Tag Archives: primary

CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY SPECIFIC RESOURCES OR REFERENCES FOR CONDUCTING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY RESEARCH

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Primary research refers to original research conducted by the researcher themselves for a specific purpose or to answer a specific question. Some key aspects of conducting primary research include:

Developing research questions/hypotheses: The researcher must clearly define the research question or problem they are seeking to answer through primary research. Well-developed research questions help provide focus to the research. Broad or unclear questions make gathering useful primary data difficult.

Research methods: Once the research questions are defined, the researcher must select appropriate primary research methods to collect original data. Common primary research methods include surveys, interviews, observation studies, and experiments. The method used depends on the research topic, available resources, and desired outcome of the research. Methods must be selected carefully to ensure the data collected will help answer the research questions.

Sampling approach: If using surveys or interviews, the researcher must determine a sampling approach to select participants. Probabilistic sampling aims for randomness and generalization while non-probabilistic sampling targets availability and expedience. Sample size is also an important consideration, with larger samples providing more reliable insights typically.

Ethics: All primary research involving human subjects requires strict adherence to research ethics. Researchers must obtain informed consent, protect privacy and confidentiality, avoid deception, and ensure no harm comes to participants. Research ethics approval may be required depending on the methods used and participant populations sampled.

Data collection: Gathering original data is at the heart of primary research. surveys must be constructed carefully, interviews planned thoroughly, and observation/experiment protocols established to reliably collect useful data. Data collection tools like questionnaires need to be pre-tested to identify issues.

Data analysis: Once collected, primary data needs to be compiled, coded, and analyzed using statistical or qualitative analysis techniques as appropriate. Data analysis focuses on identifying trends, relationships, and insights that help answer the research questions. Reliable analysis is dependent on robust collection methods and appropriate sample sizes.

Reporting: The final step involves formally reporting findings and conclusions in a clear, well-structured format. Reporting demonstrates how the primary research addressed the original questions and adds value. Limitations must also be acknowledged to establish credibility. Reports aide dissemination of new knowledge gained.

Some additionaltips for effective primary research include piloting data collection tools, maintaining objectivity, leveraging available resources and expertise, using reliable analysis techniques, and recognizing limitations. Primary research strengthens a research project but requires careful planning and execution to generate meaningful insights.

Secondary research refers to using existing information to answer a research question rather than gathering original data. Some key aspects of effective secondary research include:

Defining research questions: Clearly defining the research questions is essential to focus the secondary research. Questions should be answerable using available secondary data sources. Broad questions may require primary data.

Identifying relevant sources: The researcher must systematically search for reliable secondary data sources likely to contain information addressing the research questions. Common sources include academic literature, industry reports, government statistics, market data, and more.

Evaluating sources: All secondary sources require critical evaluation on credibility, sources of funding, methodologies used, dates of publication and potential biases before being cited or used in analysis. More recent and rigorously collected data is preferable.

Collecting and compiling data: Relevant information and statistics must be gathered methodically from credible secondary sources. Data is ideally compiled consistently into themes or categories aligned to research questions for analysis.

Analyzing compiled data: Both quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques can be applied depending on the nature of compiled secondary data. Analysis centers on identifying trends, relationships, insights and conclusions relevant to research questions.

Limitations: Reliance on secondary sources introduces inherent limitations compared to primary data in terms of lack of control over collection methods, dates, contextual details. Limitations must be acknowledged in research outcomes.

Reporting: Findings, insights, limitations and conclusions from secondary research analysis are reported clearly and concisely. Reports cite all sources per academic standards and aim to add value.

Both primary and secondary research have important roles to play in conducting robust research. While primary research allows original data collection, secondary research leverages existing information to answer questions in a more timely and cost-effective manner when carefully executed. Combining both primary and secondary approaches can result in particularly rich, reliable research outcomes.

CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE EXAMPLES OF POTENTIAL DNP CAPSTONE PROJECT IDEAS FOR PRIMARY CARE

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Implementing an Obesity Management Program in Primary Care

The prevalence of obesity is rising steadily, leading to increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Primary care clinics often lack resources and programs to properly manage obesity. For this project, you could develop an evidence-based obesity management program for implementation in a primary care setting. This would involve creating evaluation and treatment protocols, educational materials for patients, training materials for staff, and processes for ongoing patient monitoring and support. You would implement the program in the clinic over 6-12 months, collect data on participant outcomes like weight loss and biometric measures, and evaluate the program’s effectiveness.

