaster Preparedness

What if the city planners in Los Angeles had been our alumni? Maybe, just maybe, our GIS experts would have conducted better risk assessment and emergency planning to avert the inferno. From Manila to urban centers located within ‘The Ring of Fire,’ you’re a CLICK away from support with GIS disaster management projects!

➔     Smart Cities

Explore IoT and GIS integration for futuristic urban planning like your counterparts involved in the legendary Dubai Smart City. Now that the Emirates one has been built, be a part of the next one in your region!

 

Check out the full list of our ArcGIS coursework assistance services here.

Other Applications of GIS in Urban Planning and City Management

Other functions of GIS in urban planning and city management include:

 

#1: GIS urban planning integrates and overlays multiple geospatial data layers e.g. zoning regulations, tectonic movement indicators, and population density to identify possible conflicts, geological patterns, or hotspots allowing for composite spatial analysis.

 

#2: City planners use GIS to track the location and condition of infrastructure such as roads, public utilities, and buildings. Infrastructural management prioritizes maintenance activities and isolates facilities requiring upgrades.

 

#3: Creating interactive maps that visualize urban dynamics in areas that need targeted interventions. GIS allows planners to visually represent urban trends like crime rates, population growth, and traffic patterns in real time. GIS-based planners share pertinent data with resident associations during public participation exercises to gather community input for every proposed project.

Specific Applications of GIS Techniques in Modern Urban Planning

Urban planners allocate proportionate resources using GIS-based conclusions that target the right populations after pinpointing the most prime location for such developments. Among the many activities of a GIS professional in urban planning and management are mapping, geospatial information analysis, and data visualisation & modelling. They do this through:

 

  • Identifying suitable development sites after analyzing factors like proximity to other services, land availability, ergonomic regulations, or environmental suitability.
  • Conducting impact assessment (social and environmental) for proposed projects to comply with municipal estate restrictions.
  • Tracking land use changes and monitoring urban growth patterns over time to establish city sections with rapid development needs.
  • Creating equitable access to social services in underserved areas through investments in essential services such as building healthcare, sanitation amenities, and educational institutions.

 

Fun Fact: The helmets different GIS scientists wear distinguishes their profession. See the image below and tick where you belong…

A chart depicting color codes for helmets and their respective reflective jackets (Source: PosterMyWall).

Reasons GIS Techniques are Integral in Urban planning

  • Unending cases of severe traffic congestion (rush-hour New York, is that you? Haha!)
  • Inadequate access to essential services leading to the growth of densely-populated slums and unplanned informal settlements that lack basic sanitation and infrastructure. Poor public health, inadequate water and sanitation, and absence of recreational parks are detrimental to city dwellers’ well-being.
  • Closely related to (2) above, poor planning and segregation leads to social exclusion / marginalization of whole communities. There’s evident disparity in access to quality housing, education, and healthcare between different socioeconomic groups.
  • Poor urban planning directly leads to high cost of living. For example, housing prices rise due to limited developable land which is in very high demand.
  • Environmental degradation and habitat loss, maturing into the dreaded ‘Urban Heat Island Effect.’ No wonder certain towns have higher urban temperatures ~ what with the lack of green spaces and excessively paved surfaces?
  • Cities planned without GIS face an increased risk of disasters. Fortunately, GIS software like QGIS or Google Earth Engine and datasets such as OpenStreetMap or NASA Earthdata can help alleviate this.

 

Important Factors to Consider in your GIS Dissertation Project in Urban Planning 

  • Data quality, accuracy, and reliability heavily influences the meaningfulness of your GIS analysis.
  • Engage the community and involve stakeholders throughout the planning process by providing accessible GIS data tools.
  • Technical expertise ~ only skilled GIS professionals should manage or analyze complex spatial data.

 

What Future GIS Students Should Watch Out For

In 2025 and beyond, keep an eye out for the following:

  • AI and Machine Learning will be integrated into GIS for predictive analytics.
  • Real-Time GIS applications in smart cities and IoT.
  • Open Data, Crowdsourcing, and the growing importance of community-generated data will take center-stage.
  • 3D GIS and Virtual Reality are emerging tools for visualizing urban environments and their time is now!

Common Challenges Students Face While Using GIS

  • The learning curve for GIS software e.g. ArcGIS and QGIS is quite techy for most students.
  • Finding accessible, reliable and affordable spatial data for GIS academic projects is a notorious uphill climb.
  • Balancing GIS projects with hard coursework, lectures, and still remaining with me-time is one hell of a migraine you don’t want to risk!

Useful resources for students struggling with GIS homework and projects

How To Create Map in ArcGIS Pro

Learn 10 Epic Difference Between ArcGIS and QGIS

16 Geoprocessing Tools To Use In GIS Homework Like GIS Pro

 

Practical Solution: To overcome the above challenges, Expert Writing Help is on the other end of the line 24/7/365 with discounted online GIS assignment writing assistance, tutorials, and unlimited access to authoritative data sources. We deliver A+ quality papers way before the submission deadline, avoiding unnecessary clashes with serious GIS faculty!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner

Guide to Writing CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner

Before we go on, are you ready to prove your procurement skills at the international playground? Oh – I can hear your heart beating for the coveted MCIPS membership or Chartered Status. I wrote this step-by-step guide to writing CIPS corporate award practitioner to give you the much-needed headstart.

Every procurement professional taking this virtual (online) program may be ready for flexible arrangements and seminars. As for the assessed assignments such as CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner ~ well, you need us more than ever. This guide will make the daunting task of writing this all-important assignment manageable for professionals with a packed diary.

Did You Know?

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a modular, work-based learning program leading to a CIPS Diploma. Upon completion, procurement professionals qualify for MCIPS membership, a prerequisite for Chartered status.

Why the CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner Matters

You’re probably wondering how the rigorous CIPS training will benefit you in the end. Over 50% of job ads for Supply Management in America quote a CIPS qualification OR continuing studies towards the same. Moreso, CIPS candidates build procurement professionalism, consequently helping businesses to reduce risk and deliver greater organizational value.

Why Buy CIPD Assignments from Us? We’ll Help You Rise Through the CIPS Ranks!

If you’re an apprentice who doesn’t wish to struggle with CIPS grades, you’ve made the right decision early in your study path. Below is what lurks ahead ~ but there’s absolutely no reason to freak out so long as you’re subscribed to our CIPS assignment help in Saudi Arabia

There are 6 distinct CIPS levels, and our expert assignment assistants are ready to support you with:

  • CIPS Level 2: Certificate in Procurement and Supply.
  • CIPS Level 3: Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations. This is an entry-level apprentice position, specially designed for Procurement and Supply assistants.
  • CIPS Level 4: Diploma in Procurement and Supply, the most suitable qualification for becoming a Commercial Procurement and Supply officer. It is also the summit of CIPS apprenticeships and the start of professional procurement accreditation.
  • CIPS Level 5: Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply leading to MCPIS status.
  • CIPS Level 6: Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply, whose completion earns Chartered Member recognition.
  • CIPS Level 7: Executive Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Management, the highest possible level of qualification.

Onboard Us to Overcome the Rigorous CIPS Corporate Award Assignment Requirements

Last January, we received an SOS order from a guy who flunked all 5 modules of Level 3. They couldn’t imagine retaking 8 core modules after every 12-14 months to complete their CIPS Level 7. Am happy to report here that Ahmed Sayegh al Zayed from UAE is preparing for the 2025 CIPS Level 5 March intake!

Onboard us today and relieve yourself from the tough CIPS assignments, leaving extra hours to battle professional chores and to live life!

What’s Expected of CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner Students?

To successfully complete CIPS Level 3 for example, al Zayed had to:

  • Attend 100% of all online classes and seminars in 4 Core Modules and 1 Elective Module from the two available options.
  • Pass in all 30 Credits (six for every module) with a score not less than 70% in Objective Response (OR) tests.

Read more on CIPS Assessment Criteria and Grading Rubric here.

  • Complete 300 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT) distributed as follows:
  • 200 Guided Learning hours
  • 90 self-study hours, And
  • 10 hours of computer-based exams.
  • Perform office duties at work and still create time for personal life. It’s hell of a roller-coaster, I tell you!

Stop wishing for a 13-month calendar year because it’s not happening in this life. Instead, outsource tough CIPS assignments. Click here to Place an Order TODAY!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing CIPS Corporate Award Practitioner Assignments

Prep like a pro and get started on the right foot with your CIPS corporate award practitioner assignment. Am confident this step-by-step guide, developed by the cream of our experts, will redefine how you write future CIPS assignments.

Step #1: Give it a Thorough Preparation

  • Start with picking the perfect project. You may also seek guidance on the ideal topic.
  • Use contemporary, ethical procurement practices to choose a category of spend that reflects your organization’s goals.
  • Do your homework. Review extensive (multi-disciplinary) and intensive literature on the chosen thesis statement. Before writing the first word, conduct a SWOT or PESTLE analysis of the title.
  • Gather your resources. Organize procurement policies, supplier records, and market research materials for your assignment. Budget time and finances. Estimate and allocate consultants or mentors their respective assignment tasks. List required software and tools.

Important Tip: Rely on programs like Tableau for data visualization and SurveyMonkey to analyze stakeholder feedback. MS Excel is good with quick spend analysis.

Step #2: Gather and Document Relevant Data

Select an appropriate category of spend within your company using organizational analysis tools. SWOT Analysis, PESTLE Analysis, Stakeholder Analysis, and other engagement strategies are good examples. You can gather relevant, documented data from:

  • Procurement policies and procedures.
  • Contractual agreements and supplier performance records.
  • Market research and benchmarking data.

Some helpful tools include Tableau or Power BI for visualizing organizational and market data.

Step #3: Bring Theory to Life: Develop the Assignment!

Always remember to keep the CIPS assignment structured. I’ve found the ideal structure to be:

  • Begin with a catchy introduction and set the background scene for the reader.
  • For the main body, submerge the audience in deep analysis of the spend profile, supplier market analysis, and discuss sourcing strategies. Explain contract development, negotiation and implementation plans, and risk mitigation / sourcing strategies.
  • The conclusion summarizes and justifies recommendations. Make this section sharper than a chef’s cleaver!

Tip: Blend Contract Management Strategies Theory with Practice!

Learn how to use frameworks such as Porter’s Five Forces or the Kraljic Matrix. Weave in real-world examples and case studies, but keep to CIPS ethical standards and professional best practices. Tools to help you shine include Miro, Monday.com, Jira, Google Scholar, and Lucidchart.

Step #4: Review, Refine, and Submit

It’s an academic norm to have someone proofread your CIPS assignment for clarity, coherence, and concise statement of facts. Refine the paper and check keenly for compliance with the assignment guidelines. Source feedback from peers, software, your CIPS mentor, or professor.

