Evidence Based Practice

Evidence based practice

using best available evidence and client preference to make decisions about care
ask

spirit of inquiry

A desire to understand the knowledge and skills required to provide the best possible care for clients and families.

examples of evidence based practice in nursing

• Oxygen use in hypoxia

• Antibiotic stewardship

• Alarm fatigue protocols

• ABCDE bundle use in ICU setting

• Fall prevention guidelines

• Pain management

ABCDE framework

• airway

• breathing

• circulation

• disability:

• exposure:

six steps of Evidence Based Practice

1. identifying a problem,

2. searching for credible sources of evidence,

3. evaluating the findings,

4. implementing recommendations,

5. reviewing their effectiveness

6. disseminating (i.e., sharing) the results with others.

EBP follows a process:

• ask a question,

• search for evidence,

• appraise the findings,

• apply them to care

• evaluate the outcomes

• share the results.

To develop a specific and clear question, the acronym PICOT is used

An acronym that stands for

Population

This could be group of people experiencing the same phenomenon or a group of clients with the same medical diagnosis, sex, or age range.

A group of newly hired nurses

Intervention ​​​​​​​

This describes a planned action or treatment aimed at solving the problem.

Participation in an organized biweekly stress reduction program

Comparison

This is either the current practice, the accepted way of doing things, or possibly another intervention that might address the problem.

No participation in an organized stress reduction program

Outcome

This is the result or outcome that is being evaluated.

Retention rate of newly hired nurses ​​​​​​​

Time

The element of time is optional but describes how long it will take to obtain the desired outcome. Time is not always required to be defined. ​​​​​​​

1 year

qualitative research

Research which seeks to explain value-laden experiences through narratives collected from participants.

quantitative research

Research that uses numerical data to evaluate the outcome of interventions.

mixed methods research

Combines qualitative studies that explore experiences and quantitative designs, which enumerate findings that are generalizable due to their larger sample sizes and multiple variables.

translational research

The science of determining the most effective methods to implement EBP across populations and settings.

Translational research focuses on identifying the best way to implement evidence-based practice across different populations and settings. It involves a review of the literature surrounding the question, a selection of one method/intervention, and then measurement of this intervention on the desired outcome. An example of a translational study would be using data obtained through a literature review of methods and strategies to improve compliance with handwashing among health care personnel. One of the strategies would be implemented, and handwashing compliance would be measured to determine the effectiveness of the change.

scholarly database

An ordered, searchable assortment of articles and research studies that have been published in professional or peer-reviewed journals.

abstract

A brief summary of the paper which includes the purpose of the study, the basic study design, the findings and researcher s conclusions.

websites whose names contain the domain of ”.edu” or “.gov.” or “.org”

Sites that are dedicated to health specialties or minority groups whose websites include provide factual information.

.org

• Nonprofit groups

• Research the organization to determine credibility

peer-reviewed journals

Publication which contains articles that have been reviewed by other professionals with similar licensure, education and expertise to ensure quality and promote client safety.

critical appraisal

The process of reviewing a research study to determine validity, reliability and applicability to the investigators search for evidence.

hierarchy of evidence

A rating system for research findings based upon the quality of the research design, the validity of the results and the applicability of the information.

systematic review

A review and evaluation of findings from multiple studies regarding the same phenomenon.

meta-analysis

The utilization of statistics to combine research samples, methods, and findings from many studies regarding the same phenomenon.

clinical practice guidelines

Are statements of evidence-based recommendations to be used as guidelines in the medical management of disease processes and in the area of preventative care.

clinical practice guidelines

Nationally published recommendations for client care developed by physician groups and based on systematic review of evidenc

critical pathways

Facility-specific tool that utilizes algorithms to convey evidence-based interventions and inform collaboration among health care team members for the treatment of clients with specific disorders

standards of care

Evidence -based interventions that are typically implemented when caring for a client with a specific disorder.