Lecture Notes: Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and Research Methods

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), research methods, searching for evidence, and related nursing standards.

What is Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?

The conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients (Sackett & Rosenberg, 1996).

What are the three components of the EBP triad?

Best available research evidence; clinical expertise; patient values and preferences.

What is the difference between primary and secondary research?

Primary research is data from a single study; secondary research synthesizes multiple primary studies into a new synthesis.

Five essential steps in the emerging science of EBP

Ask; Acquire; Appraise; Apply; Evaluate.

Three parts of a good clinical question (Sackett et al.)

Who the question is about; which intervention and comparator; outcome measures.

What is the Evidence Pyramid (highest to lowest level of evidence)?

Systematic reviews; randomized controlled trials; non-randomized controlled trials; observational studies with comparison groups; case series & case reports; expert opinion.

What proportion of patients receive interventions not based on current best evidence?

4 in 10 patients (40%).

How does the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia define EBP (NCAS context)?

Accessing and making judgements to translate the best available evidence into practice.

What are the three main methods for finding evidence?

Informal searching; focused searching; searching the literature (systematic, library-based).

Key features of PubMed advanced searching

Boolean operators, truncation, wildcards, filters, and citation tracking.

What is a common NOT example of EBP?

Anecdote, press cutting, expert opinion, cost minimisation.

Which traditional owners are acknowledged for Notre Dame's Fremantle, Broome, and Sydney campuses?

Fremantle on Wadjuk Country; Broome on Yawuru Country; Sydney on Cadigal Country.

What Chapter 1 covers in the course notes

Introduction to research, the research process and evidence-based practice (EBP).

Name an example of a harmful practice historically supported by expert opinion

Bloodletting for many acute illnesses.

Which drug’s history highlighted teratogenic risk leading to withdrawal in the 1960s?

Thalidomide (morning sickness drug).

What does the 'checklist for evidence-based practice' guide practitioners to assess?

Clinical problems, examination quality, evidence quality, applying valid evidence, patient preferences, and follow-up planning.

What is the meaning of 'research' as presented in the notes?

A systematic, focused enquiry aimed at producing new knowledge.

What is the purpose of EBP according to the notes?

To improve patient outcomes and safety by integrating best evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.

What is the takeaway from the open scenario about searching for evidence?

Systematic database searches (e.g., PubMed) yield more reliable, evidence-based answers than quick Google searches.