Prepare for potential revisions based on assessor feedback. I recommend tools like Copyleaks, Calendly, Turnitin, and Hemingway App to create simple, impactful content that scores highly on readability. Only submit the CIPS assignment for evaluation if it can’t be improved further!

Also see CIPS Practitioner Corporate Award Assignment Example

Bonus Tips to Ace Procurement and Supply Chain Management Assignments

  • Make use of trending digital technology. Forums such as LinkedIn Groups, Quora forums, professional Reddit CIPS Communities, are the best to connect with practicing professionals. Coursera and edX offer supplementary online courses.
  • Stay organized and keep to strict assignment timelines. Try apps like Trello or Asana to manage overlapping deadlines.
  • For organizing references and citations, I recommend Zotero.

Psssstttt: Our databases overflow with recommended CIPS reading and reference materials. You can also access CIPS learning resources and support services here.

Do Things the Pro Way!

After checking the “Write My CIPS Assignment” tab, our experienced writing team immediately starts with the intricate job. To deliver an illustrious CIPS assignment that’ll win our clients A+ grades, we do things the pro way. Here’s a simplified order process:

  • Place an order on our easy-to-use interface, giving exclusive order details. We urge our clients to upload the whole assessment brief in confidence since our platform has multiple security layers. We need order-specific data such as word count and formatting guidelines from the instructions.
  • Make a payment using a convenient, secure payment method from the provided list. Ours is the most affordable CIPS assignment writing service in KSA for the quality. We also have a working refund policy ~ you’ll never lose your money with us!
  • We scramble a writing team for your order. As early as this stage, we assign expert niche writers, editors, and proofreaders for your order!
  • The task team breaks down the assignment requirements and communicates a phased timeline to the client. You can easily track the progress of an order at any writing stage.
  • We dispatch a research team to review the literature in key assignment focus areas such as sourcing, contracts, supplier management, and driving value. We want to use only the most current CIPS evidence for the order.
  • The writing team takes over. You don’t have to worry about stringent CIPS assessment criteria like content clarity, concurrence with professional procurement practices, and ethical considerations.
  • The leader of the writing team hands the final manuscript to line editors and proofreaders. Any slight errors that escaped the scribes are sifted out by our hawk-eyed CIPS perfectionists.
  • Our tech geeks run your assignment through the latest AI detectors and current versions of anti-plagiarism The TurnItIn report you get alongside the final paper comes free of charge.
  • Days before the submission deadline, we’ll deliver a final copy ready for submission after getting a second opinion from practicing consultants. Go through it, and if you feel there’s a need for revision, feel free to tell us immediately. We’ll gladly do it at no extra charge!
  • Ask your mentor what they think of the assignment. They’re going to commend you on finally becoming a model for CIPS academic writing. If you or your mentor can get others to sign up, we’ll give you a hefty discount on the next order!
  • Hand in your CIPS assignment through your center’s member dashboard.
  • You can now remind the travel agent that your vacay is due in a few weeks. A day after the A+ list of your year’s CIPS is released, kindly leave a Review on our website!

Also read

CIPS: How To Progress Procurement Career in Dubai

PRISMA Framework for Systematic Literature Review

PRISMA Framework for Systematic Literature Review

The most prominent systematic literature reviews (SLRs) for healthcare research in 2024 is the PRISMA framework for systematic literature review. The role of identifying, synthesizing, and evaluating review results for evidence-based studies is best left to a PRISMA statement.

In healthcare research, PRISMA is an acronym for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. It’s a 27-item checklist designed to help clinical research authors improve transparency in their systematic literature reviews. A PRISMA statement elaborately covers aspects of a manuscript including the title, introduction, abstract, approaches, findings, discussion, and funding models.

The Four Key Elements of a PRISMA Framework

For a systematic literature review to record success, it should manifest these four key traits:

  • A well-formulated, specific question.
  • A reproducible methodology that avoids bias.
  • Sources review data from multiple databases.
  • An inclusion and exclusion criteria that is standard and predetermined.

From 1986 to 2024: A Brief History of PRISMA SLR Framework

The earliest known form of the PRISMA framework dates back to April 23rd, 1986, in Lima. A multidisciplinary group of researchers set the threshold for evidence-based reporting to assess the benefits and dangers of healthcare interventions. We’ve chronic childhood malnutrition and its risk factors to thank for this ingenious SLR!

The Swift Evolution of PRISMA SLR

A 29-man group of research methodologists, review authors & editors, consumers, practicing clinicians, and medical journal publishers developed PRISMA in 2005. After a three-day meeting and electronic correspondence, they drew a 27-item checklist and flow diagram to review literature evidence.

Ever since, there have been consented extensions notably in 2009, 2015, and 2020. There are adaptations as young as 2024; with future prospects of further extensions to cater for emerging clinical research needs.

Notable Updates in PRISMA Statement

Adjustments in previous PRISMA statements feature enhancements such as:

  • Tailored diagrams for updated reviews.
  • Additional scoping reviews.
  • Flexibility to account for evolving methodologies.

Some common extensions and adaptations of PRISMA since 2015 include:

#1: PRISMA-P

These adjustments are protocol-specific. PRISMA-P, as published in 2015, aimed at facilitating the development and reporting of systematic review protocols.

#2: PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR)

Scoping reviews helps to justify a systematic review of the literature. The intent is to help readers develop an understanding of core concepts, relevant terminology, and key items to report.

#3: PRISMA-S

This adjustment focuses on the unique role of information specialists and librarians in literature searches’ reproducibility.

 #4: PRISMA DTA (Diagnostic Test Accuracy) Studies

The main objective is reinforcing diagnostic and specific requirements of reporting for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (test accuracy studies) in abstracts.

#5: Outcome Measurement Instruments (OMIs) and COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) Initiatives

Previous PRISMA statements missed key outcome information in published reports. This extension aims to plug those leaks.

How Beneficial are PRISMA Guidelines to Healthcare Research?

Of all available SLRs, PRISMA is taunted as the most efficient, trustworthy, and with the highest reproducibility rates. The other five major benefits of using this SLR include:

  • PRISMA framework has the highest scientific merit of all meta-analyses/ scientific review models due to its high transparency.
  • Most scholarly journals endorse and reference the PRISMA statement in their guidelines to clinical research authors.
  • PRISMA reviews identify and prioritize future nursing research.
  • Addresses questions and deficiencies that individual studies under other SLRs miss.
  • PRISMA statements generate and evaluate theories on why and how medical phenomena occur.

Question: Can I Use the PRISMA Framework for Qualitative Healthcare Research?

Answer: Yes. The PRISMA statement contribution to existing knowledge necessitates its application in systematic literature review checklists for qualitative clinical data analysis.

The Components of a PRISMA Framework

The PRISMA framework for systematic literature review has three main components:

  1.  A checklist with 27 elements.
  2. A four-phase flow diagram, And
  3. An elaborate explaining document.

 The PRISMA (2020) Checklist and Explanation Document

The table below details the 27 key elements of a PRISMA (2020) checklist. There’s also an expanded column that details updated reporting recommendations for each item.

Section and Topic Item # Checklist Item Location (Where Item is Reported)
TITLE
Title 1 Identifies report as a systematic review
ABSTRACT
Abstract 2 See Abstracts checklist
INTRODUCTION  
Rationale 3 Rationale for review in context of existing knowledge
Objectives 4 Explicit statement of objective(s) or question(s)
METHODS
Eligibility Criteria 5 Inclusion and exclusion criteria, how studies are grouped for syntheses
Information Sources 6 Databases, registers, websites, organizations, reference lists, or other sources. State date of last search / consultation
Search Strategy 7 Search strategies, filters and limits used.
Selection Process 8 Inclusion criteria assessment methods, retrieved report / record / data’s independent reviewers, and automation tools used
Data Collection Process 9 Data collection methods, obtaining / reviewing / confirming data from investigators, and any automation tools used
Data Items 10a List and define outcomes for which data were sought
10b List and define variables e.g. participant & intervention characteristics and funding sources. Describe assumptions about missing or unclear information
Study Risk of Bias Assessment 11 Specify methods of assessing risk of bias including tool(s) used, reviewers who assessed each study, if they worked independently, and automation tools used
Effect Measures 12 Specific outcome effect measure(s) such as risk ratio or mean difference in results synthesis or presentation
Synthesis Methods 13a Describe processes that decided which studies were eligible for each synthesis e.g. (tabulate study intervention characteristics against planned groups (See #5)
13b Explain data preparation methods for presentation / synthesis. Include information such as handling missing summary statistics and data conversions
13c Describe tabulation methods or visual displays of results in individual studies and syntheses
13d Describe methods used to synthesize results and rationalize choices. Describe the model(s), method(s) to identify the presence and extent of statistical heterogeneity, and software package(s) used in meta-analysis
13e Methods used to explore possible causes of heterogeneity among results e.g. subgroup analysis and  meta-regression
13f Describe sensitivity analyses to assess robustness of synthesized results
Reporting Bias Assessment 14 Methods used to assess risk of bias due to missing results in a synthesis arising from reporting biases
Certainty Assessment 15 How to assess certainty (or confidence) in the body of evidence for an outcome
RESULTS
Study Selection 16a Describe results of search and selection process from the number of records identified in the search to the number of studies included in review, ideally using a flow diagram
16b Cite studies that meet the inclusion criteria, but which were excluded, and explain why they were excluded
Study Characteristics 17 Cite each included study and present its characteristics
Risk of Bias in Studies 18 Present assessments of risk of bias for each included study
Results of Individual Studies 19 For all outcomes, present: (a) summary statistics for each group

(b) An effect estimate and its precision e.g. Confidence /credible interval using structured tables or plots

Results of Syntheses 20a For each synthesis, briefly summarize the characteristics and risk of bias among contributing studies
20b Present results of statistical syntheses conducted
20c Results of  investigations of possible causes of heterogeneity among study results
20d All sensitivity analysis to assess robustness of synthesized results
Reporting Biases 21 Assessments of risk of bias due to missing results (arising from reporting biases) for each synthesis assessed
Certainty of Evidence 22 Present assessments of certainty in the body of evidence for each outcome assessed
DISCUSSION
Discussion 23a Provide interpretation of results in context of other evidence
23b Discuss limitations of evidence in the review
23c Limitations of the review processes used
23d Implications of results on practice, policy, and future research
OTHER INFORMATION
Registration and Protocol 24a Registration information for the review, including register name and registration number, or state that the review wasn’t registered
24b Indicate where the review protocol can be accessed, or state that a protocol was not prepared
24c Describe amendments to information provided at registration or in the protocol
Support 25 Describe sources of financial or non-financial support for the review, and role of funders in the review
Competing Interests 26 Declare any competing interests of review authors
Availability of Data, Code and Other Materials 27 Report which of the following are publicly available and where: template data collection forms; data extracted from included studies; data used for all analyses; analytic code; other materials used in the review.

