The Advance Practice Nurse and Community Paramedicine
SECTION 1: Introduction
Begin writing here. . . In this paragraph, you will provide a basic/general introduction to your topic. The goal of the introduction is to provide a succinct and clear description of historical and current issues; detail an attention grabber to entice the reader to read the paper; foreshadow the organization of the paper (mentions major sections); and concludes with purpose statement.
Problem Overview
Begin writing here. . . The Problem Overview builds a case for your paper and frames the historical with current elements. This section includes specific problem description, context of key issues, background/history, epidemiology elements, knowledge gap, implications (clinical, theoretical, practical, financial, or educational, etc.), and end with rationale as to why this topic is important for the advanced practice nurse.
Section 1 Checklist (delete these with final draft):
❏ Review APA 7th ed pp. 75-76.
❏ Problem: What is the problem? The problem should be relevant to advanced practice nursing.
❏ Context: Describe the larger context in which the problem exists. Is it clinical, educational, financial, or political?
❏ Epidemiology: How widespread is the problem? Is it limited to a specific age group, ethnic group, diagnosis, or specialty? Is it limited to location? What do we know about this?
❏ Gap: When defining the problem, a clear distinction must be drawn between what exists currently and what is desired. Briefly explain what research has been done on the topic, the gap in knowledge, and the rationale for this ROL. Why is this topic relevant and warranted- what needs to be done?
❏ Purpose of the Paper: Finish this sentence, “The purpose of this evidence-based paper is to….”
❏ Do not explicitly state the research question here. Rather, clearly lead the reader to the PICO/PIO/PEO question that will follow later in this section.
❏ Devote approximately two to four paragraphs to this section.
Definition of Terms
Begin writing here … In this section, you will include any terms that are not familiar to your audience. (Be sure to check with your Capstone Advisor to confirm whether you need this section.)
Checklist (delete in final draft of paper)::
❏ Alphabetize and bold terms that are directly related to the Capstone topic if they are not commonly used or understood. Format as a level three heading, with a new paragraph for each term.
❏ Paraphrase the definitions of the terms using complete sentences and provide a citation for each one.
Purpose Statement/PICO Question
(The purpose statement: Exploring the role of the APN in community paramedicine in caring for vulnerable populations).
(PIO Question: What is the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse in Community Paramedicine?)
Begin writing here … Phrase the problem as a scholarly research question using the PICO/PIO/PEO format. This should be written in full sentences. Each element of the research question statement should be clearly defined. You will write an explicit purpose statement using this verbiage: The purpose of this paper is to…
Checklist (delete in final draft of paper):
❏ Did you select the appropriate PICO, PIO, or PEO for your paper?
❏ Does the research question align with the description of the problem in the previous section? with the purpose statement?
❏ Devote approximately two sentences to this section.
Theoretical Framework
Begin writing here … In this section, you will identify a theoretical framework or model that relates to your topic. Connect the concepts of the theory/model to the paper, so the reader understands the relationships. This is the lens through which you are looking at the problem and PICO question. Connect the concepts of the theory/model to the paper, so the reader understands the relationships. Include an example of your selected theory and how it has been used in previous research/clinical practice and infer how this example can be applied to your research question. Include a picture of the theory framework or model.
Section 1 Checklist (delete in final draft of paper):
❏ Identify a framework or model that relates to your topic. Briefly describe the key concepts of the theory, citing a primary source.
❏ How has this theory been used in other research? Describe one research study that has used the theoretical framework. Be sure to theorize how previous use can be applied to your paper and specifically how the theory applies to your topic.
❏ Cite a primary source written by the theorist.
❏ Include a picture of the model, if possible. You will need to caption this figure in APA format.
❏ Devote at least three paragraphs to this section.
