Category: behavioral health management

  • Defining the Population and Connection to the Evidence

    Details for Paper (Illinois state)

    PICOT: In patients with an Asian background, does routine depression screening compared to usual care without standardized depression screening lead to earlier identification of depressive symptoms in three to six months?

    Update PICOT based on information below

    Population: add Pediatric patients 18 years of age and under of asian background at annual primary care wellness checks. Define it further.

    Intervention: Universal Depression screening of add specific (for example PHQ-9) – pediatric under 18 ; language, Asian community- validated. Identify the specific depression screening to be used

    Outcome: Increase in number of completed screening. Define according to specific screening tool – Outcome – increased number of screenings. Define to be measurable.

    Purpose

    The purpose of this assignment is to provide a detailed, evidence-based description of the population (P) in a PICOT question. Students will analyze demographic characteristics, health needs, prevalence data, and contextual factors relevant to the selected population. This assignment emphasizes scholarly writing, the use of peer-reviewed literature, and the integration of local data.

    Instructions

    Students will submit a paper on the evidence base related to the identified population in PICOT for the applied project development. This paper will be including in the final Evidenced Based PICOT Proposal.

    1. Select a Population

    Choose the population (P) from your PICOT question. Examples include:

    • Adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and major depression in (specific community)
    • Older adults at risk of falls and diagnosis of dementia
    • Pediatric patients with asthma in specific setting
    • Nurses working in ICU experiencing workplace burnout
    • Unhoused adults with hypertension in rural southeastern Arizona

    Identify a population that aligns with each component of the PICOT.

    2. Write a 23 Page Paper

    Your paper must include the following components:

    Introduction

    • Briefly present your PICOT question
    • Introduce the population component of the PICOT
    • Follow academic writing standards; this section introduces the population, not the paper itself

    Population Description

    Describe the characteristics of your population using evidence from peer-reviewed sources and local data. Address the following:

    Demographic Characteristics

    Include relevant factors such as:

    • Age range
    • Gender distribution
    • Ethnicity or cultural considerations
    • Socioeconomic factors
    • Geographic or community setting (e.g., acute care, rural area, school system)

    Health Condition or Issue

    Provide a detailed explanation of:

    • The condition or problem affecting this population
    • Prevalence and incidence using national and local data
    • Associated risk factors
    • Consequences if the issue is not addressed

    Unique Needs, Vulnerabilities, and Strengths

    Discuss relevant social determinants of health, including:

    • Access to healthcare
    • Education level
    • Environmental influences
    • Insurance coverage
    • Barriers to care
    • Unique strengths

    Explain why this population requires a targeted intervention.

    Conclusion

    Summarize the key characteristics of the population and explain why they are critical to the evidence-based intervention proposed in your PICOT.

    Paper Formatting

    • Use this Title Page Template
    • Length: 23 double-spaced pages (excluding title page and references)
    • Sources: 35 peer-reviewed academic sources published within the last 5 years
    • Include at least one source of local data (e.g., county health department, state health dashboard, hospital quality reports)
    • APA 7th edition format
    • In-text citations and reference page required

    Rubric:

    Introduction

    2.5 pts

    Full Marks

    Clearly presents a well-formulated PICOT question with a strong introduction to the population.

    Population

    3 ptsFull MarksThoroughly describes demographic characteristics, health conditions, and unique needs using extensive evidence from peer-reviewed sources and local data.

    Use of Evidence

    2 ptsFull MarksIntegrates a wide range of peer-reviewed literature and local data effectively to support analysis.

    Conclusion

    2.5 ptsFull MarksProvides a comprehensive summary of key characteristics and their importance to the PICOT intervention.

  • SBAR Essay

    Instructions

    Students will develop a 23 page formal SBAR brief summarizing their proposed QI project topic. The SBAR must reflect doctoral-level synthesis, integrate current evidence, and communicate the rationale for the project in a clear, structured format appropriate for presentation to organizational leaders or stakeholders.

    The SBAR should serve as an early-stage project proposal that will evolve as the student moves through project planning, stakeholder engagement, and evidence appraisal.

    SBAR Structure and Requirements

    1. Situation (Problem Statement)

    Clearly describe:

    • The clinical or organizational problem of concern
    • Who is affected and where the problem occurs
    • Why the issue is urgent or meaningful in the current practice setting
    • The connection to healthcare quality improvement needs

    Expected length: Approximately one paragraph

    2. Background (Context and Evidence)

    Provide relevant context that supports the significance of the problem:

    • Brief overview of the current situation, current practices, and identified gaps
    • Summary of key evidence from current literature (35 scholarly sources)
    • Relevant baseline data, if available
    • Organizational or national guidelines that support the need for change

    3. Assessment (Analysis of the Problem)

    Demonstrate critical analysis by addressing:

    • Factors contributing to the problem (e.g., processes, environment, behaviors, system barriers)
    • What is known from the evidence about root causes or contributing factors
    • Potential stakeholders and available resources
    • Feasibility considerations for addressing the issue within the applied project context

    4. Recommendation (Proposed QI Direction)

    Propose a preliminary intervention direction aligned with the emerging PICOT question, which will be defined in Module 3.

    • Proposed practice change, process improvement, or educational intervention
    • Intended evidence-based outcomes
    • Alignment with organizational goals or accreditation priorities
    • Support or next steps needed to move forward (e.g., stakeholder approval, baseline data collection)

    Formatting Requirements

    • 23 pages (excluding title page and references)
    • Do not include an introduction; begin with the Situation section and follow SBAR headings
    • APA 7th edition formatting for citations and reference list
    • Professional, concise, and technically accurate writing
    • Use headings for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation

    Grading Rubric

    Please see the Canvas Grading Rubric below.

    Please review the rubric for how your work will be graded. The deliverable will be evaluated on a total of 20 points. Prior to starting any graded coursework, students are expected to read through the rubric so they know how they will be assessed. You are encouraged to self-assess your responses and make informed revisions before submitting your final report. Engaging in this learning practice will support you in developing your best work.

    Deliverable will be graded based on what was submitted against the rubric criteria. Missing parts submitted after the deadline will not be graded.

    Rubric

    SBAR Assignment

    Situation (Problem Statement)

    4 pts

    Exemplary

    Clearly and concisely describes the clinical or organizational problem, who is affected, where it occurs, and its urgency, with a strong connection to healthcare quality improvement.

    Background (Context and Evidence) (4 points)

    4 pts

    Exemplary

    Provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation, practices, gaps, and evidence from 35 scholarly sources, including relevant data and guidelines.

    Assessment (Analysis of the Problem

    4 pts

    Exemplary

    Thoroughly analyzes contributing factors, evidence on root causes, stakeholders, resources, and feasibility considerations.

    Recommendation (Proposed QI Direction)

    4 pts

    Exemplary

    Proposes a well-aligned intervention with clear outcomes, organizational alignment, and detailed next steps.

    Formatting and Writing

    Demonstrates APA 7 and Academic Writing Standards

    4 pts

    Exemplary

    Adheres to APA 7th edition, is professionally written, concise, and technically accurate, with clear SBAR headings.