The principles of research and evidence-based practice

Discuss the principles of research and evidence-based practice and how to effectively implement them for advanced practice nurses.

Full Answer Section

 
  • Evidence-based practice: Evidence-based practice is the integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. It involves using the best available evidence to make decisions about patient care.
  • How to effectively implement research and evidence-based practice for advanced practice nurses:
    • Develop a culture of inquiry: Advanced practice nurses (APNs) should develop a culture of inquiry in their practice settings. This means creating an environment where it is safe and encouraged to ask questions, seek out new information, and challenge the status quo.
    • Stay up-to-date on the latest research: APNs should stay up-to-date on the latest research by reading journals, attending conferences, and networking with other APNs.
    • Become a critical consumer of research: APNs should be able to critically evaluate research to determine its quality and relevance to their practice.
    • Incorporate research findings into practice: APNs should incorporate research findings into their practice in a way that is safe, effective, and ethical.
Here are some additional tips for APNs who want to effectively implement research and evidence-based practice:
  • Find a mentor: A mentor can help APNs learn about research and evidence-based practice and how to implement them in their practice.
  • Take a research course: A research course can teach APNs the basics of research and how to critically evaluate research.
  • Join a professional organization: Professional organizations can provide APNs with access to research journals, conferences, and other resources.
By following these tips, APNs can help to ensure that their practice is based on the best available evidence. This can lead to improved patient care, better outcomes, and increased satisfaction for both APNs and their patients. Here are some additional resources that APNs may find helpful:
  • The Joanna Briggs Institute: The Joanna Briggs Institute is a global leader in evidence-based practice. They have a number of resources available for APNs, including a library of systematic reviews and an online learning platform.
  • The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is a federal agency that supports research to improve the quality of healthcare. They have a number of resources available for APNs, including a database of clinical practice guidelines and a tool for evaluating the quality of research.
  • The Cochrane Collaboration: The Cochrane Collaboration is an international organization that produces systematic reviews of healthcare interventions. They have a number of resources available for APNs, including a database of systematic reviews and an online learning platform.

Sample Answer

  Principles of research:
  • Scientific method: The scientific method is a systematic approach to gathering and analyzing data. It involves making observations, formulating hypotheses, testing hypotheses, and drawing conclusions.
  • Peer review: Peer review is the process of having other experts review research before it is published. This helps to ensure that the research is accurate and valid.
  • Replication: Replication is the process of repeating research to see if the findings can be reproduced. This helps to increase the confidence in the findings of the research