Paper
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Qualitative Evaluation and Grading Schema Tools: A Case Study
Cecelia L. Crawford, RN, MSN, Regional Nursing Research Program, Kaiser Permanente, Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| Learning Objective #1: describe two methods in which healthcare professionals can develop research competency skills. |
| Learning Objective #2: discuss two components of a successful grading schema for qualitative evidence. |
Healthcare professionals are constantly seeking practical tools and processes to translate research findings for clinical use. Qualitative research is rapidly gaining the respect and acceptance once only granted to the quantitative research tradition. This presentation will examine the development and use of nurse-driven tools for evaluating and grading the strength of qualitative evidence. A case study approach will be used to explicate the use of the tools in research competency development of nurses. An evidence-based nursing practice project utilizing qualitative research evidence will be described briefly. The pilot use of a worksheet, a glossary, and grading schema will be examined in detail. Particular attention will be spent on the grading schema as a valuable tool in evaluating the body of qualitative evidence. Post-pilot feedback generated by staff nurses involved in the use of the evaluation and grading scheme tools will be discussed, as well as suggestions for tool improvement. The presentation will conclude by emphasizing the use of well-designed templates and grading schemes as valuable tools for the assessment of research evidence in an effort to improve patient outcomes.