Promoting Preventive Screening Services

Many preventive screening tests are underutilized, missing opportunities for early disease detection. For this project you could focus on improving one specific screening rate like colorectal cancer or cervical cancer screening. Activities may include assessing current screening rates, identifying barriers to screening, developing interventions like patient reminders and education, provider prompts, and reducing structural barriers. The program would be implemented over 6-12 months and data collected on screening rates before and after to evaluate impact. Qualitative data from patients and providers could also provide insight into successes and areas for improvement.

Managing Chronic Conditions through Group Visits

Group visits are an alternative model of care that has shown success in managing chronic diseases long-term. For this project, you could implement a group visit program for a specific condition like diabetes or hypertension. Activities would involve developing standardized group visit curricula, protocols, and scheduling; training facilitators; recruiting and enrolling eligible patients; and conducting the visits. Outcome data on clinical indicators, self-management, and patient satisfaction could be collected and compared to traditional individual visits. A qualitative evaluation from patients and providers would also assess acceptability and areas for refinement of the group visit model.

Implementing a Telehealth Program

Telehealth expands access to care, especially important in underserved rural areas. For this project, you could implement a telehealth program using videoconferencing technology for remote specialty consultations or regular primary care follow-ups. This would involve selecting a specialty to partner with (e.g. dermatology), assessing needed equipment and IT infrastructure, developing workflows and staff training, identifying eligible established patients, conducting initial telehealth visits over several months, and evaluating the program’s impact on access, outcomes, costs and patient/provider satisfaction compared to usual care. Data collection tools would need to be developed to comprehensively assess program outcomes.

Improving Transitions of Care from Hospital to Home

Readmissions are common after hospitalization, often due to gaps in care coordination and management of complex medical and social needs. For this project, you could work to reduce 30-day readmissions for a specific high-risk patient population like heart failure patients. Activities may include developing standardized discharge protocols, embedding a transitional care nurse or pharmacist in the hospital, implementing home visits within 3 days of discharge, ensuring timely follow-up appointments are scheduled, and use of telemonitoring if available. Collecting readmission rates before and after implementing these interventions could determine the program’s effectiveness at improving transitions of care and reducing readmissions.

Standardizing Treatment of a Chronic Condition

Practice variation in screening and management of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia is common. To address this, you could develop evidence-based treatment protocols and clinical practice guidelines for one particular chronic disease tailored to your practice setting. This would involve an extensive literature review to identify best practices, formatting protocols in an easy to use manner, developing tools to monitor adherence, evaluating current treatment patterns, implementing the protocols over time, and collecting data on clinical outcomes to see if standardizing care improves quality metrics. Provider and patient surveys could provide insights into adopting evidence-based protocols into daily practice.

Each of these potential capstone project ideas are strongly evidence-based, aim to implement quality improvement programs focused on either disease prevention, chronic disease management, or care coordination – which are all priorities in primary care. The draft proposals provide realistic planning and timelines over 6-12 months, outline important process and outcome metrics to measure success, and emphasize collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. Implementing any of these programs in a primary care clinic setting could demonstrate a DNP graduate’s advanced competencies in developing, implementing, and evaluating an evidence-based practice change initiative.

WHAT ARE SOME STRATEGIES FOR SECURING ACCESS TO RESOURCES NECESSARY FOR PRIMARY RESEARCH

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Gaining access to resources is often a crucial step in the research process, as primary research frequently relies on being able to observe phenomena firsthand, interact directly with human or animal subjects, gain entry to private or restricted areas, utilize specialized equipment or facilities, and view documents not otherwise publicly available. While access needs vary widely depending on the topic, methods, and goals of each research project, some generally applicable best practices can improve researchers’ chances of obtaining what they require.

First, thoroughly researching both the resources sought and the protocols/requirements for accessing them is essential. Make sure to understand precisely what is entailed in terms of permission levels, access limitations, qualifying criteria, regulations, confidentiality agreements, and any fees or costs involved. Consulting directly with those who control the resources can provide clarity on feasibility and any uncertainty in the proposal. Starting early allows maximum time for dialogue, troubleshooting obstacles, and iterative feedback/refinement of the access strategy.

