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Introduction
While conducting or analyzing an evidence-based practice (EBP) study, it is necessary to have the skills of differentiating between statistical significance and clinical significance. Significance is a statistical term that shows a low probability that any relationships or divergences in a study occurred by chance (Keele, 2011). In research studies, we frequently attempt to decide how the outcomes obtained from the study based on a small number of patients will be applied to large numbers of patients.
Definition of significance
The trouble with two types of significance is that not all evidence-based practice projects end up with both of them. At times, a study may present statistically important findings but fails to make a solid argument as to how appropriate they are to clinical practice (Keele, 2011). For instance, research studies which have massive sample sizes and numerous statistical tests at various data points enhance their opportunities of obtaining statistical significance. However, the divergences between groups are so slight that the study does not present any clinical importance.
Clinical significance versus statistical significance
Another problem with clinical significance is that its terminology is contradictory in nursing literature. Frequently, nursing results, interventions, and conclusions which incorporate clinical significance findings are not easy to decipher because of the scarcity of an operational definition (Bruner, Corbett, Gates, & Dupler, 2012). The lack of a steady operational definition is not consistent with evidence-based practices which demand terminology standardization.
The most detectable benefits of a conceptual definition of clinical significance terminology are less perplexity and more precision. Therefore, the most abiding advantage and evaluation of clinical significance is the link it creates between practice and research, and the efficiency with which it stimulates the assimilation of the research into evidence-based practice (Bruner et al., 2012).
The importance of clinical significance
The importance of clinical significance is best demonstrated through its contrast with statistical significance. The p-value of a statistically significant outcome demonstrates the probability of the alteration being induced by chance, whereas clinical significance goes ahead of statistical significance to establish whether the statistically important adjustment or divergence was big enough to have a meaning for patient care (Bruner et al., 2012). The likely applicability of the concept is that regularly indicated essential patient change is noticed to have advantageous outcomes for stakeholders, including society, clinicians, research workers, and patients.
Ways of employment of clinical significance to support my project
Being a symbol of patient development, clinical significance has developed in health care to supply methods apparent for the researchers or clinicians and patients. The patients self-evaluation of change has developed as the core measure of clinical significance. One of its basic interpretations as a clinical and research notion is a nominal clinically essential divergence representing the slightest distinction in score in the result of interest which a patient accepts as important, either advantageous or risky (Bruner et al., 2012). Such a divergence promotes the clinicians or patients consideration of resorting to an alternative way of treatment.
Conclusion
To support positive outcomes of evidence-based practice project, I would employ such features of clinical significance as the establishment of whether he statistically essential changes are large enough to have a positive impact on the patient care process. I would make use of such feature of clinical significance as precision to avoid mistakes in my practice. Also, with the help of clinical significance, I would create a connection between research and practice.
The role of clinical significance in EBP cannot be overestimated. Due to its specifications, it makes practice easier to perform and allows the outcomes to be more precise and beneficial. Its biggest advantage is creating a link between practice and research, which allows to provide the best health care services for the patients.
References
Bruner, S., Corbett, C., Gates, B., & Dupler, A. (2012). Clinical significance as it relates to evidence-based practice. International Journal of Nursing Knowledge, 23(2), 62-74.
Keele, R. (2011). Nursing research and evidence-based practice: Ten steps to success. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.
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