Fig 1.1 : An adapted PRISMA (2020) Framework Checklist

( Source: Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline for Reporting Systematic Reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n71 )

The PRISMA Flow Diagram

Fig 1.2: The PRISMA Flow Diagram ( Image: Courtesy)

A PRISMA diagram has two main parts: a flow diagram and a checklist. A checklist has specific items that ensure transparency and completeness in the literature review report. The flow diagram is a visual representation of the search processes and criteria, from identification to inclusion or exclusion.

The Article in Summary

To make a systematic review valuable to its consumers, authors should prepare an accurate, complete, systematic, and transparent literature review. PRISMA statements account for what, how, and why the review was done and the outcomes.

The 27-item PRISMA 2020 checklist provides updated reporting guidance for systematic literature reviews. It reflects advances in identification, selection, appraisal, and synthesis methods of medical studies.

PRISMA is likely to evolve in response to new research methodologies, including AI and machine learning. We anticipate that adjustments will benefit authors, peer reviewers, editors, guideline developers, patients, policy makers, and healthcare providers to optimize their practice. This article hopes for broader use and wider adoption in diverse academic fields beyond clinical research.

Glossary of Literary Terms

Systematic Literature Review (SLR): The academic practice of connecting the research topic to existing knowledge.

Reporting Guidelines: A term in systematic literature review linked to the purpose of PRISMA statements in ensuring structured and complete reporting.

Risk of Bias: A measure of assessing the study’s quality and transparency.

Protocol Registration: Pre-registration of systematic literature reviews for transparency and adherence to legislative / ethical standards.

PRISMA Extensions: Specialized adjustments such as PRISMA-P, PRISMA-ScR, and PRISMA-S for modern systematic literature reviews.

Preferred Reporting Items: Another term for topic relevance in a literature review.

Methodological Rigor: The emphasis on a structured, intensive approach in conducting reviews.

Research Validity: The trustworthiness and reliability of research methodology or its outcomes.

Search Strategy Documentation: Important for extracting systematic review details, especially in PRISMA-S.

Outcome Reporting Bias: A specific type of bias PRISMA addresses, useful in NLP models detecting bias patterns.

Knowledge Translation: The PRISMA framework indirectly contributes to this concept by promoting clear and standardized reporting of findings.

How to Write Evidence Synthesis for DNP

How to Write Evidence Synthesis for DNP

There’s enough inbox requests on how to write evidence synthesis for DNP this past year to patch this article. Seems faculty heads are rolling eyes behind badly-scripted DNP literature, integrative, and scoping reviews more than any other annual averages. Before another instructor cusses, I’ll save your hide with this comprehensive, evidence-based practice information synthesis guide.

The Best Evidence Synthesis Methodologies (2025)

An evidence synthesis for DNP capstone papers refer to a succinctly distilled summary of appraised empirical literature, whether quantitative or qualitative. Its main purpose, according to Terri A. and Karen H’s 2018 paper, is to guide recommendations for practice improvement. Although content clarity is emphasized, nurse students should also outline and present their review in an easy-to-follow format.

And that’s where expertwritinghelp.com comes knocking with the best online DNP evidence synthesis writing service!

Want to gather the best background data from divergent sources and disciplines in support of your DNP project’s thesis statement? Contact Us NOW for the most accurate, current, and affordable DNP evidence synthesis writing help!

There’s a whole list of ways to organize and structure key findings from research studies methodically such as the Critical Interpretive Synthesis. In this article, I’ll expose final-year DNP students to 3 major methodologies, namely:

★    Cochrane’s ‘Summary of Findings’ Table

The 2023 Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice evaluation table expands Cochrane’s concept of a DNP project’s ‘summary of findings’ evidence table. However, most DNP students undertaking evidence-based practices using the Cochrane library raise concerns with its comprehension and result presentation. Yet others squawk about the imbalance of precision and simplicity.

Many scholars format Cochrane’s presentation summary either as a traditional abstract, infographics, a podcast, plain-language summaries, or podcast transcriptions. Each format suits different DNP projects and results in the individual audience’s best understanding of the literature review.

A summary of findings table has debatable differences in measures of acceptability (reading experience and user-friendliness) for different med schools.

★    V. R. Bowden’s (2022) DNP Literature Review Strategy

If you closely read the Literature Review section of Pediatric Nursing, 48(2) at pages 97~98, you’ll find 3 distinct DNP-EBP project evidence synthesis styles namely:

  • Scoping Reviews
  • Literature Review Summaries, And
  • Integrative Reviews.

DNP academia isn’t clear on the best evidence summary format from the above three styles. This is because choosing a guideline development heavily depends on the target audience for the individual capstone project report.

★    Mixed Method Systematic Reviews

Lastly, I recommend the mixed methods systematic reviews (MMSR) approach. This is a personal favorite since it offers a deeper understanding of the pre-study findings. Also, a researcher can easily catch evidence discrepancies while using a variety of methods rather than a singular synthesis technique.

Further, mixed method systematic reviews pinpoint how quantitative randomised controlled trials (such as cluster, parallel, stepped-wedge, and crossover) or qualitative research will focus on particular areas of interest in the final report.

11 Golden Steps You Shouldn’t Miss While Writing a DNP Evidence Synthesis

To make things super-easy for you, I’ve chronicled 11 golden steps you shouldn’t miss while writing a DNP evidence synthesis.

Step 0: Start with Developing a Solid Protocol

At this stage, rationalize the hypothesis and lay down a methodology framework plan. A planning worksheet for structured literature reviews ensures empirical transparency, reproducibility, and reduction of bias. Include a protocol template and checklist in the first few pages of your DNP project paper such as PRISMA framework for systematic literature review.

A 27-item Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist ideally covers the title, abstract, methods, results, discussion, and funding.

See Also: PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and PRISMA Extension for Network Meta-Analysis (PRISMA-NMA).

Step 1: Design and Develop Practical Project Research Question(s)

After identifying a knowledge gap in your DNP specialty, the next step is formulating a clear, well-defined research question. From a practical research question, identify 2~5 possible search concepts for the strategy discussed under (Step 3).

Use a research question framework to structure your evidence synthesis question. Here are 4 most common DNP project research question development frameworks:

❖    PICO for a Quantitative DNP Project

The research question is based on these metrics:

P (Population / Problem)

I (Intervention / Exposure)

C (Comparison)

O (Outcome).

For example, “Is gabapentin (Intervention) better at decreasing pain symptoms (Outcome) than placebo (Comparison) in middle-aged male amputees suffering phantom limb pain (Population)?”

❖    PICO for Qualitative DNP Projects

Contrary to quantitative studies, PICO for qualitative DNP projects stands for:

P – Population / Problem.

I – Phenomenon of Interest.

Co – Context.

Sample DNP project research question: “What are the experiences (Phenomenon of interest) of American (Context) caregivers providing home-based nurse services to Alzheimer’s patients (Population)?”

❖    SPIDER

This strategy covers 5 major elements of a DNP project evidence synthesis, namely:

S: Sample.

PI: Phenomenon of Interest.

D: Design.

E: Evaluation.

R: Study Type.

Example of a SPIDER-founded practical research question: “Evaluating the experiences (Evaluation) of Caucasian women (Sample) undergoing IVF treatment (Phenomenon of Interest) as assessed in Canada.”

❖    SPICE

Lastly, the 5-way SPICE model wholesomely addresses the project question under these components: Setting, Perspective, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, and Evaluation.

Example: “What are the benefits (Evaluation) of a doula (Intervention) for low income mothers (Perspective) in the developed world (Setting) compared to complete non-support (Comparison)?”

Step 2: Pick Out All the Grey Literature

Although not peer-reviewed, gray literature presents valuable information that’s critical when synthesizing and evaluating available research evidence. You may consider non-academic or not-for-money literature published by organizations or individuals.

Any clinical literature from graduate dissertations, newsletters, government / NGO reports, conference proceedings, and unpublished clinical trials makes for gray literature. The following are some databases where a DNP student can source gray literature:

  • OpenGrey
  • Conference proceedings like CINAHL
  • Thesis databasesg EThOS
  • Other open sources such as Overton and trade magazine editorials.

Whenever you include gray literature in your evidence synthesis, document where you’re searching including the resource name, search strategies, specific URL, search terms, and the date. Also, strictly adhere to inclusion and exclusion criteria when selecting gray sources.

Step 3: Note Down a Workable Search Strategy

Writing down a workable search strategy takes intimate knowledge of bibliographic databases equivalent to our expert writers. We use the Boolean logic as an important component of writing your DNP project’s search strategy. When you Order DNP project evidence synthesis, we help you design a comprehensive search strategy across a variety of healthcare databases.

An Example of an Evidence Synthesis Search Strategy

 Research Question: What are the health benefits and safety of folic acid fortification of wheat and maize flour (i.e. alone or in combination with other micronutrients) on folate status and health outcomes in the overall population, compared to wheat or maize flour without folic acid (or no intervention)?

 Search Strategy: Key concepts from the question combined with AND: (folic acid) AND (fortification).

Protocol on PROSPERO.

Published systematic review for this question with search strategies used in 14 databases.

Step 4: Translate the Search Strategy

The DNP project paper requires the nurse student to search multiple databases, but not all research vaults accept the same search syntax. Every database has inbuilt, specialized search languages. Therefore, keywords for a DNP project evidence synthesis search strategy should be translated to pull similar empirical evidence between databases.

For example, a research question like “What is the effectiveness of Vitamin B12 supplements in reducing morbidity in pregnant women with HIV infection?” can have the following ‘searchable’ terms:

  • Key Concept 1 Distilled Terms: B12, Cobalamin, B 12.
  • Key Concept 2 Distilled Terms: Pregnancy, Pregnant, Gestate, Gestation, Gestational.
  • Key Concept 3 Distilled Terms: ​HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Distilled Search Strategy: (B12 OR “B 12” OR cobalamin) AND (pregnan* OR gestat*) AND (HIV OR “human immunodeficiency virus”)

Examples of Search Syntax Translation Resources

  • Polyglot (translates search strings across multiple databases).
  • MEDLINE Transpose for translating MEDLINE (PubMed) searches to / from MEDLINE (Ovid)
  • Cochrane’s Database Syntax Guide for multiple database keyword translation.

Step 5: Register the Framework Protocol

Prior to conducting the full-blown DNP project evidence synthesis, first register your protocol. Registration improves research reproducibility and transparency, reduces bias, and ensures other project teams don’t duplicate your research efforts. Online protocol registration collaborates, documents, archives, registers, and shares your DNP research project, data extraction forms, and study materials.

