Sample Answer for NRS 465 Explain the difference between clinical and statistical significance Topic 8 DQ 2

 

Evidence-based practice (EBP) projects focus on implementing interventions that lead to statistical and clinical significance for practitioners and patients. Clinical significance entails the practical or meaningful effect of an EBP intervention or treatment on the outcomes of patients or in clinical practice for nurses. Clinical significance entails determining if the difference in outcomes between groups is meaningful in real-world or clinical settings (Jones and Bartlett Learning, 2024). Clinical significance considers the effect level, which is the magnitude of the difference between groups, and if it is sufficient enough for practical or clinical value. For instance, the proposed capstone change project focuses on increasing medication adherence among elderly patients with chronic conditions by 30%. Therefore, by achieving this rate, the outcomes can lead to the use of the proposed intervention because it is practical in real-world situations.

Statistical significance refers to the probability that the observed outcomes do not emanate from chance alone. Statistical significance measures the likelihood that the results are statistically different from what would be expected using random variation (Melnyk et al., 2022). Researchers use statistical tests like t-tests and chi-square tests to determine the statistical significance of a result. Statistical significance allows nurses to determine the validity and reliability of research findings.

The difference between clinical and statistical significance depends on their respective interpretation and implications. On its part, statistical significance shows if there is a measurable difference between conditions or groups but clinical significance examines whether that difference is meaningful and is practically relevant to clinical and nursing practice. Therefore, statistical significance may not necessarily imply or indicate clinical significance.

Using clinical significance can support positive outcomes from the project in various ways. Firstly, one considers the effects of the findings on patients and outcomes. This implies considering if the observed differences or associations have meaningful implications on nursing practice through improved patient outcomes. Secondly, clinical significance can be determined based on the level of the effect size, the clinical context, and patient preferences and values (Sharma, 2021). For instance, in the capstone change project, clinical significance will entail determining if the intervention (mobile health apps) increases compliance to medication adherence by 30% within three months.

References

Jones and Bartlett Learning (2024 April 1). Teaching the Difference between Statistical and

Clinical Significance in Nursing. https://www.jblearning.com/blog/jbl/