Foundations of Inquiry

The learner differentiates between quality improvement processes, evidence-based practice, and research.

738.2.2 : Literature Review and Analysis

The learner demonstrates knowledge of the process and outcomes of conducting a literature review.

738.2.3 : Ethics and Research

The learner demonstrates an understanding of the ethics of nursing research particularly human subjects' protections, informed consent, and alignment with patient and family values and preferences.

738.2.4 : Patient Outcomes

The learner discriminates between evidence-based standards of practice and conventional practices to improve patient outcomes.

738.2.5 : Data Collection, Analysis, and Documentation

The learner describes the process of data collection, analysis, and implementation of evidence that can improve clinical practice from an interprofessional perspective.

INTRODUCTIONEvidence-based literature comes from many sources. The discipline of nursing has an abundance of research data and resources to guide clinical decisions. Therefore, it is of pivotal importance to understand the basic tenets of critical appraisal of such evidence for its use in interprofessional healthcare practices.
In this task, you will identify a healthcare problem, develop an evidence-based practice (EBP) question

Full Answer Section

     

Diagnosis: Develop an EBP Question

  • Formulate a question using the PICO format:

    • P (Population): Who are you studying (e.g., patients with CHF, elderly patients)?
    • I (Intervention): What intervention are you investigating (e.g., specific educational program, new dressing type)?
    • C (Comparison): What is the intervention being compared to (e.g., usual care, standard dressing)?
    • O (Outcome): What outcome are you measuring (e.g., reduced readmission rates, decreased pressure injury incidence)?

Examples:

  • EBP Question: In patients with CHF (P), does implementing a telephone-based self-management education program (I), compared to usual care (C), reduce hospital readmission rates (O) within 30 days of discharge?
  • EBP Question: In elderly patients admitted to the medical unit (P), does using a new type of pressure-relieving dressing (I), compared to the standard hospital dressing (C), decrease the incidence of pressure injuries (O) during their hospitalization?

3. Planning: Literature Review and Analysis (738.2.2)

  • Conduct a comprehensive search for relevant research studies using appropriate databases (e.g., CINAHL, PubMed).
  • Critically appraise the studies you find, considering factors like study design, sample size, methodology, and strength of the evidence.

4. Implementation: Data Collection and Analysis (738.2.5)

  • If your EBP question involves implementing a new intervention, you'll need a plan for data collection and analysis.
  • Consider collaboration with interprofessional team members for data collection.

5. Evaluation: Patient Outcomes (738.2.4)

  • Evaluate the impact of the intervention on patient outcomes based on your data analysis.
  • Did the intervention achieve the desired results?

6. Dissemination: Share your findings with colleagues and potentially contribute to the broader nursing knowledge base through presentations or publications.

Addressing Course Objectives:

  • This project will help you develop skills in formulating an EBP question (738.2.1).
  • Conducting a literature review and critically appraising research (738.2.2).
  • Considering ethical aspects of research (738.2.3).
  • Evaluating evidence to improve patient outcomes (738.2.4).
  • Understanding data collection and analysis for EBP (738.2.5).

Sample Answer

   

Using the Nursing Process for an EBP Project

This information will guide you through developing an EBP project based on the nursing process and the course objectives you mentioned.

1. Assessment: Identify a Healthcare Problem

  • Consider your clinical area of interest or a current issue at your workplace.
  • Look for problems with high prevalence, significant impact on patient outcomes, or areas where current practices lack strong evidence.

Examples:

  • Problem: High hospital readmission rates for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Problem: Pressure injuries (bed sores) remain a concern despite preventative measures.