Besides research findings, evidence-based practice exploits a wealth of other evaluation data, such as expert opinion and quality improvement data to come up with improved techniques. EBP therefore helps in bridging the gap between research and practice by challenging nurses to evaluate current processes and methods to identify ways of improving. As a resource for evidence-based practice, research produces new information or authenticates current information prescribed by theory (Bluhm, 2015) . Research studies therefore entail systematic, empirical investigation to solve certain research issues or examine the hypothesis through disciplined, rigorous methodologies.
Research begins with the formulation of a general research question. Researchers then begin an investigation on the question by systematically and comprehensively reviewing current literature to establish gaps in studies on the research question for the development of specific research question to address identified gaps. The researcher then formulates a research hypothesis that offer a theoretical framework for the research investigation. A choice is then made on a quantitative or qualitative methodology for research investigation, which determines data collection and analysis. The final process of the research is the publication of the findings and inferences on the findings implications to care.
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Different from research, evidence-based practice does not pursue new information or validation of current information. Instead, EBP seeks to exploit the best available evidence in decision-making on patient care. Undoubtedly, research is the biggest source of best evidence for EBP decision-making. Nevertheless, EBP does not solely rely on research. Instead, EBP also entails consideration of patient values and preferences, and clinical expertise as well as experts and opinion leaders’ evidence in spite of lack of scientific research evidence to validate such opinion. Therefore, while research focus on the development or validation of knowledge, evidence-based practice entails innovations in respect to sourcing and implementation of the best evidence into nurse practitioners clinical practice.
EBP also follows a different format from the research process. EBP begins with nurturing an inquiry spirit through questions on critical clinical issues (Theodorou, 2013). A nurse practitioner then collects best and most relevant evidence to answer the question followed by a critical evaluation of the sampled evidence. An NP then integrates the best evidence with patient preferences, clinical expertise, leader's opinion and patient values to implement a change or make practice decisions. An evaluation of the change or practice decision is then made and published.
References
Bluhm, R. (2015). Evidence-based nursing and the generalizability of research results. Exploring Evidence-based Practice, 88-98.
Theodorou, T. (2013). Evidence-Based Practice – An Integrative Approach to Research Administration and PracticeEvidence-Based Practice – An Integrative Approach to Research Administration and Practice. Nursing Standard, 27 (20), 30-30.
