NURS FPX 9000 Assessment 3: Topic Report with CITI Training

Research in nursing is grounded not only in scientific rigor but also in ethical responsibility. As healthcare professionals, nurses are entrusted with the safety, dignity, and well-being of vulnerable populations. NURS FPX 9000 Assessment 3 requires the development of a comprehensive topic report while integrating knowledge gained from the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program. The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate an understanding of research ethics Nurs Fpx, human subject protection, and responsible conduct in scholarly inquiry. This essay presents a detailed topic report focused on improving medication adherence among adults with hypertension and explains how CITI training principles guide ethical research design and implementation.

Selected Research Topic: Improving Medication Adherence Among Adults with Hypertension

Hypertension remains one of the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Despite the availability of effective medications, poor adherence continues to undermine treatment outcomes. Many patients fail to take medications as prescribed due to factors such as forgetfulness, side effects, financial constraints, limited health literacy, and lack of social support. Inconsistent adherence leads to uncontrolled blood pressure, increased hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs.

The proposed research topic aims to explore strategies to improve medication adherence among adults diagnosed with hypertension in a primary care setting. Specifically, the study seeks to evaluate whether a structured nurse-led educational and follow-up intervention improves adherence rates compared to standard care.

Problem Statement

Medication non-adherence among adults with hypertension contributes to preventable complications and diminished quality of life. In primary care settings, there is often insufficient time for in-depth patient education and follow-up. Without consistent reinforcement NURS FPX 9000 Assessment 3 Topic Report with CITI Training, patients may not fully understand the importance of daily medication adherence. Addressing this gap through targeted nursing interventions has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditures.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a nurse-led education and follow-up program in improving medication adherence among adults with hypertension. The findings could inform evidence-based practice changes within primary care environments and support the expanded role of nurses in chronic disease management.

Research Question

Does a structured nurse-led educational and follow-up intervention improve medication adherence among adults with hypertension compared to standard care over a three-month period?

Proposed Methodology

The study will use a quantitative, quasi-experimental design with two groups: an intervention group receiving structured nurse-led education and follow-up, and a control group receiving standard care. Participants will be adults aged 30 to 70 diagnosed with hypertension and prescribed at least one antihypertensive medication.

Medication adherence will be measured using validated self-report tools such as the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), along with blood pressure readings collected at baseline and at three months. Data analysis will compare adherence scores and blood pressure control between the two groups.

The intervention will include individualized education sessions focusing on medication purpose, side effects, lifestyle modifications NURS FPX 8022 Assessment 2 SAFER Guides and Evaluating Technology Usage, and strategies for remembering daily doses. Follow-up phone calls will occur biweekly to reinforce education, answer questions, and assess barriers to adherence.

Integration of CITI Training Principles

Completion of CITI training provides essential knowledge regarding the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects. The principles outlined in the CITI program, particularly those derived from the Belmont Report—respect for persons, beneficence, and justice—serve as the foundation for ethical research practice.

Respect for Persons

Respect for persons emphasizes autonomy and the protection of individuals with diminished autonomy. In this proposed study, informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrollment. The consent process will include a clear explanation of the study’s purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, confidentiality measures, and the voluntary nature of participation.

Participants will be informed that they may withdraw from the study at any time without affecting their access to care. Consent forms will be written in plain language to ensure comprehension, especially for individuals with limited health literacy. By honoring participant autonomy, the study upholds the ethical standards emphasized in CITI training.

Beneficence

Beneficence requires researchers to minimize potential harm and maximize possible benefits. In this study, risks are minimal and primarily involve the time required for education sessions and follow-up calls. No invasive procedures are involved. The intervention itself may offer direct benefits, such as improved medication understanding and better blood pressure control.

To ensure participant safety, the research protocol will include monitoring for adverse events related to medication changes or reported side effects. Any concerning findings will be promptly communicated to the participant’s healthcare provider. Data will be reviewed regularly to ensure that no unintended harm arises from the intervention.

Justice

Justice ensures equitable selection and treatment of research participants. The study will recruit participants without discrimination based on gender, race, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be clearly defined and applied consistently.

Efforts will be made to recruit a diverse sample that reflects the demographics of the primary care population. This approach ensures that the benefits and burdens of research are distributed fairly and that findings are generalizable to a broad population.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

CITI training emphasizes the importance of protecting participant confidentiality and maintaining data security. In this study, all participant information will be de-identified and assigned unique study codes. Electronic data will be stored on password-protected devices and encrypted systems accessible only to authorized research personnel.

Physical documents, such as signed consent forms NURS FPX 8006 Assessment 1 Forming an Innovative Healthcare Team, will be stored in locked cabinets within secure facilities. Data will be retained according to institutional policies and destroyed appropriately after the retention period expires.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Prior to initiating the study, the research proposal will be submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review and approval. The IRB evaluates research protocols to ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. CITI training prepares researchers to understand the IRB process, including submission procedures, required documentation, and ongoing reporting obligations.

No data collection will begin until formal IRB approval is obtained. Any modifications to the study design will be submitted for review to ensure continued protection of participants.

Responsible Conduct of Research

Beyond human subject protection, CITI training also addresses responsible conduct of research, including data integrity, authorship ethics, and avoidance of plagiarism. In conducting this study, all data will be reported honestly and transparently. Statistical analysis will be performed accurately without manipulation to achieve desired outcomes.

If results demonstrate no significant difference between groups, findings will still be reported truthfully. Dissemination of results through scholarly publications or presentations will appropriately acknowledge contributors and avoid fabrication or falsification of data.

Significance to Nursing Practice

Improving medication adherence aligns directly with the nursing role in patient education, advocacy, and chronic disease management. If effective, the nurse-led intervention could become a standard component of hypertension management protocols. This would strengthen nursing leadership in primary care and highlight the value of patient-centered education.

Furthermore, the integration of ethical principles ensures that patient trust remains central to research and practice. By adhering to CITI training guidelines, nurses demonstrate professional accountability and commitment to safe NURS FPX 8006 Assessment 4, ethical scholarship.

Conclusion

NURS FPX 9000 Assessment 3 provides an opportunity to synthesize research planning skills with ethical knowledge gained through CITI training. The proposed study on improving medication adherence among adults with hypertension addresses a critical healthcare challenge while prioritizing participant rights and safety. Through adherence to the principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, as well as strict data protection measures and IRB oversight, the study exemplifies responsible research conduct. Ultimately, integrating ethical rigor with clinical inquiry strengthens nursing practice, advances evidence-based care, and reinforces the profession’s commitment to improving patient outcomes.