Planning for Evaluation

Section 5 of Major Assessment 7: Using an Epidemiological Approach to Critically Analyze a Population Health Problem

DNP-prepared nurses are expected to effectively use research methods to analyze data, “design evidence-based interventions, [and] predict and analyze outcomes…,” (AACN, 2006, p. 11).

Every research design requires you to evaluate your results. Epidemiologic studies are no different. In Week 7, you explored how using causal models can assist with evaluating the data analysis section of a study. In this week’s Discussion, you explored how epidemiological data are used to substantiate or negate the need for screening programs; evaluation is critical to ensure the data are sound and suitable as the basis for such decisions. As these experiences demonstrate, if the results of a study are not evaluated, they cannot be used to improve population health.

As you begin working on Assignment 4, Section 5 of the Major Assessment 7 paper, consider how you would evaluate the anticipated results of your population health intervention developed in Sections 3 and 4 of Assignment 4. As noted in the AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, as a DNP-prepared nurse, you are expected to predict and analyze outcomes and then design evidence-based interventions based on your analysis. This Assignment provides you with an opportunity to practice that skill.

• Review the Major Assessment Overview.
• Review Exhibit 8–7: The Four Stages of Evaluation on page 350 of Epidemiology for Public Health Practice. In addition, review the articles in the Learning Resources that describe program evaluation in various settings.

Section 5: Evaluation

• An evaluation plan based upon the health outcome that you have chosen and your anticipated results

Section 5 of Major Assessment 7: Using an Epidemiological Approach to Critically Analyze a Population Health Problem

Assignment 4: Evaluation is due by Day 7 of this week. Please refer to Week 8 for complete instructions.

To complete:

In 2–3 pages, write the following section of your paper:

Section 5: Evaluation

• An evaluation plan based upon the health outcome that you have chosen and your anticipated result