DNP Matrix Assignment
Provide a matrix of evidence related to the translation of evidence into practice systems. In NU 608, you
identified at least four (4) levels of evidence and began to construct the Evidence Review Matrix. You may use
the matrix format and sources from NU 608 but you must include new evidence to support your strategies.
Include at least 10 NEW sources that can be justified using the hierarchy of evidence. Critically evaluate and
grade the levels of evidence and recommendations.
The matrix should focus on content related to translating evidence into practice. Don’t include every study
about your topic, just those related to putting the evidence in to practice. Separate out those studies in your
matrix about implementation strategies/best practices. We don’t want to see a listing of all studies you’ve ever
looked at related to this topic. Tell us what method you are using to rate the evidence. It is your choice, but we
need to know what you are using, please attach the tool that you use to the discussion.
Synthesis
When we say provide a synthesis of the evidence, we are not talking about a listing of studies…we are
referring to an overview of the literature. What is out there? Where are the gaps? This section of your
discussion post should probably be around 750 – 1,000 words in length, depending on how much literature there
is related to your issue. Again, do not include a listing of each study and what was found, give a synthesis.
Here is an example from Butler et al.:
Despite the evidence that brief interventions by health care providers can impact smoking cessation,
between one-third and one-fourth of college students seen by college health care providers report that
they are not asked about smoking.23,27,54 . . . The lack of training in smoking cessation counseling
techniques may influence the care that college students receive.23,56
However, we don’t want to see something like, “Three studies found X. Two studies found Y. Five studies
found Z.” If you are confused and want to see an example of what is meant by a synthesis, look at an article in
the background or literature review section.
Canadian Task Force Tool
GRADE tool article (2008)
Directions:
This is an "informal" assignment and is intended to be a free flowing discussion and interaction among peers.
Please follow APA formatting/structure for all other aspects of the discussion. Peer reviewed journal references
are highly encouraged for your postings and will strengthen your points within the discussion (see rubric).
Student engagement and participation in this discussion is both required and vital to your overall success. It is
intended that you each "share" what you know with your classmates, provide constructive feedback to the posts
of your peers, and make suggestions/recommendations to each other. Please read most all of the entries and then
chose the two that you would like to respond to. You will lose points for not reading other posts.
This discussion question will be "worth" a total of 25 points of your overall grade for this course. Grading will
be assigned by the faculty based on the quality and content of your posts; your level of participation in the
discussion will be considered in the grading. Students are expected to cross post to at least 2 peers in the
discussion. Your cross post should provide a substantial posting that offers new or additional information to
what was originally discussed. Including “I agree” or “nice work” comments do not constitute as a substantial
cross post and may affect your grade. A copy of the grading rubric is provided for you below.
Page Limit: Page requirement is 750 – 1,000 words plus the matrix for the initial post and approximately 400 –
500 words for the cross post.
Butler, K.M., Fallin, A., & Ridner, S.L. (2012). Evidence-based smoking cessation for college students. The
Nursing Clinics of North America, 47(1), 21-30. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2011.10.007
GRADING RUBRIC
Criteria
Introduce the practice problem. Tell what it is and how it impacts practice. There must
be a thesis statement at the end of the paragraph that tells the reader the purpose of post
and what will be discussed.
Point
s2
Create a PICO question that guides your search and synthesis of the literature. Make sure
to follow the correct format for your PICO and include all parts: P-population; Iintervention; C-comparison (what did they do before this new intervention); O- outcomes
(what are the expected or desired outcomes)
5
Discuss the evidence from the matrix. Synthesize the evidence by determining the
strengths, weaknesses, findings, etc. in a concise manner.
5
8
Complete a matrix following the examples given above. Please attach the tool you used
for grading the levels of evidence- please make sure to attach your matrix as a separate
attachment.
Cross post- Please include in the cross post constructive ideas on how to improve the PICO 5
question of your classmate and why? Help your classmate improve their PICO for the next
paper.
Deductions (up to 5 points)
Deductions for scholarship, grammar, and APA.
Total
25
Deductions:
Up to 20% of points will be deducted from grade for lack of scholarship. Scholarship is evidenced by
organized and logical progression of ideas; effort and attention to detail is evident; effectively communicates
all aspects of discussion. Correct grammar, spelling, and word choice. Liberal number of references.
References are current, appropriately paraphrased, and acknowledged. Correct use of APA.