Assingments % - Critical Appraisal of a Randomized Controlled Trial in Nursing

Select a research article that uses a randomized controlled trial focusing on a clinical nursing problem of your choice. Use this research article to address the following questions:

Provide an APA reference of the article including a GCU permalink or working link used to access the article.
Using the “CASP Randomized Controlled Trial Checklist,” (https://casp-uk.net/casp-tools-checklists/randomised-controlled-trial-rct-checklist), evaluate the study. Based on your findings, summarize the critical appraisal of the selected research article.
Do the benefits of the experimental intervention outweigh the harms and costs? Identify and discuss one other ethical consideration applicable to quantitative research studies such as this one.

Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

This discussion post requires you to analyze and critically evaluate a randomized controlled trial (RCT) related to a clinical nursing problem. Follow these steps to ensure a structured, well-supported, and high-quality response.

Step 1: Select a Relevant RCT Article

Choose a peer-reviewed article that focuses on an RCT in nursing practice (published within the last 5 years).
Ensure the study includes randomization, intervention, and control groups.
Access the article through the GCU Library, PubMed, CINAHL, or other credible databases.

Step 2: Structure Your Initial Discussion Post (200+ Words)

1. Provide an APA Reference & Article Link

Cite the article using APA 7 format.
Include a GCU permalink or a working link to the study.

2. Critical Appraisal Using the CASP Checklist

Use the CASP Randomized Controlled Trial Checklist to evaluate the study:
Was the research question clearly focused?
Were participants randomly assigned to groups?
Was the allocation concealed and was the study blinded?
Were the results valid, reliable, and applicable to nursing practice?
Were all participants accounted for at the end of the study?
Discuss strengths and limitations of the study based on this evaluation.

3. Weighing Benefits vs. Harms and Costs

Identify whether the experimental intervention provided significant benefits compared to standard care.
Consider improved patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and potential side effects.

4. Ethical Consideration in Quantitative Research

Identify and explain one ethical issue in RCTs (e.g., informed consent, autonomy, beneficence, justice).
Discuss how the researchers ensured ethical compliance in the study.

5. Conclusion (2-3 Sentences)

Summarize key takeaways from your critical appraisal.
Reflect on the implications for nursing practice.

Step 3: Include Two Scholarly References in APA Format

Use the selected research article as one source.
Include at least one additional peer-reviewed nursing reference.
Properly format in-text citations and references.

Step 4: Respond to Peers (100-150 Words)

Engage in meaningful discussion by:
Expanding on their appraisal findings.
Comparing their RCT with yours.
Highlighting another ethical aspect of RCTs.
Include at least one reference in your response.

Final Checklist Before Submission

Original work (avoid plagiarism, write in your own words).
Correct APA citations and formatting.
Proofread for clarity and grammar.
Submit before the deadline.

By following this structured approach, you’ll create a detailed, high-quality discussion post with strong critical analysis and academic support!