NR449 RUA Topic Search Strategy
PURPOSE The Topic Search Strategy Paper is the first of three related assignments which are due in Unit 3. The purpose of
this initial paper is to briefly describe your search strategies when identifying two articles that pertain to an
evidence-based practice topic of interest.
COURSE OUTCOMES
This assignment enables the student to meet the following course outcomes.
CO 1: Examine the sources of knowledge that contribute to professional nursing practice. (PO #7)
CO 2: Apply research principles to the interpretation of the content of published research studies. (POs #4 and #8)
DUE DATE Refer to the course calendar for due date. The college’s Late Assignment policy applies to this activity.
POINTS POSSIBLE This assignment is worth 160 points. The college’s Late Assignment policy applies to this activity.
REQUIREMENTS You will be assigned a group in unit 2 (located in the team collaboration tab) to formulate an evidence-based practice topic of interest that will be used to complete the unit 3 and unit 5 independent assignments, as well as the group PowerPoint presentation in unit 7. The paper will include the following.
a. Clinical Question a. Describe problem b. Significance of problem in terms of outcomes or statistics c. Your PICOT question in support of the group topic d. Purpose of your paper
b. Levels of Evidence a. Type of question asked b. Best evidence found to answer question
c. Search Strategy a. Search terms b. Databases used (you may use Google Scholar in addition to the library databases; start with
the Library) c. Refinement decisions made d. Identification of two most relevant articles
d. Format a. Correct grammar and spelling b. Use of headings for each section c. Use of APA format (sixth edition) d. Page length: three to four pages
PREPARING THE PAPER
1. Please make sure you do not duplicate articles within your group. 2. Paper should include a title page and a reference page.
Chamberlain College of Nursing NR449 Evidence-Based Practice
NR449 RUA Topic Search Strategy.docx Revised 07/25/16 2
DIRECTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT CRITERIA
Assignment Criteria
Points % Description
Clinical Question 45 28 1. Problem is described. What is the focus of your group’s work? 2. Significance of the problem is described. What health
outcomes result from your problem? Or what statistics document this is a problem? You may find support on websites for government or professional organizations.
3. What is your PICOT question? 4. Purpose of your paper. What will your paper do or describe?
This is similar to a problem statement. “The purpose of this paper is to . . .”
Levels of Evidence
20 13 1. What type of question are you asking (therapy, prognosis, meaning, etc.)?
2. What is the best type of evidence to be found to answer that question (e.g., RCT, cohort study, qualitative study)?
Search Strategy 65 41 1. Search topic(s) provided. What did you use for search terms? 2. What database(s) did you use? Link your search with the
PICOT question described above. 3. As you did your search, what decisions did you make in
refinement to get your required articles down to a reasonable number for review? Were any limits used? If so, what?
4. Identify the two most relevant and helpful articles that will provide guidance for your next paper and the group’s work. Why were these two selected?