discuss the following:
What do you see as similarities and differences between the research process, the Evidence-Based Practice process, and nursing process? Include rationale to support your response.
Share an example from your nursing practice setting of how a decision was made to change a procedure or practice.
What steps were used in the decision-making process?
What evidence was considered for decision-making?
Throughout the decision-making process, what research did you reference and present in order to support the proposed change?
Was the change effective? Provide rationale.
Full Answer Section
Differences:
| Feature |
Research Process |
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) |
Nursing Process |
| Primary Goal |
Generate new knowledge |
Apply best evidence to practice |
Individualized patient care |
| Focus |
Broad, theoretical questions |
Specific clinical questions |
Patient's specific needs and responses |
| Level of Evidence |
Creates new evidence |
Uses existing evidence |
Uses a combination of research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences |
| Timeframe |
Long-term |
Can be ongoing |
Cyclical, with continuous re-evaluation |
| Generalizability |
Findings may apply to wider populations |
Focuses on specific patient populations or clinical settings |
Tailored to the unique situation of each patient |
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Rationale:
- Research focuses on generating entirely new knowledge, often through controlled experiments with broad implications.
- EBP translates existing research into practical applications for specific patient populations or clinical settings.
- The nursing process uses a combination of research evidence, the nurse's experience, and the patient's individual needs to create a personalized care plan.
Example: Changing a Dressing Change Procedure
Scenario:
In the post-surgical unit, we observed a high rate of wound infections after dressing changes. This raised concerns about the current aseptic technique used during the procedure.
Decision-Making Process:
- Identifying the Problem: We identified the high rate of wound infections as a problem requiring investigation and potential change.
- Formulating a Question: We formulated a specific question: "Does implementing a revised aseptic technique protocol reduce the rate of post-surgical wound infections?"
- EBP Search: We conducted a literature review using credible medical databases to find research studies investigating different aseptic techniques and their impact on infection rates.
- Evidence Evaluation: We critically appraised the retrieved studies, assessing their methodology, sample size, and strength of the evidence.
- Integration with Experience and Patient Input: We considered our clinical experience with current practices and consulted with infectious disease specialists for their expertise. We also ensured the revised protocol remained patient-centered and could be comfortably tolerated.
- Implementation: We implemented the revised aseptic technique protocol, including staff training and education.
Evidence Considered:
- Studies comparing different aseptic techniques and their impact on infection rates.
- Recommendations from professional organizations regarding infection control protocols.
Research Referenced:
- Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Guidelines for Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (https://apic.org/professional-practice/overview/)
- Research articles from peer-reviewed medical journals on the effectiveness of different aseptic techniques in reducing surgical site infections.
Effectiveness of the Change:
- After implementing the revised aseptic technique protocol, we observed a significant decrease in the rate of post-surgical wound infections.
- This suggests the evidence-based approach led to a positive change in patient outcomes.
Conclusion:
By combining research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences, the nursing process can be a powerful tool for improving patient care and safety. As demonstrated in this example, EBP allows nurses to integrate research findings into practice to achieve better patient outcomes.
Sample Answer
Similarities and Differences: Research, Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), and Nursing Process
While research, EBP, and the nursing process all contribute to improving patient care, they have distinct purposes and approaches:
Similarities:
- Systematic approach: All three involve a systematic process of inquiry, data collection, analysis, and evaluation.
- Problem-solving focus: All aim to identify problems, develop solutions, and assess their effectiveness.
- Knowledge building: All contribute to the overall body of knowledge in healthcare.