Introducing Statistics for the DNP
A research problem statement identifies an area of need in which there is a gap in knowledge or practice and interest by a nurse researcher. Either from a hypothetical or real-world experience, nursing research problem statements help to focus the research purpose and guide the study of the problem.
In this discussion, you will identify a nursing problem to analyze the potential impact for positive change and explore tools used to examine it in the selected research.
Sample Answer
Hypothetical Nursing Problem:
Problem Statement: “In hospitalized elderly patients (65+ years) with a history of falls, there is a lack of standardized, individualized fall prevention protocols implemented at the point of care transition from inpatient to home settings, leading to increased rates of falls and fall-related injuries within 30 days of discharge.”
Analysis of Potential Impact for Positive Change:
- Reduced Fall Rates: Implementing standardized, individualized fall prevention protocols could significantly decrease the number of falls and fall-related injuries in elderly patients post-discharge. This would improve patient safety and quality of life.
- Decreased Hospital Readmissions: Falls often lead to injuries that require hospitalization. By reducing falls, we can potentially decrease hospital readmission rates, which benefits both patients and healthcare systems by lowering costs.
- Improved Patient Confidence and Independence: Patients who feel confident in their ability to avoid falls are more likely to engage in activities of daily living, leading to improved independence and overall well-being.
- Enhanced Interprofessional Collaboration: Developing and implementing effective fall prevention protocols requires collaboration between nurses, physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers, fostering a more integrated approach to patient care.