Second, carefully crafting a formal written access request tailored to the specific situation is important. Provide compelling justification for why the resources are necessary, appropriate, and will be safely and responsibly utilized. Focus on how the proposed research aligns with and benefits the controlling entity’s interests, values, policies and any other priorities. Clearly communicate plans to respect subjects’ privacy, confidentiality of information obtained, security of physical spaces and digital data, as well as intellectual property considerations. Specifically address any perceived risks and propose effective mitigation approaches.

Third, it is wise to leverage personal and professional connections whenever feasible. Reaching out to acquaintances within the target institution, relevant professional associations or political circles can open doors more readily than an impersonal letter. The energy and enthusiasm of capable advocates elsewhere in one’s network elevates credibility. Meeting key decision makers in person, if permitted, allows forming a direct rapport and addressing concerns through dialogue. Following up afterwards to express appreciation for their consideration also fosters ongoing goodwill.

Fourth, consider offering something in exchange for the requested access, recognizing that altruism alone may not suffice given legal/ethical obligations and limited resources. Propose value-added collaboration like providing summary analyses, contributing subject-matter expertise, acknowledging the organization in publications or inviting them to related events. Volunteer unpaid services or even make a modest monetary donation commensurate with budget. Compromise and compromise creatively to achieve mutual benefit wherever possible.

Fifth, persist diplomatically if initial requests are denied. Request feedback on deficiencies and resubmit strengthened proposals addressing the issues raised. Suggest reasonable alternatives scopes, timeframes or supervision models that still serve research needs while accommodating constraints. Appeal decisions through approved processes if miscommunications or reconsideration could yield a different outcome. Know when to graciously accept “no” and redirect efforts productively rather than irritate decision makers with stubborn insistences.

Sixth, properly handle any access that is approved by fulfilling commitments to safeguard subjects, respect policies, share results, protect proprietary interests and more. Maintain open communication throughout and provide timely updates. Send heartfelt appreciation afterwards. Upheld integrity builds warranted confidence for future cooperation, while breaches jeopardize it for one’s self and others. Continually evaluate experiences for lessons applicable to subsequent requests as careers progress.

Gaining primary research access often mandates meticulous planning, optimizing known factors within one’s control while judiciously navigating social, regulatory and resource realities beyond. A balanced combination of diligence, interpersonal skills, compromise and perseverance within ethical bounds can overcome many barriers with patience and understanding on all sides. Proper stewardship of access then granted further enables valuable work for the benefit of scholarship and society.

HOW CAN MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS BETTER INTEGRATE CARE WITHIN PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS

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Mental health issues are extremely common in primary care settings, with some studies finding that over 50% of patients seeking primary care have at least one diagnosable mental health condition. The current model of having separate siloed specialty mental health and primary care systems results in many missed opportunities for early intervention and inadequate treatment of co-occurring physical and behavioral health problems. To truly improve health outcomes, mental health services need to be seamlessly integrated within primary care.

One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by employing behavioral health consultants or integrated care managers who are stationed full-time in primary care clinics. These licensed behavioral health providers can conduct screening for common mental health issues like depression and anxiety, provide brief evidence-based interventions, and facilitate warm hand-offs to specialty mental health services when needed. Having them co-located allows for “same day” behavioral health assessments and treatment, addressing a major barrier to access. It also facilitates regular communication and care coordination between primary care physicians and behavioral health clinicians for patients with multi-factorial needs.

In addition to staffing primary care clinics with on-site behavioral health professionals, protocols and workflows need to be standardized to fully embed mental health as a part of routine primary care. Screenings for things like depression, suicidality, alcohol/substance use should be routinely conducted on all patients via questionnaires during check-ins, with automated scoring and alerts triggering appropriate follow-up care. Standard treatment algorithms informed by collaborative care models and integrating psychiatric medication management should guide coordinated treatment planning between behavioral health specialists and primary care teams when patients screen positive. Use of electronic health records and care coordination tools can also help bridge communication gaps that often exist across separate specialty systems.

Reimbursement and funding models present another barrier and need reform to support integrated care models. While some progress has been made through alternative payment arrangements like per-member-per-month (PMPM) capitation schemes, full parity in payment rates between medical and behavioral health treatment remains elusive. To truly prioritize integration, insurers and policymakers must reconsider reimbursement structures that currently incentivize siloed specialized care over teambased approaches. Investing in integrated primary care also saves money in the long run through the avoidance of downstream medical costs associated with untreated behavioral health issues like diabetes, heart disease and substance use disorders.

