Incorporate a critical appraisal and a brief analysis of the utility and applicability of the findings to nursing practice.

Data Collection
•    Are the major variables (independent and dependent variables) identified and defined? What were these variables?
•    How were data collected in this study?
•    What rationale did the author provide for using this data collection method?
•    Identify the time period for data collection of the study.
•    Describe the sequence of data collection events for a participant.

Data Management and Analysis
•    Describe the data management and analysis methods used in the study.
•    Did the author discuss how the rigor of the process was assured? For example, does the author describe maintaining a paper trail of critical decisions that

were made during the analysis of the data? Was statistical software used to ensure accuracy of the analysis?
•    What measures were used to minimize the effects of researcher bias (their experiences and perspectives)? For example, did two researchers independently analyze

the data and compare their analyses?

Findings / Interpretation of Findings: Implications for Practice and Future Research
•    What is the researcher’s interpretation of findings?
•    Are the findings valid or an accurate reflection of reality? Do you have confidence in the findings?
•    What limitations of the study were identified by researchers?
•    Was there a coherent logic to the presentation of findings?
•    What implications do the findings have for nursing practice? For example, can the study findings be applied to general nursing practice, to a specific

population, to a specific area of nursing?
•    What suggestions are made for further studies?

Conclusion
•    Emphasize the importance and congruity of the thesis statement
•    Provide a logical wrap-up to bring the appraisal to completion and to leave a lasting impression and take-away points useful in nursing practice.
•    Incorporate a critical appraisal and a brief analysis of the utility and applicability of the findings to nursing practice.
•    Integrate a summary of the knowledge learned.