Value or Importance of Conceptual Frameworks or Theoretical Models in Research
The theoretical framework supports the researcher by bringing the existing knowledge and describing the theory explaining the research problem being studied. It gives the basis for the choice of hypotheses and research methods. Theoretical assumptions’ articulation in a research study addresses how and why. Further, the conceptual framework and theoretical models give the study a defined argument and a well-proven basis. It also explains the study’s significance and validity (Farooq, 2019). It also points out the gaps in practice and knowledge the research intends to fill. The conceptual framework offers the structure of how scholars should approach the thesis. It offers broader guidelines and general ideas that fit the research.
Review and Selection of Two EBP Frameworks or Models for Use in DNP Scholarly Project
The two frameworks or models I would utilize in my DNP projects are the Iowa model of EBP for validation and revision and the Johns Hopkins Model.
Comparing and Contrasting the Selected Models/Frameworks
The Iowa model is a simple seven-step model, while the Johns Hopkins Model is a multi-step complex model with many differentiating variables and factors. The Iowa model aims to implement the evidence in a certain environment. In contrast, the Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice model focuses on selecting the relevant theoretical evidence for addressing a particular problem. While Johns Hopkins Model is used for guiding groups or individuals to make a clinical decision, the Iowa model is used for implementing evidence-based practice. Also, the Johns Hopkins Model is focused on meeting the practising nurse’s needs, while the Iowa model focuses on healthcare changes, including patient engagement and implementation. The Iowa model focuses on the whole healthcare system, including infrastructure, patient, and practitioner, while the Johns Hopkins Model focuses on addressing the needs of the practising nurses. Johns Hopkins is a model, while Iowa is a conceptual framework.
History of Development of Frameworks/ Models
The Iowa Model was created in the 1990s, 25 years ago, and significantly revised and reviewed in 2017. It is used in practice to assist healthcare professionals in translating the study’s findings to clinical practice and, at the same time, improve patient outcomes (Fating et al., 2021). On the other hand, Johns Hopkins Model was developed in 2012 by Dearholt, Sigma, Dang, and Debora. It has been used to guide practitioners through developing and integrating the EBP change (Everly et al., 2022).
Key Concepts and Constructs of the Models/Frameworks
The Johns Hopkins Model’s key concepts and constructs include user-friendly tools, a clinical decision-making approach, translation, practice questions, and evidence. The translation studies the implementation of contextual variables, interventions, and factors that affect the uptake of knowledge and utilization of communities and practices. The practice question provides direction to the practice, and an example is what I hope to affect, improve, accomplish, or measure.
The key concepts and constructs of the Iowa model include patient aggregates, healthcare system, and organization. The constructs include framework usability, revision and validation of the framework, identification and specification of strategies, and identification of strategy domains. Patient aggregate refers to the data tracked across patient populations, time, some variables, and organizations. Revision and validity indicate the quality of the model. The specification and identification of strategies include integrating and sustaining the practice change, assembling, synthesizing, and appraising the body of evidence, piloting or designing the practice change, and disseminating information.
How the Model/Framework Assists in Understanding Phenomenon
The Iowa model can assist in understanding the medical error issue in healthcare settings by pointing out the gaps in the entire healthcare, including the gaps in the infrastructure, patients, and providers. On the other hand, the Johns Hopkins Model assists in understanding the increase in medical error in healthcare settings by pointing out the healthcare providers’ needs, such as workload and lack of resources, that may affect the accuracy of the care process.
Identification of Variables Using the Model/ Framework
The Iowa model and Johns Hopkins model assist in identifying the variables to be measured because they are specific in their key concepts and constructs. The variables to measure depending on Johns Hopkins Model include certification of practising nurses, the length of work shifts, experience, and the level of education. The variables to measure based on the Iowa model include the effect of patient outcomes, the quality of machines, the quality of care, the provider’s experience, and the level of training (Berkowitz et al., 2018).
The Plan for the Use of the Framework/Model to Guide My DNP Project’s Aspects
I will use the Iowa model to determine the necessary machines and infrastructure that should be set to enable the facility to improve the quality of its care. Further, this model will determine the strategies that need to be implemented in healthcare and their possible outcomes. Also, I will use the Johns Hopkins Model to determine and formulate the recruitment criteria for practising nurses by finding their experience and training. I will also use this model to find out the practising needs and the strategies to address them and, in turn, improve their productivity and accuracy in healthcare provision.
References
Berkowitz, S. A., Parashuram, S., Rowan, K., Andon, L., Bass, E. B., Bellantoni, M., … & Brown, P. M. (2018). Association of a care coordination model with health care costs and utilization: the Johns Hopkins Community Health Partnership (J-CHiP). JAMA Network Open, 1(7), e184273-e184273.
Everly Jr, G. S., & Lating, J. M. (2022). The Johns Hopkins Guide to psychological first aid. JHU Press.
Farooq, R. (2019). Developing a conceptual framework of knowledge management. International Journal of Innovation Science, 11(1), 139-160.
Fating, L., Singh, S., & Ankar, R. (2021). Application of Modified Lowa Model Evidence-Based Practice on Trauma Care Nurses Regarding Head Injury.