Addressing workforce shortages is another critical piece of strengthening integration efforts. There are simply not enough behavioral health providers, especially in underserved rural communities, to fully staff primary care clinics. Incentives and loan repayment programs can help attract more students to careers in integrated primary care settings versus private practice specialization. Investing in roles for behavioral health consultants, community health workers, and peer support specialists can also help expand the types of providers who can capably address mental health needs as part of primary care teams.

Changing organizational culture also cannot be overlooked. Some primary care practices and clinics are still not fully set up to successfully integrate services due to lack of focus on behavioral health, limited understanding of mental illness, and concerns about workflow disruptions. Leadership must champion a system-wide transformation, prioritizing staff education, quality improvement initiatives, and changes to space/clinical routines to optimize a truly integrated team-based approach. Patients and families also need education to understand care is fully collaborative versus a “hand-off” to specialty services.

With these types of multi-faceted changes to frontline services, payment structures, workforce, and organizational culture – mental health could at last be adequately and routinely addressed as part of comprehensive primary care. Co-location and embedded treatment would eliminate many access barriers while coordinated multi-disciplinary care could catch issues earlier, improve outcomes, and curtail costly crises downstream. An integrated system focused on whole-person health has potential to transform lives by seamlessly linking medical and behavioral services.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE FINANCIAL REPORTING

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The primary objective of financial reporting is to provide useful information to existing and potential investors, lenders, and other creditors for decision making. This objective has been established through the conceptual framework developed by accounting standard setters over many years.

Financial reporting aims to provide information about an entity’s economic resources, claims against the entity, and effects of transactions and other events and circumstances that change its economic resources and claims in order to help users, particularly investors, creditors and others, assess the prospects for future net cash inflows to the entity and in particular the amount, timing and uncertainty of future net cash inflows to the entity. Since investors’ and creditors’ interest in the cash flows of an entity relate to the returns that they expect from it, financial reporting should provide information to help them assess expected cash flows.

For financial reporting to be truly useful, the information provided must not only represent faithfully the transactions and other events and circumstances that it either purports to represent or could reasonably be expected to represent, but it should also be relevant to the decision-making needs of users and faithfully represented. This means the information must be presented in a way that contributes to the understandability and integrity of the financial reporting. For information to be relevant, it must be capable of making a difference in the decisions made by users. It should help users in evaluating past, present or future events or in confirming or correcting their past evaluations. It must also be timely to be useful to decision makers.

To achieve the objective of financial reporting, essential characteristics such as understandability, relevance, materiality, reliability, timeliness, comparability as well as balancing benefit and cost must be applied. Financial reports must be complete and transparent in disclosing both favorable and unfavorable facts. Selective disclosure or non-disclosure will not achieve the objective. Understandability is an essential quality of information included in financial reports. Users are assumed to have a reasonable knowledge of business and economic activities and accounting and a willingness to study the information. Notwithstanding this, financial reports needs to be presented in a way that can be understood by users of different skills and abilities to recognize its significance. To be relevant, information must be capable of making a difference in a user’s assessment of the prospects of the entity and the economic decisions. Materiality relates to both the nature of the information and the amount. A piece of information is material if its omission or misstatement could influence the decisions of users. Reliable information is free from material error and bias and can be depended upon by users to represent faithfully items or transactions they purport or could reasonably be expected to represent. Timeliness means having information available for users in time to be capable of influencing their economic decisions. Comparability allows users to identify and understand similarities and differences between two sets of economic phenomena. Comparable information enhances the usefulness of financial information in making economic decisions.

The overarching and primary objective of financial reporting is to provide useful information that enables investors, creditors and other users to make well informed resource allocation decisions through general purpose financial reports prepared on the accrual basis of accounting which presents faithfully the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of an entity . The reports aim to meet the common needs of the wide range of users and should provide information to enable them to assess the management’s stewardship and discharge of its accountability obligations and the prospects for future net cash inflows to the entity. Financial information provided in general purpose financial reports should help all types of users, existing and potential investors, lenders and other creditors and other users make rational investment, credit and similar economic decisions.