Evidence-based practice
What is evidence-based practice (EBP)? A problem-solving approach to clinical practice that combines the best evidence, clinical expertise, patient preferences and values, and available health care resources.
What is the purpose of EBP? To improve patient outcomes, safety, quality of care, and clinical decision-making.
What are the four main components of EBP? Best evidence, clinical expertise, patient preferences and values, and available health care resources.
Why is EBP important in nursing? It helps nurses make safe, effective, and informed clinical decisions.
What is clinical judgment? Using nursing knowledge, evidence, and patient information to make decisions about patient care.
What are the seven steps of EBP (0–6)? 0. Cultivate inquiry → 1. Ask PICOT question → 2. Search evidence → 3. Critically appraise → 4. Integrate evidence → 5. Evaluate outcomes → 6. Communicate outcomes.
What is the first step of EBP (Step 0)? Cultivate a spirit of inquiry.
What is a spirit of inquiry? Continuously questioning current practices and looking for better ways to provide care.
What is a problem-focused trigger? A clinical problem or trend identified during patient care.
What is a knowledge-focused trigger? A question arising from new information or research.
What does PICOT stand for? Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time.
What does P stand for in PICOT? Patient population of interest.
What does I stand for in PICOT? Intervention or area of interest.
What does C stand for in PICOT? Comparison intervention or area of interest.
What does O stand for in PICOT? Outcome.
What does T stand for in PICOT? Time.
Why do nurses use PICOT questions? To develop specific clinical questions and find relevant research evidence.
What is a background question? A general question about a clinical issue.
What is a foreground question? A specific clinical question that can be answered using research evidence.
What is critical appraisal? Carefully evaluating evidence for its quality, validity, reliability, and usefulness.
What is the highest level of evidence? Level I: Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and guidelines based on systematic reviews.
What is the lowest level of evidence? Level VII: Expert opinions and reports of expert committees.
What is a systematic review? A structured review that summarizes evidence from multiple studies.
What is a meta-analysis? A review that uses statistical methods to combine results from multiple studies.
What is a randomized controlled trial (RCT)? An experimental study in which participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups.
What is nursing research? A systematic process used to develop new knowledge that improves nursing practice.
What is the scientific method? A systematic approach to investigating questions and solving problems using observations and evidence.
What are the six steps of the research process? Identify the problem → Review literature → Develop the research question and study design → Collect data → Analyze data → Share findings.
What is a hypothesis? A prediction about the relationship between variables that can be tested through research.
What is a variable in research? A characteristic or factor that can change or be measured.
What is quantitative research? Research that uses numerical data and statistical analysis.
What is qualitative research? Research that explores people's experiences, perceptions, and meanings.
What is reliability? The consistency of a measurement or research instrument.
What is validity? The degree to which a tool or study measures what it is intended to measure.
What is bias? An influence that can distort research findings or conclusions.
What is generalizability? The ability to apply research findings to populations or settings beyond the study.
What is informed consent in research? Voluntary agreement to participate after receiving information about the study, risks, and benefits.
What is confidentiality in research? Protecting participants' private information from unauthorized disclosure.
What is an Institutional Review Board (IRB)? A committee that reviews research involving human subjects to protect their rights and safety.
What is translation research? Research that tests strategies for implementing evidence-based practices in real-world settings.
What is performance improvement (PI)? A process used to improve health care practices, efficiency, safety, and patient outcomes.
What is the difference between EBP, research, and PI? EBP applies existing evidence; research generates new knowledge; PI improves local care processes.
What does PDSA stand for? Plan → Do → Study → Act.
What is a sentinel event? A patient safety event involving death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm that requires immediate investigation.
What is root cause analysis (RCA)? A structured method used to identify underlying causes of serious adverse events.
What is an active error? An unsafe action or mistake made by personnel directly involved in care.
What is a latent error? A hidden problem in an organization's systems or processes that contributes to errors.
What is a just culture? A safety culture that encourages error reporting and examines system problems rather than focusing only on individual blame.