Some software tools to connect and support research workflow includes:

  • Open Science Framework (OSF) connects and supports multidisciplinary research workflow. You can also pre-register a systematic review protocol and share Zotero library documents.
  • PROSPERO, an international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care, doesn’t accept scoping reviews. The protocol records key DNP project review features and maintains a permanent online record. PROSPERO works best with Public Health, Education, Health and Social Care, Welfare, Crime, International Development, and Justice.

Step 6: Explain the Evidence Synthesis Citation Management Procedures

Once you’ve finished translating the DNP project search strategy to conform with each database’s syntax, the next step is to run the search. Next, export and save the search results in BibTeX, MEDLINE, RIS, or XML file format. Lastly, import the file information into a citation management program such as Endnote, Zotero or Mendeley.

A citation management software organizes and stores and all quoted evidence during screening. It further duplicates results and automatically formats in-text citations and bibliographies ready for your manuscript.

Step 7: Data Extraction

Establish a regimented data extraction approach / tools depending on the type and amount of DNP empirical evidence needed for your project. Most nurse student researchers we assist often prefer a table or a form to capture data for later analysis or summary.

Data extraction methodologies use electronic databases such as:

The most common data extraction tools in 2024 are:

  • Systematic Review Toolbox
  • Excel
  • RevMan
  • JBI Sumari (Joanna Briggs Institute System for the United Management, Assessment and Review of Information)
  • DistillerSR
  • Covidence

Step 8: Screen your DNP Project Evidence Synthesis Article

Article screening plucks unrelated studies from your DNP project topic and research question by using your abstract’s inclusion or exclusion criteria. Once you’re through screening the title and abstract, retrieve the full text and definitely decide whether your DNP-EBP fits the eligibility criteria of the draft synthesis.

Here, you may use tools such as:

  • Covidence
  • Rayyan, and
  • Excel

Step 9: Address the Risk of Bias Assessment

A DNP project evidence synthesis’s quality assessment (aka the critical appraisal) helps researchers to establish the transparency of evidence synthesis findings and results. Conduct a risk of bias assessment for every included study in your review. This eliminates individual study findings’ conclusion bias, for example design flaws that trigger ‘overestimation of intervention effect’ questions.

Important Note!

Scoping reviews DON’T include a risk of bias assessment according to the Cochrane Handbook.

You may present the risk of bias assessment in a table format, clearly depicting the strengths of each study and how it relates to multiple quality criteria. If a high percentage of reviewed studies have a high bias risk, be cautious when interpreting or using those results for your DNP evidence synthesis!

Step 10: Finally, Map, Synthesize, and Describe the Literature Review Results

You may present the main findings of your DNP project evidence synthesis through a number of ways including:

  • Use meta-analysis for homogenous evidence synthesis studies.
  • Narrative (descriptive) synthesis is the best approach to format literature review results where a student uses dissimilar studies.
  • Recently, major med schools prefer meta-synthesis for qualitative DNP project research. This is mostly due to the rigid processes underpinning meta-analysis and the likelihood of descriptive synthesis bias from its subjective nature.

Whether a DNP project evidence synthesis is qualitative or quantitative, I recommend you use a PRISMA Flow Diagram. The many adaptations in this evidence synthesis method is handy for audiences struggling with meta-analysis or systematic review components.

Still Can’t Make Head or Tail of DNP Evidence Synthesis Writing?

Your local librarian can only help you as much. You may also try to engage statisticians for data synthesis, but they will burn a crater in your wallet. expertwritinghelp.com will help you write this section of your DNP capstone paper ready for publication at a fraction of the cost.

Contact our writers 24/7/365 customer care TODAY and cement your DNP project’s evidence synthesis with search process clarity and transparency!

5 Signs You Need to Hire DNP Project Writer

5 Signs You Need to Hire DNP Project Writer

The diagnosis is out, and here are 5 signs you need to hire DNP writer NOW! Every nurse student needs a professional DNP assignment writing service if they’re to pass the hard DNP coursework. Believe you me, it doesn’t get better than this!

Everybody can write, right? Wrong! Like cooking, just because you can scramble eggs doesn’t make you some Michelin-star chef. We’ve handpicked the best expert nursing paper writers with tons of niche DNP experience.

There’s a long list of DNP practitioners from the 14 disciplines on our CONSULTANTS speed-dial. We’ll  also let you in on a limitless vault of nursing scholarly papers for the literature review.

DNP Scholarly Writing is Especially Rigorous

During my med school days, nothing scared the daylights out of us like DNP scholarly writing. Most of our clients cite 7 key challenges, including:

  • The DNP world can do with more protocol development trainers for quality improvement (QI) projects, especially at the design stage.
  • Defining a practice gap is very difficult. Don’t try it solo, you’ll surely fail! Contact us NOW for an insightful analysis of existing healthcare literature!
  • It’s also hard to identify and access DNP project sites. Securing a credible and dependable practicing mentor is an even bigger headache.
  • Let’s be honest: we’ve limited academic faculty support at the DNP project’s implementation stage. Throw in strict submission timelines plus a limited budget, and you’ve perfectly described disaster.
  • There’s as many evaluation criteria for DNP projects as are medical schools. Seems we’ll wait for another couple centuries before everybody reaches a consensus.
  • Newbies fumble with both the choice and use of QI measurement tools at the DNP project evaluation stage.
  • Other major challenges hindering successful completion of DNP projects include:
  • Choosing the best scholarly writing format
  • Problems with referencing techniques
  • Inability to develop practical research question(s) and an unsuitable DNP project topic choice
  • Inadequate faculty preparation, and
  • Presenting a sustainable, evidence-based practice research.

We offer tailored solutions to every DNP student who presses “ORDER NOW” including:

  • We supplement faculty support by offering intensive DNP project training and mentorship at no extra charge.
  • Expert writers who integrate tech tools with practical strategies to support your framework plans and the overall organization of the DNP project.
  • A task team for every order we receive, making sure your professor doesn’t wait for the DNP project paper submission.

GET YOUR DNP CAPSTONE PROJECT PAPER WRITTEN TODAY. HIRE A WRITER HERE.

5 Instances When You Need to Hire a Professional DNP Project Writer

Early on at lower medical levels, healthcare students can get away with average quality papers. Things turn immediately after DNP school; writing exceptional academic coursework is the rule. Topic choice mistakes, embarrassing misspells, or misrepresentation of medical facts, and citation errors will lead to heavy academic consequences.

After careful observation, here’s 5 warning signs that you need to hire a professional DNP project writer.

Scenario #1: A Looming Submission Deadline

Nurse school coursework, the endless lectures, ward rotations, and personal obligations can make you lose both time and your mind. As a rule, never allow a professor to hunt you down college hallways for delaying a DNP project paper. Instead of trusting scammers who’ll fail you at the last minute, press here and get timely, professional DNP practicum help.

Stop praying for a 26-hour-day because it’s not going to happen. Instead, quickly dial our experienced writing team. We let you focus on other pressing matters as we efficiently handle the DNP-EBP, ensuring timely delivery despite the constricting timelines!

We’ve delivered an A+ DNP project paper from scratch in a record 72 hours, and yours will be a top priority! Get a quotation for your DNP project NOW. 

Scenario #2: When Colleagues, Mentors, or Third Party Consultants Recommend Decisive Editing for Your First Draft

While rewriting may look like an easy thing, it’s the most intensive part of any DNP project paper. Luckily, we have hawk-eyed DNP editors and proofreaders who are native English speakers. These guys will polish your grammar to a high shine and frisk your first draft for field-specific informational inconsistencies. The result is a DNP capstone paper that screams excellence.

Our proofreaders, editors, and writers will create a new edge on your DNP project paper. Engage us today and let your DNP practicum submission click with the audience. If your DNP project paper needs redesigning, connect to our 24/7/365 help desk immediately!

Scenario #3: Some DNP Students Just Have to Hire a Writer

Let’s face it: there is a crowd out there that can’t put an academic paper together. You’re most welcome to buy a cheap custom DNP project paper instead of delegating. Any number of reasons could lead you to our inbox for nursing capstone help, including:

  • You’re stuck in a rut, and there’s no time for serious academic writing.
  • You don’t have fresh ideas, there’s no energy left in you, or writing just ain’t your thing. This doesn’t mean you’re incapable or are a lazy bum ~ DNP students are also human!
  • Previous experiences with your masters and undergraduate scholarly writing tells you to hire a pro for the big one. We pride ourselves in providing the most affordable, premium DNP writing

Scenario #4: Your Grades are at Stake

This one is a no-brainer. There’s no reason you should knowingly deny yourself an A+ grade, not at this level! A properly-written DNP project paper earns you top marks, much-deserved academic respect, and contributes to healthcare literature.

Our team of highly specialized niche writers know every trick to wow your assessor. A pro writer will help put your evidence-based research atop the class with duplicable, ethical, practical, and sustainable findings. Beyond assistance with writing the DNP capstone project paper, we help with viva voce preps.

Scenario #5: You Can’t Write Without Using AI

Yet another reason you should holla me immediately! An assessor sulks whenever they taste AI in a serious academic piece such as a DNP project paper. Methinks AI is for the plain lazy, and should feature in the infamous “academic integrity fails” together with plagiarism and poor referencing.

Nowadays, everyone seems to want some machine or bot to do things for them. However, professors want to read a human behind the screen, not some dry AI-generated stuff. Oh, you shouldn’t use GPT to make a DNP project paper outline (even if you indicate so in the bibliography).

One Last Reason You Should Hire Us

For the unlucky few whose DNP project papers were returned unmarked, there must’ve been glaring errors. It may be a diamond in the dirt, why not bring it to the jeweller for cutting and polishing? Subscribe to our DNP writing service today and let’s stencil your name in healthcare’s hall of fame!

Hire a Professional DNP Project Writer Today!

If you exhibit any or all of the 5 signs above, you need to hire a DNP project writing assistant immediately! Hiring a professional DNP project paper writing service is just what you’ve been missing. You have enough on the tray already, so let a DNP-qualified healthcare writer shoulder the heavy burden!

Get in touch TODAY and start polishing your shoes for graduation day!

Pathways to Becoming a DNP Nurse Practitioner in Canada and USA

So many clinicians write to us wanting to know the pathways to becoming a DNP nurse practitioner in Canada and USA. In this article, we’ll see seven different routes, their eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the duration of each course. I’ll go one further with tips to survive DNP school and how to translate into a medical doctor (MD).

Are you ready? Read through this guide and make an informed decision about your DNP aspirations!

