NR 702 Week 6 Discussion: Methodology

NR 702 Week 6 Discussion: Methodology

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-702: DNP Project & Practicum I

Prof. Name

Date

Methodology: Formative Evaluation Discussion

Purpose

The purpose of this discussion is to develop a detailed plan for conducting a formative evaluation of the proposed project. A formative evaluation is essential in ensuring that the intervention is executed as designed. According to the Week 6 Intervention Fidelity lesson, maintaining fidelity is critical because the success of an intervention depends on the consistent and accurate implementation of the planned strategies.

As the project manager, establishing a structured monitoring approach is necessary to confirm alignment between the intervention design and its actual implementation. Formative evaluation allows continuous observation, identifies gaps in fidelity, and supports timely adjustments before these issues affect outcomes. High intervention fidelity signifies strict adherence to planned strategies, while low fidelity indicates potential deviations that may compromise effectiveness. Continuous monitoring thus enables early corrective actions, improving the likelihood of successful project results.

Instructions

Students are expected to review the assigned readings and compose a discussion response within a 150-word limit. The response should directly address the following prompts:

1. State your practice question in PICOT format.

2. Describe the formative evaluation plan for your project design, including the tools, steps, and monitoring techniques you will apply weekly to assess progress.

3. Explain your feedback plan if the evaluation shows low fidelity in intervention implementation.

All responses must follow current APA guidelines and demonstrate scholarly writing. Students are advised to use tools such as Grammarly for clarity and professionalism. Additionally, peer engagement should involve respectful and constructive feedback through clarifying questions, critical thinking, and helpful insights.

For additional support, students should review the DNP Discussion Guidelines provided on the Student Resource Center program page.

NR 702 Week 6 Discussion: Methodology

Practice Question in PICOT Format

P: In adult patients diagnosed with hypertension in primary care settings
I: Does implementing a structured lifestyle modification program (dietary counseling and physical activity monitoring)
C: Compared to standard care alone
O: Improve blood pressure control and medication adherence
T: Over a 12-week period?

Formative Evaluation Plan

A structured, weekly evaluation plan will be implemented to ensure fidelity to the intervention.

Tools: Patient self-monitoring logs, provider adherence checklists, and electronic health record (EHR) data reports.

Steps: Weekly review of patient logs, auditing of provider documentation, and conducting scheduled team meetings.

Monitoring Techniques: Real-time data tracking through EHR dashboards, conducting feedback sessions with providers, and distributing anonymous patient surveys to verify intervention consistency.

Table 1
Weekly Monitoring Components for Formative Evaluation

Evaluation Element	Tools/Strategies	Frequency	Responsible Party
Patient adherence	Self-monitoring blood pressure logs	Weekly	Patient & Nurse
Provider fidelity	Checklist of intervention steps	Weekly	Project Manager
System-level monitoring	EHR dashboard review	Weekly	Data Analyst
Feedback collection	Surveys and team meeting discussions	Weekly	Project Team & Manager

This structured plan supports early identification of implementation challenges, promotes accountability, and ensures timely modifications to optimize project outcomes.

Feedback Plan for Low Fidelity

In cases where the evaluation reveals low fidelity, the following feedback strategy will be implemented:

• Immediate Feedback: Deliver prompt and constructive feedback to providers through private discussions, highlighting specific deviations.

• Corrective Training: Organize refresher workshops and hands-on training sessions to reinforce appropriate intervention techniques.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Involve the team in identifying barriers such as resource limitations or time constraints, and collaboratively design effective solutions.

• Reinforcement of Accountability: Utilize performance dashboards to track improvements and recognize individuals or teams demonstrating high fidelity.

This feedback process ensures continuous quality improvement, strengthens engagement, and maintains adherence to the intervention protocol to achieve the intended project outcomes.

Program Competencies

Program Competencies (PCs)	Performance Outcomes (POs)
Integrates scientific foundations into daily practice	POs 3, 5
Applies leadership and organizational skills for systemic change	PO 6
Uses analytic strategies to translate evidence into practice	POs 3, 5
Evaluates information systems and technology in healthcare	POs 6, 7
Analyzes health policies for equitable access and justice	POs 2, 9
Fosters collaboration, prevention, and population health	PO 8
Synthesizes research and data to improve preventative care	PO 1
Demonstrates advanced judgment, resilience, and accountability	POs 1, 4

Course Outcomes

Course Outcomes	Associated Competencies & POs
Design an evidence-based translational science project to resolve a practice issue	PCs 1–8; POs 1–9
Apply project design strategies at micro, meso, and macro levels to address practice challenges	PCs 1–8; POs 1–9

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. AACN.

NR 702 Week 6 Discussion: Methodology

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Program performance and evaluation office (PPEO). https://www.cdc.gov/eval

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.