Week 8 Response 2/2

Not all EBP projects result in statistically significant results. Define clinical significance, and explain the difference between clinical and statistical significance. How can you use clinical significance to support positive outcomes in your project?

(Kat Mas 6/2)

Statistical significance is that it’s the measure of whether the results of a statistical analysis meet some predetermined level of measurement, known as a p-value (Stratton, 2018).

On the other hand, clinical significance is different than statistical significance. Basically, while statistical significance can give us some idea about how successful an experiment was, it cannot really tell how important the result is out in the wider world. In addition to data showing statistical significance of an effect on a population, the magnitude of an effect is of clinical interest. A small or minimal effect can be statistically significant, but a clinically insignificant and non-statistically significant study may show important clinical effects (Stratton, 2018). 

The ultimate aim of the evidence-based practice is to bring forth positive outcome. Consideration of clinical significance as well as statistical significance as we apply EBP improves quality of study and patient’s satisfaction. 

For my capstone project, I would use clinical significance as one of my evaluation tools. My project aims to prevent weight loss in nursing home residents. I can measure clinical significance of my project by following up complication rate and financial impact of the facility. Since significant weight loss increases the rate of complications, most participants should remain in their current functional status in daily life. It is clinically important because it is directly related to residents’ quality of life. For financial aspect, the facility would receive adequate reimbursement from government if complication rate trends down. Readmission within 30 days results financial punishment to the facility, and some new prescription medications need to be covered by the facility. 

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