Also read: Reasons to Earn DNP Degree

Let’s Start with Application for a DNP Program

According to AACN, American and Canadian medical schools admit their DNP nurse candidates from wide study and professional backgrounds. These steps will scrub you if a DNP program is in your aspirations:

  • Choose a university or a medical college AND the specific DNP course of your interest.
  • Check the enrollment eligibility criteria for the chosen school’s DNP program.
  • If you meet the thresholds, write a formal application. According to the chosen institution, a DNP application document may include;
  • A curriculum vitae.
  • A clear DNP goal statement.
  • Previous academic transcripts.
  • Certified copies of your nurse practitioner license.
  • Reliable references or recommendation letters.
  • Any other on-demand proof to ascertain your academic and skill levels.
  • Attend and pass an interview; either in-person or online.
  • The faculty’s Admissions Review Committee stage sifts your application through a fine sieve.
  • Once you’re approved, grab your books and join the qualified few for DNP lectures!

Common Admission Requirements for DNP

If you want to upgrade your nursing skills or career in Canada and the USA, do a CCNE– or ACEN-accredited DNP course. But before that, there’s the little matter of admission requirements and eligibility criteria.

Note that these admission requirements vary with universities, enrollment pathways, or the chosen DNP program. However, certain academic and skill expectations are fairly consistent, including:

#1: Most medical colleges only admit students to DNP programs if they’re MSN-qualified (Master of Nursing Science). A growing number is taking Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN) graduates directly into the DNP program. For skipping MSN, the latter take applicants through additional (bridging) coursework.

#2: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.5 ( grade B or better), with evidence of core nursing courses and statistics. Keep in mind AP credits are NOT acceptable.

#3: Some schools need to see your GRE scores, require a specific minimum GPA, and ask for recommendation letters besides the nursing licensure. Other institutions require DNP applicants to pass a background clinical placement check before letting you in.

Note: Whereas the GRE Score isn’t a mandatory admission requirement, many institutions would rather you submit it!

So, How Long Before I Graduate?

Depending on the program you choose and the pathway, a DNP can take anywhere from two years to four years. The table below shows the average completion times for different DNP entry pathways:

Entry Pathway and Mode of Study Pre-graduation Requirements Average Entry to Graduation Time
From MSN to Leadership-focused DNP (Online, Hybrid, or In-person) – Coursework in health systems and practice

– DNP capstone project

2 Years
In-person, Hybrid, or Online MSN to Clinical APRN – Core DNP curriculum

– DNP project

– Specialized coursework

– Clinical hours (fixed)

– Licensure exam(s) in your specialty

2 – 4 Years
Online and Hybrid BSN to DNP – DNP coursework

– Specialty coursework

– Clinical hours (flexible)

– Licensure assessment

– Capstone Project

3 years full-time, and upto 6 years part-time (depending on candidate or online institutional scheduling)
Direct Entry Programs

(Online, Physical, Hybrid)

– Bridging coursework

– Core nursing coursework

– Specialty coursework, Licensure tests, and Clinical hours (where applicable)

– DNP capstone project

4 years (minimum)

Fig 1.1: A table showing estimated graduation time against different DNP pathways in Canada and USA. (Source: AACN)

8 Pathways to Becoming a DNP Nurse Practitioner in Canada and USA

 These 7 routes depend on the degree(s) you have; and the status (or lack thereof) of your nursing license. Whether you’re looking to improve your salary, change careers, or specialize in a nursing field, here’s how:

❖     Direct Entry DNP (BSC,  MSC, and Others)

Don’t crush that healthcare dream because you didn’t make it to med school for a BSN, yet. Some 20-odd universities I know in North America offer direct DNP entry avenues. You can still become an in-demand nurse leader with a BSC or an MSN certificate!

This pathway is for non-clinical DNP professionals. You didn’t imagine doing ward rounds and all that after graduating from a biomedical technician college. Or did you?

All you need is a minimum bachelor’s degree – or higher – from an accredited institution with a 3.0+ GPA. A GRE is optional, and you also don’t need a nursing license! You’ll then sit out requisite healthcare bridging courses, something that’s going to cost you extra time and money.

❖    Take a Pre-licensure Route

Similar to direct entry, you first clear core nursing practice program courses. After the first five semesters, you take an NCLEX exam and become a licensed RN. Next, you take the advanced nursing generalist (Master of Science) and earn a generalist master of science in nursing title.

The final phase of the 107 credits is the normal DNP curriculum. This is the longest, most intensive, and expensive pathway to certification as a DNP practitioner one can take.

❖     Post-Master’s DNP (MSN to DNP)

This is the most conventional route. Simply earn an accredited MSN degree, and automatically enroll for a DNP specialty. It’s also the shortest pathway to a culminating clinical career as you’ll take two short years (full-time)!

❖     Skip the MSN Bit – Jump from a BSN Directly to a DNP!

There are more than 300 schools in the USA alone ready to move you from a BSN directly to a DNP program. You can cut the two years of an MSN certification to a short eight months. This pathway is also prime for nurses with a BSN and a non-clinical Masters. But they won’t let you go on without prerequisite MSN coursework.

❖     Earn Your DNP Partly (Hybrid) or Fully Online!

According to an  AACN report, 72% of PhD nurse graduates earned their degrees partly or fully online in 2022. Although you can’t do online clinical hours or miss the DNP capstone project, everything else is flexible. This pathway is best for nurses already at work but wish to further their studies.

Statistics Corner

Only 9% of DNP students take a full in-person course in Canada!

❖     From FNP Nurse to a Doctorate APRN

Those Family Nurse Practitioners taking care of your family at the local clinic can take online classes and become DNP. Because they are masters’ and doctorally prepared, FNPs only need a licensure certification exam in their state or province. After obtaining a nurse license, one can choose a specialization path and run away with a DNP certificate!

❖     And Lastly, Transform that RN into a DNP!

An ambitious RN with enough clinical hours but no bachelor’s degree can apply for a DNP course of their interest. In Canada, for example, there’s two streams to do this:

  • A yearlong, full-time Post-Master’s Certificate (PHCNP).
  • Other students opt for a Master of Nursing-Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (MN-PHCNP) which takes at least 2 years (full-time).

Before admission, you must meet the following basic qualifications:

  • 112 course credits (70 credits in nursing specialty knowledge, and 42 in general education).
  • An accredited associate nursing degree with Grade B or better, plus a mandatory Statistics course (AP credits DON’T apply).
  • An updated RN nurse practitioner license.

Can I go from DNP to a Registered MD?

Yes, you can go from being DNP to becoming a registered MD. It’d come down to whatever med school prerequisite courses you’ve taken in nursing school, and your tenacity.

Depending on the specialty the applicant doctor wants, you may have to start with undergraduate med school. After attaining the prerequisite coursework, take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Next, apply for an MD program that interests you in a university of choice.

Changing from DNP to MD takes four full-time years of study and the mandatory residency years depending on your state. The whole translation means 7-8 years of coursework despite the long journey to becoming a DNP.

Tips to Survive DNP School

Here’s 16 tips to help you keep your sanity during the DNP college years:

1) Never fall behind on either coursework or capstone projects. Professors at this level don’t take excuses.

2) Make friends, but don’t compare yourself to any of them.

3) Invest in quality DNP learning resources and online DNP assistance services for DNP coursework help services.

4) Start planning using a calendar and stick to deadlines. If you’re a spendthrift, prepare and follow a budget. Years have a way of becoming shorter once you start!

5) Search for your clinical site as early as the next day after admission.

7) Get the most out of lectures, campus life, and clinical practice. It’s these cumulative experiences that’ll determine who you become in your career.

8) Always be proactive, inquisitive, and never give up. Make use of credible online support services and resources like our free DNP project topic ideas .

11) Enroll and participate in professional nurse forums. Join nursing associations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, NP Association for Continuing Education (NPACE), International Council for Nurse Practitioners, and other online nursing platforms.

12) Create some “me-time” amidst all the turmoil. Eat healthy, and get enough zzz’s – it helps, I tell you!

13) Know your DNP program’s requirements and prioritize your schedule. Set personal goals. Keep your focus on the ultimate graduation party!

16) Place value on constructive feedback from peers, mentors, and especially from instructors.

17) Must ensure you hire expert DNP project writers to assist you write high quality DNP proposal and project

Don’t Wait Any Longer!

Now that you’ve known the different pathways to becoming a DNP nurse practitioner in Canada and USA, start looking for a college pronto! Upon completion of the 2-6 years of DNP, you have a chance at  translating into a medical doctor. Use the invaluable tips in this article to help you survive clinical coursework.

See y’all at the graduation square!

13 Commonly Used Quality Improvement Models for DNP Projects

Most Commonly Used Quality Improvement Models for DNP Projects and Nursing Scholarly Projects

Healthcare students choose a quality improvement methodology depending on what and why they’re looking to improve scholarly processes. Today’s article dwells on 13+ most commonly used quality improvement models in DNP projects and other nursing scholarly projects. For each, I’ll detail the respective measurement and evaluation tools.

The 4 Core Quality Improvement Metrics

There are four metrics that measure the effectiveness of changes leading to quality improvement, namely:

  • The Structure (infrastructure, facilities, and physical equipment).
  • Process of improvement / activities.
  • Measurable and predicted Outcomes 
  • Balance: negative, unintentional impacts on another part of the nursing project.

What are the 4 P’s of Quality Improvement?

An effective assessment framework must holistically address the four dimensions of quality (the 4 Ps) which are:

  • The final Product, which is the nursing scholarly paper.
  • The Processes used to develop the above product.
  • The People (project team) involved, And
  • The Propellers (enablers) of high quality products and processes.

The Best Approach to Nursing Quality Improvement (QI) Processes

A good QI framework is consistent, provides common thinking, and offers a universal language for the project team. According to ResearchGate.net® the following stepwise approach yields the best quality improvement results for healthcare projects.

A Six-Step Quality Improvement Process Workflow

  • Identify the area of the process to improve. Discuss and understand the bundle element in the context of your units.
  • Gather data on current process performance. What do you want to achieve? How much? By when?
  • Analyze data and sort out root causes of problems.
  • An approval of the quality improvement framework bound by rigorous data analysis and empirical findings.
  • Design and build improved process solutions. How will you measure the benefits? (Driver diagram / action plans / success communication strategies).
  • Pilot the improved process. Experiment! Be creative and change ideas using the Test and Learn

The Six Pillars of Nursing Project Quality Improvement

Every nursing scholarly project stands on all of these six pillars.

  • Avoids harm and is safe for all participants.
  • Is effective, evidence based, and appropriate.
  • Respectful and responsive to individual needs (people-centered).
  • An effective QI process is timely.
  • Avoids waste, i.e it is highly efficient.
  • Provides an equal chance (equitable) at similar outcomes regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location of the participants.

