1-According to Helmenstine (2018), an independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable & a dependent variable is the variable being tested and measured in a scientific experiment. For my project on fall prevention in the LTC setting, the independent variables will be; the type of medication given to patients, environment that the patients live, physical exercise, level of stress and body strength of the patients. Their age, gender,fall prevention measures during handoff and not allowing patients to dangle on the edge of the bed, use of sitters. The dependent variables would be the fall rates for the month of June and July and staff knowledge on fall prevention,the condition of patients after receiving anti-psychotic medication, the nature of body strength of patients and patient satisfaction . I am measuring the amount of falls and knowledge gained since they depend on the new measures in place. It is important to pay attention to both of these variables to make sure they are realistic and achievable. Knowing results helps me determine if my solutions are effective.

Reference

Helmenstine, T. (2018). What Is the Difference Between Independent and Dependent Variables? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/independent-and-dependent-variables-differences-606115

2-Independent variable is the implementation of the new SBAR trauma transfer audit/form. The subjective feedback from staff and the statistical patient outcomes would be the dependent variables. It is important to look at the results of the new plan and to see what is proven effective and what is not. It could also be beneficial to do a study before implementation to have nurses rate the communication on a scale 1-5 with recieving and transferring facilities and then one after implementation to look at the effectiveness of the new SBAR trauma transfer audit/form.

3-The independent and dependent variables may be viewed in terms of cause and effect. If the independent variable is changed, then an effect is seen in the dependent variable. Remember, the values of both variables may change in an experiment and are recorded. The difference is that the value of the independent variable is controlled by the experimenter, while the value of the dependent variable only changes in response to the independent variable.

This helped me better understand when looking at more of a cause and effect relationship. So, are you comparing the use of xarelto in stroke patients in contrast to those that don’t use xarelto?

Dodge, Y. (2003) The Oxford Dictionary of Statistical Terms, OUP. ISBN 0-19-920613-9