Nursing Research and EBP

Summary

This video clarifies the distinction between nursing research and evidence-based practice (EBP). It explains that research is a systematic process aimed at generating new knowledge to solve problems, while EBP involves using the best available evidence to improve patient care. Both processes start with a question, but research develops new evidence, and EBP applies existing research. The video walks through the steps of each process, highlighting their similarities and differences, and underscores the importance of integrating clinical expertise, evidence, and patient preferences in nursing practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research and evidence-based practice (EBP) are related but not the same thing in nursing.
• 😀 Research is a systematic process to generate new knowledge, while EBP uses existing evidence to make clinical decisions.
• 😀 Nursing research can be conducted in various areas like patient care, education, administration, and clinical outcomes.
• 😀 EBP focuses on improving patient outcomes by integrating clinical expertise, best available evidence, and patient preferences.
• 😀 Simply finding articles online is not considered research; research requires a systematic, disciplined approach.
• 😀 EBP involves critical appraisal of existing literature to determine its relevance to practice, not just reading research articles.
• 😀 Clinical expertise is a key component of EBP, as it helps integrate the evidence into real-world practice.
• 😀 Patient preferences and needs must be considered in EBP to ensure patient-centered care.
• 😀 Evidence-based practice is a continuous cycle that evaluates outcomes and refines practices to improve patient care.
• 😀 The research process generates new evidence to answer questions for which there is no existing information.
• 😀 The research process involves testing hypotheses, collecting data, and analyzing results, often using experimental or quantitative methods.

Q & A

What is the primary distinction between research and evidence-based practice (EBP)?

Research is focused on generating new knowledge through systematic inquiry, while evidence-based practice (EBP) applies existing evidence to make clinical decisions and improve patient care.

Why is the word 'systematic' emphasized in the definition of nursing research?

The term 'systematic' emphasizes the importance of conducting research in a structured and disciplined manner, ensuring the process is organized and based on rigorous methods, unlike casual, random searches.

How can research in nursing be applied to areas beyond patient care?

Nursing research can also be applied to educational practices (improving nursing education), nursing administration (enhancing nurse management), and clinical nursing research (improving patient care outcomes).

What are the key components of evidence-based practice (EBP)?

EBP involves using the best available evidence, integrating clinical expertise, and considering patient preferences to make informed patient care decisions and improve outcomes.

How does evidence-based practice (EBP) differ from simply following policies and procedures?

EBP goes beyond following policies; it involves using researched evidence to inform practice decisions, ensuring the best possible patient outcomes rather than relying solely on administrative guidelines.

What is the role of 'clinical expertise' in evidence-based practice (EBP)?

Clinical expertise plays a critical role in EBP by allowing nurses to assess the relevance and effectiveness of evidence based on their experience, integrating it with research findings and patient needs.

Why is it important to consider patient preferences in evidence-based practice (EBP)?

Considering patient preferences ensures that the care provided is patient-centered, respecting their values and ensuring that treatments align with what they need and want for their healthcare.

What is the process for conducting a literature search in evidence-based practice (EBP)?

In EBP, conducting a literature search involves planning keywords, using reputable library databases like PubMed or CINAHL, and systematically searching for the best available evidence to answer a clinical question.

What steps are involved in the research process in nursing?

The research process involves asking a question, reviewing existing literature, developing a conceptual framework, defining hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, testing hypotheses, and disseminating findings.

Why is dissemination of findings important in both research and evidence-based practice?

Disseminating findings is crucial because it allows the broader nursing community to learn from successes and failures, helping to inform and improve practice across the field and prevent repeated mistakes.