# Use of Research in the Nursing Practice: from Statistical Significance to Clinical Significance

## TL;DR

This paper discusses how nurses can better understand and apply research findings by distinguishing between statistical and clinical significance.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the need for nurses to develop competencies to interpret and apply research findings in clinical practice.

## Key findings

- Statistical significance does not always equate to clinical relevance in nursing practice.
- Nurses must be trained to differentiate between statistical and clinical significance for effective patient care.
- The practical value of research lies in its real-world application and patient benefit.

## Abstract

Within the context of evidence-based practice, this article exposes the reflection on the understanding and usefulness of the information provided by the research findings shared in reports and research publications, exposing differences based on the interpretation of statistical significance and clinical significance.

Basic aspects of the meaning and use of the information reported by research on p value (statistical significance) and the value and usefulness of these results are analyzed and exemplified, contrasting the value for the practice of an additional judgment on clinical significance. In addition to establishing conceptual differences, the need is highlighted for nurses to have the competencies to differentiate and apply each of them according to the clinical contexts of their potential implementation.

The real usefulness of research about interventions within the context of nursing care is given by its real application and reach for the practice and benefit for patients. For this to occur, nurses must interpret adequately the information provided by scientific publications and other research reports.