DNP 7300 Advanced Evidence-Based Practice

Course Overview
DNP 7300 provides advanced preparation in the science and art of evidence-based practice (EBP) for doctoral nursing students. Students develop mastery in formulating clinical questions, conducting systematic literature searches, critically appraising diverse research designs, synthesizing evidence, and translating findings into practice improvements. The course covers quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research appraisal; systematic review and meta-analysis methodology; implementation science frameworks; and sustainability strategies. Students apply advanced EBP skills directly to their emerging DNP project, developing the evidence foundation that will guide their practice intervention. The course emphasizes rigor, reproducibility, and the ethical use of evidence to improve patient and population health outcomes.

Learning Outcomes
•Formulate sophisticated PICOT and PICo questions to guide systematic evidence searches.
•Conduct comprehensive, reproducible literature searches using multiple databases and advanced search strategies.
•Critically appraise quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research using validated appraisal tools.
•Synthesize evidence across multiple studies to draw practice-relevant conclusions.
•Evaluate systematic reviews and meta-analyses for rigor, applicability, and clinical significance.
•Apply implementation science frameworks to translate evidence into sustainable practice change.
•Develop the evidence synthesis section of a DNP project proposal meeting doctoral scholarly standards.

Weekly Schedule & Assignments
Each week builds sequentially toward course and program competency goals. Complete readings before engaging in assignments.

Advanced EBP: Foundations & Models
EBP Model Selection & Rationale Paper
Review the following EBP models in depth: Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model, Iowa Model (Revised), ARCC Model, and ACE Star Model. Select the model most appropriate for your anticipated DNP project. Write a 2-page rationale explaining your selection, citing the model's theoretical basis, strengths, and fit with your practice setting.

Formulating Advanced Clinical Questions
PICOT & PICo Question Development
Develop one quantitative PICOT question and one qualitative PICo question related to your DNP project topic. For each question, identify the evidence type it implies, appropriate study designs, and key search terms. Write a 1-page rationale explaining how each question will guide a distinct evidence search.

Advanced Literature Search Strategies
Systematic Search Documentation
Conduct a systematic literature search on your PICOT question using at least four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, or PsycINFO). Document your search strategy using a PRISMA flow diagram. Submit the flow diagram, a completed search strategy table (database, terms, filters, results, included articles), and a 1-page search narrative.

Hierarchy of Evidence & Study Design
Evidence Hierarchy Classification Exercise
Retrieve 10 peer-reviewed articles on your DNP topic. Classify each using the Johns Hopkins or Melnyk evidence hierarchy (Level I–VII). For each article, provide: citation, evidence level, design type, and a 2-sentence rationale for your classification. Submit as a formatted table with a 1-page reflection on the evidence landscape for your topic.

Critical Appraisal: Quantitative Research
Quantitative Study Appraisal
Select two quantitative studies (one RCT and one cohort or quasi-experimental study). Appraise each using the CASP Randomized Controlled Trial Checklist and CASP Cohort Study Checklist respectively. Write a 2-page synthesis comparing the two studies' design rigor, internal validity, and applicability to your practice question.

Critical Appraisal: Qualitative Research
Qualitative Study Appraisal
Select two qualitative studies (one phenomenological and one grounded theory or ethnographic study) relevant to your DNP topic. Appraise each using the CASP Qualitative Checklist. Write a 2-page synthesis discussing how the qualitative evidence complements quantitative findings and contributes to understanding the patient or provider experience.

Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses Systematic Review Critique
Locate a published systematic review or meta-analysis directly relevant to your DNP project topic. Critically appraise it using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Write a 2-page critique addressing methodological rigor, heterogeneity, publication bias, and the clinical applicability of the findings to your practice setting.

Mixed-Methods Research Appraisal Mixed-Methods Study Analysis
Locate a mixed-methods study relevant to your practice area. Appraise both the quantitative and qualitative components using appropriate checklists, then evaluate the integration of findings using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Write a 2-page appraisal addressing the value of integration for generating practice insights.

Evidence Synthesis Techniques Narrative Evidence Synthesis Draft
Synthesize a minimum of eight peer-reviewed articles on your DNP project topic using narrative synthesis. Organize findings by theme, not by article. Write a 3-page evidence synthesis that identifies areas of consensus, contradiction, and gap. This synthesis will become the literature review section of your DNP project proposal.

Implementation Science Frameworks
Review three implementation science frameworks: CFIR (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research), RE-AIM, and PARIHS. Select the framework best suited to your DNP project. Write a 2-page application paper mapping the framework's constructs to your proposed practice change, setting, and key implementation barriers.

Translating Evidence into Practice Protocols Clinical Practice Protocol Draft
Using the evidence synthesized in prior weeks, draft a 2–3 page evidence-based clinical practice protocol or guideline relevant to your DNP project intervention. Include: clinical question, recommendation statements (graded by evidence strength), implementation notes, and references. Format following a recognized clinical guideline template.

Outcome Measurement & Evaluation Design
Identify three primary and two secondary outcomes for your DNP project intervention. For each outcome, specify: the measurement instrument (with reliability/validity data), data collection method, timing, and responsible party. Write a 2-page outcome measurement plan formatted as a section of your DNP project proposal.

DNP Project Evidence Gap Analysis Evidence Gap & Project Justification
Based on your completed evidence synthesis, write a 2-page evidence gap analysis that formally justifies your DNP project. Identify what is known, what remains unknown or inconsistently studied, and how your project will address the gap. This section should directly support your DNP project problem statement and PICOT question.

Ethical Use of Evidence & Research Ethics IRB Considerations & Research Ethics Reflection
Review the Belmont Report principles and your institution's IRB process. Write a 2-page paper addressing: whether your DNP project requires IRB approval or quality improvement exemption, why, the ethical safeguards you will apply, and how you will protect patient data and privacy throughout your project.

Evidence Synthesis Section of DNP Proposal
Submit a polished, APA-formatted evidence synthesis section (4–6 pages) suitable for inclusion in your DNP project proposal. The section must include: an introduction to the evidence search, synthesis of findings organized thematically, identification of practice gaps, and a conclusion justifying the proposed intervention. Incorporate faculty feedback from prior drafts.