Key elements of evidence-based practice.

Examine the key elements of evidence-based practice.
Descriptive Statistics Overview
The purpose of this assessment is to critically appraise knowledge for clinical decision making. You will identify the study findings to determine the worth of the research to nursing practice.

  1. Introduce the reader to the content of this paper with an introductory paragraph.
  2. Create a clinical question in PICOT format of interest to you in your APN/APRN role.
  3. Locate two research articles, a systematic review and/or randomized controlled trial, related to your clinical question.
  4. Identify the confidence intervals or statistical significance of each research study chosen.
  5. Discuss how each article lends support to the validity of your clinical question and your APN/APRN clinical practice.
  6. Finish your paper with a concluding paragraph.
  7. Write a 3- to 4-page paper, excluding the title and reference pages.

Full Answer Section

     
  • Patient values and preferences: The patient's unique needs, beliefs, and expectations should be considered when making clinical decisions.
By combining these elements, healthcare providers can make informed and patient-centered decisions that lead to improved outcomes. Understanding Descriptive Statistics for EBP Descriptive statistics provide a summary of data, allowing researchers to understand the characteristics of a sample or population. In EBP, they are crucial for interpreting research findings and making informed clinical decisions. Key descriptive statistics include:
  • Measures of central tendency: Mean, median, and mode represent the typical or average value of a dataset.
  • Measures of variability: Range, variance, and standard deviation describe the spread of data points.
  • Frequencies and percentages: Summarize categorical data, showing the distribution of variables.
By understanding these statistics, you can better evaluate the research evidence and apply it to your clinical practice.  

Sample Answer

     

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a healthcare approach that integrates the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make decisions about patient care. The core elements of EBP include:

  • Best available evidence: This encompasses research findings from a variety of sources, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It involves critically appraising the quality and relevance of the evidence.
  • Clinical expertise: The clinician's knowledge, skills, and experience are essential in interpreting the evidence and applying it to individual patient circumstances.