Dependent and Independent Variables

A dependent variable is affected by changes in other variables. It is the presumed effect during the process of carrying out an experiment. An independent variable on the other hand does not depend on other variables. It is stable and is not affected by other measured variables (Flannelly L. et al. 2014). Evidence-based projects evaluation involves identifying both the dependent and independent variables to be used in drawing conclusions. They help in performing calculations that lead to the information that the study is seeking to find out.

In our study, use of patient education to reduce 30-day hospital readmission among heart failure patients, evaluation involves choosing 10 hospitals over a period of six months, checking patient readmission rates when patient education strategy is in place. Observations, interviews and questionnaires will be used during the time of evaluation. The variables of interest are nurse-patient ratio, length of training, frequency of training and rates of readmission.

Independent variables

In this case, the independent variables include the frequency of training and length of training. These two variables are not affected by the other measured variables. One nurse can choose to train for the length of time specified in the training strategy while another one can choose to spend less time. Frequency of training is also specified in the training plan. Nurses are expected adhere to the training plan to enable the success of the project.

Dependent variables

The rate of readmission depends on all other measured variables. The length and frequency of of training affects how well the patients understand the concept. Most heart failure patients are old. They need a humble time during the training sessions. Enough time is also needed to carry out demonstrations and for teach-back. Number of registered nurses in a health facility affects nurse-patient ratio during training (Giuliano, K. K., 2016). The fewer the number of patients assigned to nurse, the easier it is to train and the better it is for them to understand.

Reference

Flannelly L., Flannelly K. & Jankowski K., (2014). Independent, dependent, and other variables in healthcare and chaplaincy. Journal of health care chaplaincy

Giuliano, K. K., Danesh, V., & Funk, M. (2016). The Relationship Between Nurse Staffing and 30-Day Readmission for Adults With Heart Failure. The Journal of nursing administration.