Discussion reply

Evidence-based practice is “a paradigm, and lifelong problem-solving approach to clinical decision making that involves the conscientious use of the best available evidence (including a systematic search for and critical appraisal of the most relevant evidence to answer a clinical question) with one’s own clinical expertise and patient values and preferences to improve outcomes for individuals, groups, communities, and systems (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).”  It is not based on “ that’s the way we have always done it.” When speaking to a patient about their plan of care, using the term “Evidence-Based Practice” gives them the sense that we are using the latest and most significant resources to care for them. Therefore evidence-based practice also helps create a rapport with the patient and the family. For example, evidence-based practice has taught us that laying babies on their backs rather than their stomach to sleep reduces Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. As before, it was recommended to lay them on their stomach Evidence-based practice states otherwise. As a result, the number of SIDS decreased significantly. On the other hand, Quality improvement follows a different process known as the plan, do, study act model. Most of the time, it is used in hospitals to improve processes and outcomes. Like Evidence-Based practice, quality improvement is an ongoing process. For example, most hospitals have a quality improvement team. Such as at my hospital, one complaint given by multiple patients was that there were no televisions in the intensive care unit. The quality improvement team that I am on provided the statistics of unsatisfied patients. Based on the findings, televisions were put in each room. The results were an improvement in patient morale and improved survey scores. Comparatively speaking, “according to the National Institutes of Nursing Research (NINR) (2017), nursing research develops knowledge to “build a scientific foundation for clinical practice prevent disease and disability; manage and eliminate symptoms caused by illness; and enhance end-of-life and palliative care (Hain, 2017).” “Nursing research is formal inquiry through quantitative, qualitative, outcomes, or mixed-method research that validates and refines existing knowledge and generates new knowledge that directly and indirectly influences the delivery of evidence-based practice in nursing

What are the similarities and/or the differences between EBP and research?

            Both concepts have a synergistic relationship when used together. Evidence-based practice and research are both processes that can better healthcare. Evidence-based practice “involves rigorous critical appraisal, including synthesis and recommendations for practice, of a body of evidence comprised of multiple studies and combines it with the clinician’s expertise and the patient/family preferences values to make the best decisions about the patient (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).” In contrast, “research uses a scientific process to generate new knowledge/external evidence and research utilization, which has been frequently operationalized as the use of knowledge typically based on a single study (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).” Research is typically based on a single study and not multiple studies as in evidence-based practice.

Explain the role of research as it will pertain to the EBP project you will complete while in EBP I and EBP II.

The role of research in my evidence-based practice project is vital. Even though people tend to use research and evidence based practice interchangeably, they are different. Research, I feel, utilizes all the critical aspects of patient care into one. It helps mold health care in providing the most up-to-date practices, just as my EBP project will in EBP I and EBP II. Research will be the foundation on my EBP I and EPB II  project. Just like a house with a strong foundation, my EBP I and EBP II project will be able to stand the test of time due to the research backing it.