Abstract
The Poisson distribution is used to find the probability of an event occurring over an interval of time, distance, area, or volume. It is a helpful statistical tool, especially when evaluating rare events, and is underused in nursing practice. A single-group study design is used to demonstrate use of the Poisson distribution in determining whether a change in the number of discrete events is due to random variation or reflects a change in practice patterns and in determining the probability of seeing the number of observed events. Steps demonstrate how one can easily use the Poisson distribution to answer common questions. Use of the Poisson distribution can help nurses make better informed decisions about observed variations in care, especially when the data are not normally distributed, and can prevent undue concern when fluctuations in the number of events are associated with random fluctuations.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.