Potter: Fundamentals of Nursing, 8th Edition

Chapter 05: Evidence-Based Practice Key Points - Printable A challenge in EBP is to obtain the very best, most current information at the right time, when you need it for patient care. Using your clinical expertise and considering patients values and preferences ensures that you will apply the evidence in practice both safely and appropriately. The five steps of EBP provide a systematic approach to rational clinical decision making. The more focused a PICOT question is, the easier it will become to search for evidence in the scientific literature. The hierarchy of available evidence offers a guide to the types of literature or information that offer the best scientific evidence. A randomized controlled trial is the highest level of experimental research. Expert clinicians are a rich source of evidence because they use it frequently to build their own practice and solve clinical problems. The critique or evaluation of evidence includes determining the value, feasibility, and usefulness of evidence for making a practice change. After critiquing all articles for a PICOT question, synthesize or combine the findings to consider the scientific rigor of the evidence and whether it has application in practice. When you decide to apply evidence, consider the setting and whether there is support from staff and available resources. Research is a systematic process that asks and answers questions that generate knowledge, which provides a scientific basis for nursing practice. Outcomes research is designed to assess and document the effectiveness of health care services and interventions. Nursing research involves two broad approaches for conducting studies: quantitative and qualitative methods. The research process usually consists of the following steps: identifying the problem, designing the study, conducting the study, analyzing the data, and using the findings. A thorough analysis of QI data leads clinicians to understand work processes and the need to change practice.