Staff education project on early recognition of burnout in nurses

. Research Design: Pre-test/Post-test

This is the most common and appropriate design for evaluating the effect of an educational intervention.

Pre-test: Nurses' knowledge about burnout recognition is measured before the educational program using a standardized, validated knowledge assessment tool (the pre-test).

Intervention: The nurses participate in the staff education project (e.g., a 2-hour training session, a module, etc.).

Post-test: Nurses' knowledge is measured again after the educational program using the same or an equivalent assessment tool (the post-test).

3. Data Analysis

The researcher would use inferential statistics to compare the average score of the group on the pre-test to the average score on the post-test.

A paired t-test is typically used to determine if the mean difference between the two sets of scores is statistically significant, meaning the change is likely due to the educational program and not chance.

If the post-test scores are statistically significantly higher than the pre-test scores, the answer to your question is Yes, the education project increased nurses' knowledge.

Expected Outcome (Forecasting)

Based on established educational research principles, the forecasting is highly likely to be positive:

Initial knowledge deficit is common, especially with specialized topics like early burnout recognition.

Targeted, high-quality education is generally effective in temporarily increasing short-term cognitive knowledge.

Sample Answer

That is a classic research question that is addressed by an evaluative quantitative research study, specifically a pre-test/post-test design or a quasi-experimental design.

The question seeks to determine a measurable change (increase in knowledge) resulting from an intervention (staff education project) within a specific population (nurses in an outpatient psych unit).

Research Methodology Breakdown

To answer this question, a researcher would employ the following steps and design elements:

1. Variables

Independent Variable (The Intervention): The staff education project on early recognition of burnout.

Dependent Variable (The Outcome): Nurses' knowledge about burnout recognition. This must be measured numerically (e.g., a score on a standardized quiz).

Target Population: Nurses working in the outpatient psychiatric unit.