Importance of Quality Improvement Frameworks to Nursing Scholarly Projects

You may ask yourself why nursing students use quality improvement models for their scholarly projects. Here are two strong reasons.

Reason #1: QI Frameworks Help the Nursing Project Team to Focus

One, QI models provide healthcare researchers with a step-by-step guide to identify focus areas. It therefore helps the team to design improvement ideas and to schedule their implementation. A QI framework adjusts the project, keeping it within the local context and health community systems.

Reason #2: A Functional Framework Standardizes Nursing Research Procedures

Quality improvement seeks to standardize processes and the entire nursing project structure. In return, this reduces results variation. It’s a path to predictable research findings, thereby improving outcomes for patients, healthcare systems, and whole medical institutions.

13+ Most Commonly Used Quality Improvement Models for DNP Projects & other Nursing Scholarly Projects in 2025

Before you start a project, choose a guiding improvement framework(s) that provides unbiased feedback on your progress. The 14 Quality Improvement Models for DNP Projects below are the most commonly used for nursing scholarly projects. Check out Number 9!

1. Business Process Management (BPM)

The latter-day Business Process Management model feeds on:

  • The 1970’s Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy which largely remains relevant to this day.
  • Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) alongside the Six Sigma model that successfully merges QI processes with statistical quality control techniques.

The original BPM model builds on three traditions – Quality Control, IT, and Management – to simplify industrial engineering. The healthcare version uses CQI & TQM functions for non-clinical management at the organizational level.

Important Note: 

Only some limited, unsustainable, small-scale improvements in clinical areas use BPM methodologies.

2.  Donabedian’s Framework for Quality Improvement

Donabedian (1966) believes that the three components of measurement breed an additional ingredient: balancing measures. According to this philosophy, the structure affects the processes. In turn, these two influence the model’s outcome measures.

3. Kaizen’s QI Model in Healthcare Scholarly Projects

In healthcare, Kaizen belongs to Lean quality improvement philosophies, which emphasize small, continuous improvements throughout the project. Each small change brings a minor improvement. Cumulatively, these micro improvements coalesce into significant efficiency, safety, quality, and workplace culture milestones.

4. The Fishbone Framework

The Fishbone framework runs on a cause analysis tenet. It is the spinal column of “the seven finest quality improvement tools” in nursing research projects.

The five-prong fishbone diagram – also known as an Ishikawa Diagram – identifies varying possible causes for a single effect / problem. In a brainstorming session, this is a perfect tool to sort random ideas into meaningful categories.

The Fishbone methodology separates the project problem from provisions, procedures, patrons, and the measurement environment. Through this tool, nursing project teams answer the 4 fundamental Ws of QI research: What, Why, When, and Where to improve.

5. The 5S Methodology of Quality Improvement

The 5S system improves a healthcare scholarly project’s efficiency by eliminating waste. To maintain an organized work environment, nursing researchers should:

  • Earmark and Sort out areas that need change.
  • Set the change process in order.
  • Polish and Shine the transformation.
  • Standardize improvement procedures.
  • Sustain the improvements during the scholarly project.

6.  Total Quality Management Strategy

In medical studies, TQM ensures the project team works towards a common goal of improving research procedures and the final report. The increased need to raise research quality stems from faculty regulations, nursing academia demands, and trending hospital management initiatives.

Application of the SERVQUAL technique in TQM frameworks help nursing researchers to satisfy both the project assessors and end consumers of the scholarly report.

7.  The Famous Six Sigma Model

Also known as the “Zero Defects” framework, Six Sigma expects a 99.99966% error-free success in all nursing scholarly projects. The research defect levels stay sub-3.4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO).

In medical research, Six Sigma blends well with other QI frameworks to help you meet strict faculty research requirements. Through this model, hospitals can send out nurses to study their niche products and services with an aim to improve or sustain them.

Important Alert!

The DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify) strategy isn’t applicable in nursing scholarly projects. Use the “Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control” (DMAIC) approach to improve existing processes and procedures instead.

8.  The PDCA Quality Improvement Framework

PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) cycle is a four-step model for carrying out nursing scholarly project changes. The framework is a go-to technique in the initial planning stages of your research.

The cyclic nature of the PDCA model perfectly complements the Kaizen framework.

9. The Lean QI Model in Healthcare Research

Lean quality improvement strategy improves both the quality and safety of a healthcare project by standardizing work practices and driving out avoidable waste (“muda” in Japanese).

The Lean model identifies 8 types of waste, namely:

  • Transportation
  • Motion
  • Over processing
  • Inventory
  • Waiting
  • Overproduction
  • Skills
  • Defects

There are 8 Lean tools to help you identify & eliminate waste in nursing project processes and procedures, namely:

  1. The A3 Report
  2. 5S Technique
  3. Bottleneck Analysis
  4. Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Approach
  5. Jidoka Method
  6. Kaizen Strategy
  7. Kanban Technique
  8. Poka-Yoke

10. Rapid Cycle Improvement (RCI) Model in Nursing Research

True to its name, Rapid-Cycle Improvement performs rapid, multiple PDCA cycles for a small target group in a 90-day initiative. Rather than the standard 8 – 12 months, you plan, execute, measure, and entrench transformations in less than three months.

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, RCI is a “quality improvement method that identifies, implements and measures changes made to improve a process or a system.”

Very Important!

Nursing researchers, be alert for “scope creep”. To overcome this malady, conduct multiple cycles of PDCA whilst improving processes.

11. Model for Improvement Framework

This one comes in two doses. Phase One sets the project aims, establishes measures, and selects an appropriate intervention. The second phase runs these interventions in real-life research settings using the PDSA cycle (See Number 12 below).

  • Phase One Activities

Ask yourself this: What changes will equal quality improvement? What do I want to accomplish? How long until I know whether a transition means an improvement?

The most scholarly way to answer these questions in a nursing project is through the sequence below.

  • Set Specific Goals

Use the SMART goal format to set the aims. Each objective should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

  • Establish Measures

As a critical part of testing and implementing changes, measures inform the team if a change is effective. Measurement tells nursing researchers whether the transformation translates to an improvement in quality.

  • Select an Intervention

First discover the root cause of your problem by conducting a Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

The project team can agree to use any tool(s) below for an RCA.

  • Cause and Effect Diagrams (See The Fishbone Framework above)
  • Driver Diagrams
  • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
  • Pareto Charts.
  • Phase Two Events

This is where the PDSA cycle comes in, something I’ll discuss immediately below.

12. The PDSA Approach to Nursing Scholarly Projects

Before you carry through the interventions in your nursing scholarly project, test small process changes using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle.

Plan. Start by identifying stakeholders. Next, build your project team. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) framework recommends a representative from the three levels of expertise: system leadership, technical experts, and day-to-day leaders. Decide who’s going to do what, when, and the resources they’ll need.

Do it! Cautiously set the interventions in motion on a small scale. Collect and document critical improvement data.

Study the data for results after implementation. Compare the findings to your initial predictions using a graph or chart such as a control chart, histogram, run chart, or a scatter diagram.

Act on what you’ve learned. Did it work? Adopt the change. Not quite to your expectations? Adapt by starting another PDSA cycle. Abandon the darn thing if there’s no observable improvement, or the outcomes are negative.

13. The Hybrid Lean Six Sigma QI Framework

For optimal results, use a hybrid of Lean and Six Sigma frameworks in nursing scholarly projects. Although there are core differences, the two models have complementary underlying philosophies.

Lean Six Sigma targets both waste and defects in all components of your nursing project!

Another Important Note…

Any tool in Model for Improvement, Six Sigma, and Lean frameworks apply. The best way is to use a balanced mixture!

14. Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Model

Improvement combines two popular QI models: Total Quality Management (TQM) and Rapid-Cycle Improvement (RCI)

Standard Definition of Common Quality Improvement Tools

Histogram: The most common graphical representation for showing frequency distributions or how often each different value occurs in a set of data.

Pareto Chart: A bar graph that shows which factors are more significant than others.

Scatter Diagram: A graph with pairs of numerical data (one variable on each axis) that looks for a relationship between the two data sets.

Driver Diagram: A visual display of a team’s theory of what contributes to the achievement of a nursing scholarly project’s aims.

SWOT Analysis: An analysis tool that evaluates the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity, and Time.

Get DNP Project Assistance for Best Quality Improvement Framework

Do you confuse between theoretical framework and quality improvement framework? then you need to hire expert DNP project writer to write your QI framework for your DNP project. Expert Writing Help is a specialist DNP project writing service that has extensive experience spanning over 13 years assisting DNP students in US and Canadian nursing schools write excellent quality improvement projects. Our writers are have extensively used the following QI models in their projects that include: fishbone framework, PDSA approach, PDCA quality improvement framework  and six sigma approach. 

Talk to us today for assistance

Related articles

Mastering Research Methodologies for DNP Projects

Nursing Leadership Practicum Project Ideas

9 Tips To Ace your DNP Project Oral Defense

Now that you have a well written DNP project and PowerPoint presentation slides it is time to present your project. Oral defense is a near final step in your pursuit of DNP degree journey. It is less than one hour activity that determines if you partially fulfill the requirements to earn the coveted DNP degree. It offers you unique platform to demonstrate ability to synthesize, translate and apply clinical knowledge into practice, which are vital skills in DNP practice. In your DNP project oral defense you will be required to show mastery in your chosen research topic, deep understanding of the chosen clinical nursing scope and effectively communicate the findings and patient outcomes to the DNP committee.

Key DNP Project Oral Defense Expectation

Is this your first time to do an oral defense? Then you might be wondering what the chair and DNP committee expects from me during the defense. Based on my prior experience as a DNP tutor your final oral defense should focus on chapter 4 (results and findings) and chapter 5(Discussion, Conclusion, recommendation and future research). Be able to connect the results and findings to your research questions and explain how your results answer the research questions and hypothesis and support your conclusion and recommendations.

 

However, if you are at proposal stage, your defense should address chapter 1 (Introduction), chapter 2 (literature review) and chapter 3 (research methodology). In this case, your defense should able to show how your DNP research will fill the existing research gap and enhance patient care outcomes.

Our DNP project writing service will provide you with excellent tips on preparations to successfully pass your DNP Project Oral Defense

Tips To Ace your DNP Project Oral Defense

You’ve probably been to a crass DNP viva voce which made you cringe. Avoid embarrassing yourself before the committee by learning these actionable tips to ace through DNP oral defense.

 

It’s two short hours before the curtain falls on a tedious study program littered with tomes of clinical books and a nerve-racking DNP project. Make the years of midnight reading count when you take to the podium.

 

Also See: Excellent Tips to Master the Art of Nursing Capstone Paper Writing

Tip #1: Open the DNP Project Oral Defense With a Compelling Statement.

