RESEARCH PROBLEM AND PURPOSE STATEMENTS

Assignment Instructions
RESEARCH PROBLEM AND PURPOSE STATEMENTS
Introduction
A research problem statement expresses the issue or phenomenon that a project is intended to solve or improve. It also helps to show readers the importance of the issue and defines the context for the study. To make problem statements more compelling, use others’ past research to improve care and inspire further research. A review of the literature can provide knowledge about what others have found useful in addressing problems that are similar to the ones you face. By leveraging this evidence base, you can create clearer and more compelling problem statements.
The purpose statement tells readers the intent of your research. Within the context of this course, the intent is to make improvements related to one or more HACs of your choice. Take, for instance, the case of a hospital-acquired infection resulting from the insertion of a central line. You may determine through the literature search that other methods exist to prevent infections.
Perhaps you noted that the staff members in your organization were not properly using sterile techniques or outlining a sterile field. Your new process may involve adopting better sterile protocols before inserting a catheter. In order to make the change, you will need to provide evidence that this practice is based on research and is clearly accepted as the standard practice.
Summary
Select an HAC that is relevant to a health care context with which you are familiar. Create a 2–3 page report that includes the research-based explanation of the background of a problem associated with your chosen HAC. Also, develop appropriate research problem and purpose statements.
If you prefer, choose a condition from a site other than a hospital, such as a free-standing surgical center or long-term care facility. However, most of the literature focuses on HACs because the problem was first identified in hospitals.
Instructions
This assignment has three distinct parts.
Part 1: Background and Evidence
For this first part of the assignment, select an HAC that is relevant to a health care context with which you are familiar. Use this list as needed:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2020, February 11). Hospital-acquired conditions. http://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicare-fee-for-service-payment/hospitalacqcond/hospital-acquired_conditions.html
From your readings and independent research, you will compose a background explanation of the HAC and how it manifests itself as an issue in a health care setting of your choice. You will also create an evidence-based rationale for why further study of this particular HAC is important.
This first part should be 1–2 pages long, with support from the literature for the background of the issue, the importance of the problem within the context of your chosen health care setting, and support for your purpose in pursuing your research project.
Relevant Scoring Guide Criteria
Explain the background of a given research problem based on information in the literature.
Apply evidence-based information to support the development of a given research problem.
Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others and in a manner that is consistent with expectations for health care professionals.
Part 2: Problem Statement
For this second part of the assignment, you will create a problem statement developed from your review of the literature related to your chosen HAC. This problem statement will help to inform the research questions. You will develop these further in the course assignments.
A well-written problem statement should be 1–2 sentences long.
Problem Statement Checklist
Identify the problem that led to the research.
Is it easy to determine?
Do identifying words provide a clue, or is it necessary to formulate the problem on your own, based on other information?
Is the rationale or justification for the problem clearly stated?
Do the words in the problem statement indicate the kind of study performed? Which words in particular?
Is evidence that was cited for the problem provided in the literature?
Relevant Scoring Guide Criteria
Develop a problem statement based on relevant literature.
Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others and that is consistent with expectations for health care professionals.
Part 3: Purpose Statement
For this final part of the assignment, you will develop your purpose statement. It will clearly lay out what you would hope to accomplish as you work toward addressing the problem you have identified. Purpose statements should be grounded in the evidence and indicate the kind of study that will be performed. This purpose statement will help to inform the research questions you develop in throughout the course.
A well-written purpose statement should be 1–2 sentences long.
Purpose Statement Checklist
Identify the purpose that led to the research study.
What is the study intended to accomplish? What are the desired outcomes?
Is the rationale or justification for the purpose clearly stated?
Do the words in the purpose statement indicate the kind of study performed? Which words in particular?
Was the item that was cited as evidence for the purpose published within the last five years?
Relevant Scoring Guide Criteria
Formulate a purpose statement supported by a review of the literature.
Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others and that is consistent with expectations for health care professionals.
Additional Submission Requirements
Structure: Include a title page, table of contents, and reference page.
Length: There is no length requirement for this assignment. Most submissions that fully address all scoring guide criteria will be 2–3 pages long.
References: Cite at least five current scholarly or professional resources.
Format: Use APA style for references and citations.
You may wish to refer to the following APA resources to help with your structure, formatting, and style:
APA Module.
Evidence and APA.
APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX].
Font: Times New Roman, 12 points, double-spaced for narrative portions only
MRSA IS MY RESEARCH TOPIC