Evidence Based Practice and Me.

I have had the chance to use evidence based practice throughout my career as a student nurse. I was able to use it in the Intensive Care Unit on ventilated patients to prevent ventilator associated pneumonia. I was able to use EBP when doing wound care on the medical/surgical floor. EBP is something every nurse does throughout the day. Using the foam hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the room is an example of just that. I actually got the chance to do EBP research on epidurals in a research class of mine, and I am currently researching whether alcohol swabs or chloraprep is better for another class paper. I am excited to be a part of this practice, and can't wait to use EBP as an RN when I graduate in July.

Strategies for Promoting Evidence Based Practice

The following are some strategies to help promote EBP in any setting: (ICN, 2008)


Support and encourage the National Nurses Association
This can be done by helping develop research agendas and by promoting cooperation when it comes to nursing research.
Work with the World Health Organizations to help promote nursing research
Lobby for nurse researchers and education
Promote international communication with all nurse researchers.

Reference:

(2008). Nursing research: a tool for action. Retrieved June 9, 2008, from International Council for Nurses Web site: http://www.icn.ch/matters_research.htm

Areas of Research for EBP

The following are are some areas of research that EBP is looking at:

The impact of nursing interventions on the patients.
Prevention Strategies to help the patients.
Strategies to promote health.

Where Can One Go To Find Evidence Based Practice?

In my opinion, the best site to go to for EBP articles is http://www.guidelines.gov/. Once logged on to the website it is possible to search for any EBP imaginable. Level 1 EBP Research Articles can be found at this website.

Evidence Based Practice Hierarchy

Evidence Based Practice is ranked by the way the evidence was collected. The following is an example of a hierarchy system:(Polit & Beck, 2008)

Level 1: Systematic reviews of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials
Level 2: Single randomized and non-randomized clinical trials
Level 3: Systematic review of correlational and observational studies
Level 4 Single correlational and observational studies
Level 5: Systematic review of descriptive , qualitative, and physiologic studies
Level 6: Single descriptive, qualitative, and physiologic studies
Level 7: Opinions from authorities, and expert committees

Level 1 is the best resource to use when looking for evidence based practice.

Reference:

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2008) Nursing research: generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice Eighth Edition. Lippincott Williams &Wilkins. Philadelphia, Pa.

What Should EBP Include?

EBP should include the following:

The best evidence found by doing research.
Clinical Expertise doing the research.
Patient Preferences.
Patient Circumstances.
Awareness of resources used.

References:

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2008) Nursing research: generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice Eighth Edition. Lippincott Williams &Wilkins. Philadelphia, Pa.

What is Evidence Based Practice?

Evidence Based Practice (EBP) involves using the best available evidence to make clinical decisions. It is a way to provide quality care to a patient. Clinicians can use EBP to gain knowledge in a certain area, answer questions, and to solve problems. (Polit & Beck, 2008)Clinical practice guidelines are developed using EBP. (RTI, 2008)

References:

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2008) Nursing research: generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice Eighth Edition. Lippincott Williams &Wilkins. Philadelphia, Pa.

(2008). Evidence based practice. Retrieved June 9, 2008, from Evidence Based Practiice RTI International Web site: http://www.rti.org/page.cfm?nav=440