Choose an opening statement that grabs the attention of every professor in the room. Perch in their spotlight, and don’t budge until they are convinced you know your stuff. The following is a sample template of a memorable expository.

 

“Welcome to the DNP project defense on ( title of your capstone paper ) this morning / afternoon. On the podium is ( your full name ) If you ask around college, they’ll also tell you ( a brief description of your academic background and occupation ) Thank you for attending, and may we please begin.”

 

Tip #2: Approach the Mic With a Structured Format

After earning the ear of your audience, clearly explain the logic behind your research statement choice. Ponder on the DNP project’s significance to clinical practice and dive deep into the theoretical framework of your study. Whet the appetites of the audience with solid justification to your methodology and the extent of your findings.

 

Impress the DNP oral defense committee with a deliberate show of deep, contextual understanding of the research question. Roll out the key DNP project issues in a logical, concise, and fluid narration.

 

Remember This!

Before the dreaded Q&A session, settle any anticipated questions by structuring your presentation around the question areas.

Tip #3:  Know Your Research Inside Out

Know your DNP capstone paper by rote. Be vigilant of any new developments in your area of clinical research and be sure to highlight it. The last thing a good ole’ professor wants is listening to a discordant DNP oral defense from what they read in your final project paper!

 

In as much as you are defending your DNP research, subtly communicate a willingness to learn and improve. It’s a hint to a great DNP practitioner in the future.

Ensure you are conversant with every detail of your research methodology and be prepared to explain every aspect. This include: research design, research methods, data collection instruments, data analysis tools, ethical considerations and limitations.

Keep in mind that this is an examination, albeit oral.

Tip #4: Simulate a DNP Oral Defense and Prepare Essential Materials

Create a mock DNP oral defense with your peers and project team supervisor. Let them cosplay the committee as you make your presentation. A simulation helps you to sharpen public speaking skills, improve time management, and to build confidence in readiness for the real deal.

 

Remember that cliché about 1000 words for a single visual? Make your DNP oral defense a visually-engaging event. My advice is to focus your slides on methodology, key findings, and recommendations segments of your research.

 

Practice spoken and non-verbal communication skills, solicit objective criticism, and incorporate it in your final presentation. Make your DNP oral defense visually engaging. Test every piece of equipment you’ll need before the big day!

Here are some of the common DNP project oral defense questions you can anticipate from your panel. Practice answering them today

  1. Take us through the research design of your study?
  2. Give us a step by step approach of your research methodology?
  3. Why did you choose the stated methodology for your study?
  4. Are there discrepancies between your findings and previous researches?
  5. What limitations did you have during your research and how did you overcome them?
  6. What was your sample size and how did you arrive at your sample size?
  7. Is your research generalizable? And if not why?
  8. Walk us through the data collection and analysis phases?
  9. Discuss the ethical considerations in your research and how you overcame them?
  10. Do you think your research has clinical implications in nursing practice?
  11. How do you intend to disseminate your findings to other nurses?
  12. Recommend future research areas based on your research findings
  13. Identify key stakeholders who can benefit from your research besides patients

Tip #5: Focus on The Audience

Know your audience, and factor them in the DNP oral defense. The whole sense of the occasion is to convince them, anyways. When a particular professor crowds you, you’ll know how to answer them in short, laser-like answers and in the most confident way.

 

Maintain eye contact and use formal body language. A little stage fright is normal, and a bead of cold sweat means you’re doing fine already. Engage the professors throughout the DNP oral defense without ceding control.

 

Overall, focus on engaging the audience. Demonstrate confidence and an ability to think critically throughout the DNP oral defense.

Tip #6: Get Ready for Questions

If you sneak in on a public DNP oral defense in your discipline, you’ll soak in lots of expected (and obvious) questions. Some supervisors will hint at pertinent questions for your specific DNP oral defense. I advise you to subtly solicit for the questions from your instructors.

 

Contextual questions devour  the hourglass. They also present unexpected, discomforting moments during the oral defense. Get ready for them.

 

Sample this calm response when answering a contextual DNP oral defense question:

“ I’m not sure the project concerned itself with your question, but this study led me to Dr. A.N Other.  Based on their evidence, I would confidently conclude….”

Tip #7: Manage Time Effectively

Practice ensures that you deliver the DNP oral defense within the allocated time. Too little time on the podium means under-preparation. Stretching allocated time is an indicator of one too many digressions.

 

Make your 1-or-2 hours of fame count. Set aside enough minutes in your DNP oral defense schedule for the Q&A session. A good simulation and practice will effectively sort this out.

Tip # 8: Articulate the Significance of Your DNP Project

It’s why you are here in the first place – to publicly showcase the impact of your research to real-world clinical practice. Demonstrate the impact of your project outcomes on shaping the future of nursing, while recognizing and addressing the encountered limitations. Use the DNP oral defense as a platform to highlight the symbolic importance of your expertise.

Tip #9 : Dress, Speak, and Behave Formal

A DNP oral defense is a formal event. Appear in formal wear, speak formal, and use formal non-verbal communication. Nursing practice is best carried out in formal etiquette.

 

While addressing the never-lacking DNP oral defense inquisitors, remain calm. Listen carefully to their questions. Ask for clarification where necessary. Respond honestly and if possible, cite examples from the particular interrogator’s research.

Wrap Up

Acing the DNP oral defense requires meticulous planning and deliberate preparation for a winning presentation. Embrace objective feedback, stay composed, and highlight your contributions.

Approach your DNP project oral defense as an opportunity to shine. Always provide clear examples to support your answers and amplify your points. Stay calm and demonstrate mastery of your topic.

Best of luck on the podium!

Mastering Research Methodologies for DNP Projects

A staggering majority of nursing students struggle with mastering research methodologies for DNP projects. Arriving at a project  design that covers your main objectives requires more than just clinical expertise, as you’ll see in this article.

How can you leverage a robust research strategy to impact patient care in the real world?

We will assess the validity, quality, and reliability of a winning methodology and ensure your choice aligns with the research question.

 

Next, we will evaluate the chosen research method to identify any weaknesses, strengths, ethical limitations, and their impact on your findings and conclusions.

 

Tip: Seek feedback from your comrades, supervisors, or nursing authorities to improve your choice of research methodology.

 

In this article, I’ll walk you through three broad categories of research methodologies. I’ll show you how to pick an appropriate approach for your project, and we will discuss ethical considerations for a DNP research.

 

I’ll also offer exclusive insights on overcoming challenges in your study and highlight ways to carry out a successful DNP project.

 

 

Our experts can assist you with a matching research methodology to transform your vision into impactful healthcare solutions. Click here.

Understanding DNP Project Research

DNP Project Versus Traditional Research

Many people ask me whether DNP projects are similar to traditional research. My answer is no.

 

According to a publication by the Western Carolina University, a PhD research project/ dissertation is focused on creating new, generalizable knowledge within the scope and practice of original research.  A DNP project is focused on using evidence/ research to address health care problems. Outcomes from DNP projects are transferable but are not considered generalizable.

 

It is, therefore, vital to make an informed choice of methodology to answer your DNP research question in a clear, credible, and ethical way.

The Scope of DNP Projects

At its core, a DNP project is a supervised, high-level problem-solving process. A unique methodology helps you evaluate the present situation, identify problems, and use evidence to develop a sustainable solution that  impacts patient care and outcomes.

DNP Project Components

You’ll be expected to follow a structured process in developing, implementing, and disseminating the findings from an evidence-based DNP research methodology.

 

Be ready to continuously work in a team throughout the DNP project.  Also, keep an uninterrupted contact with the project’s teammates. Share every development in your research with

the team leader.

 

Don’t do things on impulse. Outline a contractual timeline with the DNP project team. Lay down deadlines for important phases of the project.

 

Once the DNP project outline and research methodologies have been approved by the institution, it is now time to start off with your investigations.

 

See also “Excellent Tips to Master the Art of Capstone Paper Writing”

Expectations of a DNP Project

The main focus of your DNP project is to draw recommendations which drive impactful change in healthcare, either directly or indirectly. A well-thought research methodology charts a path for investigating and implementing better quality, ethical, and sustainable patient care practice in the real world.

Practical Application of DNP Research

Worthwhile DNP research develops knowledge about health. Choose a methodology that promotes the health of patients and persons living with disabilities.

 

Winning DNP research methodologies aim at adding value to daily nursing activities in a bid to improve the quality of healthcare services.

Impacts of Research Methodology on Project Outcomes

An unreliable DNP research method produces unreliable results. Consequently, the value of your analyzed findings is adulterated. Choose a method that exhaustively covers your approved research question in an ethical process.

Contribution of Methodology to Evidence-Based Practice

For every DNP project, there is a considerable amount of actual and potential wastage in research. A comprehensive, evidence-based design ensures worthwhile and valuable research outcomes.

 

In this section, I’ll discuss evidence-based research methodology approaches that lead to better nursing practice.

 

Do you need help to formulate a working research methodology for your DNP project? Hire our DNP Project Writers Now

 

Review prior research to inform your DNP question. Work with a design that wholesomely answer your project statement. A dedicated methodology responds to the study in a valid, efficient, verifiable, and accessible manner.

 

Evidence-based research methodologies minimize the chances of unnecessary and irrelevant DNP projects that are unscientific, wasteful, and unethical.

Key Research Methodologies for DNP Projects

Explore practical DNP research methodologies for projects in your field by reading intensively. An extensive review of approaches in other disciplines will equip you with precious knowledge of  requisite design tools.

Types of Research Methodologies

Clinical research designs fall into four broad categories: quantitative research, qualitative methodologies, mixed-method approach, and holistic (interdisciplinary) methods.

Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative DNP research methodology focuses on measuring variables using a numerical system. Obtained data is then measured using any of a variety of statistical models.

There are two ways to measure quantitative statistics for your DNP research:

  • Descriptive Statistics (a snapshot of the data’s features which calculates measures like mean, mode, and the median)
  • Inferential Statistics (makes informed inferences about what the clinical data mean.)

Quantitative research methods report cause-effect relationships and associations among the studied variables. You’ll focus on gathering and analyzing numerical data in order to understand and explain clinical phenomena.

The process can take the form of a survey, a descriptive, an experiential, a correlational, or a causal-comparative style.

On the surface, this strategy looks similar to true experiments.

Design Considerations

  • Descriptive Research.
  • Correlational Research.
  • Quasi-experimental (Causal-Comparative) Research Design.
  • Survey Research.

How to Collect Quantitative Research Data

You can use any (or a custom combination) of the following methods to collect quantitative data for your DNP project:

  1. Controlled observations
  2. Surveys (online surveys, telephone interviews, questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, polls)
  3. Longitudinal studies and experiments.

