As healthcare institutions become more complex, professionals are increasingly focused on improving health care outcomes while decreasing healthcare costs. Nurses are leading and participating in research studies, and evidence-based practice (EBP) projects to achieve this goal. Nursing research and EBP are two similar research concepts used in nursing practice but have different effects on the nursing profession. This paper will delve at discussing what nursing research is, what EBP is, and provide an example for each as well as a sample research question and a sample clinical question.
Nursing research is a systematic study designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge in nursing practice. It is usually conducted in a methodical order, with steps and standard protocols that are followed to answer specific research questions or test hypotheses (Katherine, 2015). Nursing research utilizes two methods –quantitative method and qualitative method. Some studies use both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative studies seek to understand variables or explore life experiences to give them meaning. Quantitative studies seek to explore relationships among a set of variables related to a given phenomenon. In nursing, research is typically conducted independently of the routine of medical care, and most of the time, it involves human subjects who are participants (Katherine, 2015). In all research studies, discovery occurs as data are gathered, recorded, analysed, and results are interpreted.
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The study results are then published with a description of how they contribute to the body of knowledge. In nursing, research studies usually generate new knowledge for nursing practice (Katherine, 2015). Nursing research also adds to our professions’ knowledge base through the literature (Katherine, 2015). Examples of potential nursing research include a quantitative study to investigate the lived experiences of patients with breast and colon cancer or conducting a systematic review to reduce Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in hospitalized patients.
Unlike nursing research, evidence-based practice is not about developing new knowledge or validating existing one. It is a lifelong approach to clinical practice, and it involves translating the evidence and applying it to clinical decision-making (Ginex, 2017). In other words, evidence-based practice is a conscientious, problem-solving approach that integrates systematic research, appraisal, and synthesis of relevant research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences and values (Ginex, 2017).
The evidence used in EBP is usually obtained from randomized trials, systematic reviews or meta-analysis, and clinical practice guidelines. The process involves formulating or asking a relevant clinical question, researching evidence that best addresses the clinical question, implementing the evidence to practice, and evaluating the applied evidence based on clinical outcomes. There are a variety of rating systems and hierarchies that are used to assess the applied evidence in clinical settings. An example of a potential EBP is implementing a new EBP guideline at a health care facility to reduce or prevent chemotherapy extravasation for patients receiving vesicant therapy.
Both nursing research and evidence-based practice have an important place in delivering quality health care and ensuring ongoing improvement of patient care outcomes. Nursing research and evidence-based practice have subtle differences and frequent overlap. It is important for nurses and other health care professionals engaged in nursing research and evidence-based practice to understand these differences and ensure the abide by all regulatory guidelines in the health care organization in which they are serving.
References
Ginex, P. (2017). The difference between quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and research. [Online]. Retrieved from: https://voice.ons.org/news-and-views/oncology-research-quality-improvement-evidence-based-practice . Accessed 30 th August 2019.
Katherine, G. (2015). Quality/patient safety. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, Vol. 29 (2); 100-102.
