data collection tools associated with your selected research design and select one data collection tool that would be effective for your research design. Explain how this tool is valid, reliable, and applicable.
Refer to the “Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal – Assignment Overview” document for an overview of the evidence-based practice project proposal assignments.
You are required to cite a minimum of five peer-reviewed sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and nursing content.
Evaluation Plan for Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal
This evidence-based practice (EBP) project focuses on evaluating the impact of early mobilization in adult patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (Thomas et al., 2024). Early mobilization, compared to delayed mobilization, has been proposed as a crucial intervention to prevent postoperative complications such as pneumonia, atelectasis, and blood clots. The implementation of early mobilization as a standard postoperative practice could be a transformative approach in the management of CABG surgery recovery.
Expected Outcomes
The primary expected outcomes of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project are centered on improvements in the functional status of patients, specifically functional independence to perform exercises regularly within the first week of postoperative period which helps to the prevention of postoperative complications (Chen et al., 2021). Early mobilization is anticipated to significantly reduce the risk of postoperative complications such as pneumonia, atelectasis, and blood clots, which are often a result of prolonged immobilization.
Patients can maintain better lung function and circulation by facilitating early movement, directly mitigating the risks of these serious complications. Secondary outcomes on the other hand focus on the absence of signs and symptoms of postoperative complications associated with immobilization such as pneumonia, atelectasis, or development of any blood clots within the first week of postoperative hospital stay (Chen et al., 2021). Ensuring these complications do not arise is crucial for a smoother recovery process and shorter hospital stays, thereby improving patient satisfaction and reducing healthcare costs.
Data Collection Tool
For this project, the selected data collection tool is a structured survey. This tool is appropriate as it allows for systematic and comprehensive data collection from patients regarding their functional status, frequency and duration of mobilization activities, and any postoperative complications experienced (Adeoye‐Olatunde & Olenik, 2021).
The structured survey will be developed using validated questionnaires from similar studies to ensure it accurately measures the intended outcomes. This structured survey is applicable as it enables the collection of consistent and comparable data across different patient groups, facilitating a robust analysis of the impact of early mobilization.
Statistical Test
The appropriate statistical test for this project is the t-test, which is well-suited for comparing two independent groups: one receiving early mobilization and the other receiving delayed mobilization. The t-test is ideal for evaluating the means of these two groups, particularly in a quantitative study design where the dependent variables include functional status and the incidence of postoperative complications (Francis & Jakicic, 2023).
The independent variable is the timing of mobilization (early vs. delayed). The use of the t-test helps the project to determine if there are significant differences between the groups, providing valuable insights into whether early mobilization significantly reduces postoperative complications compared to delayed mobilization.
Methods for Data Collection and Evaluation
The quantitative study approach for this project involves an experimental study design, where participants are randomly assigned to either the early mobilization group or the delayed mobilization group (Menges et al., 2021). The primary and secondary outcomes will be measured using a structured survey questionnaire administered to participants. The survey will collect data on functional status through a validated scale and track secondary outcomes, such as complications, through patient reports and medical records.
Employing a t-test will help determine whether there is a significant difference between the means of the two groups regarding the prevention of postoperative complications (Menges et al., 2021). This analysis will reveal if the differences observed are statistically significant or due to random variation. The comprehensive data collection and rigorous statistical analysis will provide a clear understanding of the impact of early mobilization on postoperative outcomes.
Strategies for Unexpected Outcomes
If the outcomes do not align with the expected results, several strategies will be implemented. First, all collected data, including negative outcomes, will be thoroughly analyzed to identify patterns or insights