 

Note: Surveys are the most common because they’re  simple, effective, and return the highest completion rates. They can be deployed both online and offline to reach a broad spectrum of participants.

Statistical Analysis Techniques

Based on your DNP project objectives and design, you can use any of the following analysis tools to process quantitative data.

  • Paired-samples T Test
  • Fisher’s Exact Test
  • Descriptive Statistics
  • Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, or
  • Chi-Squared (X²) Test
  • SPSS, Stata, SAS, and R, Python, MATLAB, JMP, MS Excel (software)

In case you experience challenges analyzing data, it is advisable to contact our statisticians for DNP data analysis help for a small fee.

Qualitative Research Methods

If you intend to immerse yourself in the perspectives, stories, behaviors, and the feelings of your DNP research participants, I recommend a qualitative research methodology.

 

Qualitative research methodologies are known for deeper, more detailed, and holistic understanding of the DNP project question. They help you understand the participant’s patterns of health behaviors and their illness experiences.

 

As a DNP student, this methodology makes it easier to design clinical interventions and to develop substantive healthcare theories. You’ll generate rich data through qualitative descriptions and the insightful patient context.

Approaches and Methodologies

Examples of qualitative methods employed in nursing research include:

  • Grounded Theory
  • Phenomenology
  • Case Study
  • Ethnography, and
  • Qualitative Description

 

Each of the approaches above has inherent assumptions and purposes. Choose a method(s) based on how closely they answer your DNP research question.

 

Wise Choice: Grounded theory, phenomenology and ethnography are three most common approaches used in DNP research.

 

A historical study is the ideal choice for studies that involve extensive examination of the past (people, events and documents.) Contact our expert researchers for more info. Click here

Data Gathering Techniques

There are a variety of qualitative data collection methods you can use in your DNP research. They include observations, textual or visual analysis (books and videos), and individual or group interviews.

 

The most common methods of qualitative data collection for healthcare research are focus groups and interviews.

Data Analysis Methods

For qualitative DNP research data analysis, I highly recommend the Chi-Squared (X²) Tests due to their high level of objectivity. Software such as QDA Miner, Intellectual Statistics, MS Excel, and SPSS are easy-to-use analysis tools.

 

Other methods you can use to analyze qualitative DNP research data include:

  • Coding (labeling and organizing data to identify different themes and the relationships between them)
  • Content analysis
  • Narrative analysis.
  • Discourse analysis.
  • Thematic analysis.
  • Grounded Theory, or
  • Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

Mixed-method Approach

To substantively answer your DNP research question, use a blended research methodology. The results will yield multiple ways to overcome your chosen research problem.

 

Individually, qualitative and quantitative methodologies give answers to different aspects of your DNP research statement. When you combine them, they deliver deeper, more fulfilling, and rewarding results.

 

Overly, quantitative data is better at answering questions like ‘What is the effect?’  Qualitative research methodologies, on the other hand, explain how and why you got those results. Use a blend of the two approaches in the formative and summative stages of your DNP project.

 

The benefits of using a mixed research methodology include:

  1. You’ll balance out the limitations of an individual method.
  2. Provides a wide-angle view, leading to stronger evidence and more confidence in your DNP research findings.
  3. A mixed approach yields granular results compared to individual methodologies.

 

It is not all rosy to use a mixed method, though. First, this approach is complex to implement. Secondly, it is resource-intensive compared to a single methodology.

 

Make the Right Methodology Choice ! Depending on your DNP research statement, using a blend of quantitative and qualitative components is the most appropriate formula.

Interdisciplinary (Holistic) Approach

This DNP research methodology travels beyond the boundaries of a single discipline. The intention is to interlink different aspects of your study in brewing a composite result for your project.

 

A holistic methodology encourages collaboration between experts from diverse fields in the nursing profession, all working in sync. The result is an exhaustive solution to the DNP question drawn from diverse schools of thought.

 

According to Allen F. Repko, an educator and author on interdisciplinary research methods, this is a heuristic (individually discovering information), iterative (repetitive), and reflexive (looking back to eliminate bias) approach.

 

Learning Point: The holistic process includes specifying a problem or question, deciding on disciplines, conducting research, and synthesizing, or coherently blending and organizing, the information.

 

Advantages of this research method are:

  • It reaches a larger audience
  • Holistic research can inspire new trains of thought and questioning
  • Motivates DNP students and helps build their critical thinking skills.

 

See also “Excellent Tips to Master the Art of Capstone Paper Writing

 

Do not let the choice of a research methodology customized for your DNP project stall you. Place an order with us!

Incorporating Patient Perspectives

I know you’re thinking ‘Why is PPIE important in DNP project research?’

 

Well, PPIE involves patients and the public in DNP research decisions. What we do, how we interpret, and how we communicate our analysis are all guided by the patient.

 

PPIE ensures that DNP research is done in accordance with the ethical principle of ‘nothing about us, without us’. Your clinical expertise, combined with the best available scientific evidence, lets you provide patients with the options they need.

 

“Patients can’t have a preference if they aren’t given a choice, and they can’t make that choice if they aren’t presented with all options.”

Tailoring Research Methodologies to DNP Projects

Choose a research design unique to the DNP project statement. Take time to prioritize the desired implications of your research methodology on the final results.

 

You can settle on a combination of methodologies with the most satisfying answers to your study question and work with it.

Considerations for Selecting an Appropriate Methodology

Choose a DNP research design that matches your research question.

 

As seen earlier, different approaches have different strengths and limitations. My advice is to stick with a blend that balances out individual methodology weaknesses.

 

Example: If you’re researching the experiences or perceptions of a phenomenon, opt for a qualitative design such as an ethnographic study. When testing a hypothesis or measuring the effect of an intervention, choose a quantitative design such as a randomized controlled trial. A mixed-method research is good for integrating or comparing different types of research question data.

Aligning Methodologies with Project Goals and Objectives

Before arriving at a research methodology, align it with the study question. This simple trick ensures coherence and consistency between your DNP research objectives and the approach used to achieve them.

 

By aligning your research statement with the design, every DNP project team member becomes more efficient and effective during the research process. In return, your findings will be more accurate and reliable.

 

A clear research outline only comes about if your DNP research methodology tallies with your project question. Different research methodologies use specific ways of collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.

 

Your peers don’t know this yet: matching a DNP research question with an appropriate methodology promotes replicability and comparability. Beat them all at accumulation of knowledge, validation of research findings, and advancement of the nursing field as a whole with this insight!

 

Did You Know? By aligning the DNP research statement with a good design, you can tailor data collection instruments, sampling techniques, and statistical analyses to address the research question effectively.

 

DNP research statements that snugly fit in your choice methodology improves the coherence of your capstone paper. Your nursing instructor is looking for a connection between the project question, the objectives, and the underlying theoretical framework in a flowing final paper.

Tips for Selecting the Most Suitable Methodology Based on Project Goals

  • Continuous learning and professional development.
  • Engaging in collaborative research opportunities.
  • Seeking guidance from experienced DNP researchers.

Overcoming Challenges in DNP Project Research

All DNP projects face a myriad of challenges in planning, during implementation, and at the summative evaluation stages. The severity and solutions to the hurdles discussed below are unique to individual DNP researchers.

Common Obstacles in Healthcare Research

  • Challenges with Planning.

These can be effectively eliminated by drawing project timelines, creating roadmaps, and setting clear goals.

  • Implementation Obstacles.

Easily addressed by clinical-academic mentor support programs and/ or toolkits.

  • Evaluation Strategies.

They include appraisal tools, evaluation techniques, and data mining.

  • Sample selection (should be top on the list for many, I know!)
  • Resources (time, human resources, financial, and infrastructural.)

 

Strategies for Diverse and Inclusive Participant Recruitment

Manage the challenges specific to your DNP project through:

  • Rigorous planning and protocol development
  • Continuous design reflection and adaptation
  • Using digital technologies and a blend of methodologies for data collection and analysis.

It’s important to understand the role of mentorship in guiding your clinical research

Ethical Considerations for DNP Research

Every clinical research operates within a set of principles that guide its research designs and practices.

 

Your main concerns for the DNP research design are:

  1. Voluntary subject participation
  2. Informed consent for all participants.
  3. Research respondent anonymity
  4. Confidentiality
  5. Least or zero potential for harm
  6. Communication of results.

 

Very Important: The ICNE insists on five ethical principles of international nursing research: respect for persons, beneficence, justice, respect for community, and contextual caring.

 

Some ethical methodology principles such as informed consent, the dignity and privacy of research subjects, voluntary participation, and protection from harm apply across all types of research.

 

There are hundreds of  ethical restrictions for nursing research designs. However, these five ethical principles are considered foundational:

  1. Respect for autonomy (self-determination)
  2. Beneficence (do good)
  3. Nonmaleficence (do no harm)
  4. Justice (fairness), and
  5. Fidelity (keep promises) and veracity (tell the truth).

 

How, then, do you get the institution to approve your DNP research methodology in line with their ethical priorities?

 

First, ensure your approach clearly communicates potential benefits and risks of participating. Secondly, inform your supervisor and participants how long the DNP research will take. Third, give all your contact information and those of the supervisor/ sponsor to the subjects.

 

Lastly, reiterate the participant’s right to withdraw from your DNP project at any time without retribution.

 

Ethical norms in DNP research methodologies promote the core aims of study: knowledge, avoidance of error, and truth.

 

Remember: Ethical DNP research prohibitions against fabricating, falsifying, plagiarizing, or misrepresenting findings promotes truth and significantly minimizes clinical study errors.

Insights in Practical Application of DNP Research Methodologies

Before you zero in on a research methodology for your DNP project, answer the following questions.

 

Does the chosen methodology conform to current healthcare trends? Can you use integrated technology for data collection and analysis? Is the approach community-engaging, and what are its implications for the future of DNP research?

 

Things to Ponder: Your DNP research methodology should accommodate the use of big data and analytics. Look out for emerging methodologies and software in nursing research. Keep an updated list of ethical considerations in clinical projects.

Parting Shot

I urge you to sharpen your research skills by attending workshops and signing up for short courses on DNP project methods. Grab mentorship opportunities for hands-on experience in DNP project approaches. Constantly consult experts. Review clinical research methods and ethics with an aim to use lesser-known designs.

 

The world of DNP research methodologies is evolving fast. Invest in literacy of digital tools to enhance your methodology and to produce results that meaningfully contribute to healthcare.

Call to Action

Share experiences and insights you learned in this article with your DNP project team members. Don’t drop the ball on continuous learning, self-evaluation, and improvement. Embrace diverse methodologies and invest in research skills.

 

Are you having second thoughts on what research methodology you should use for your DNP project after reading this article? Let us give you a helping hand!

Click here.