Differences between the research process, the Evidence-Based Practice process

Posted: May 5th, 2020

What do you see as similarities and differences between the research process, the Evidence-Based Practice process, and nursing process? Include rationale to support your response.
Share an example from your nursing practice setting of how a decision was made to change a procedure or practice.
What steps were used in the decision-making process?
What evidence was considered for decision-making?
Throughout the decision-making process, what research did you reference and present in order to support the proposed change?
Was the change effective? Provide rationale.
500 words, formatted, and cited in the current APA style with support from at least two academic sources
_________________________
The research process, the evidence-based practice process, and the nursing process are all systematic approaches to solving problems. However, there are some key differences between them.

The research process is a linear process that begins with a question, followed by a literature review, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation. The goal of the research process is to generate new knowledge.

The evidence-based practice process is a cyclical process that begins with a clinical question, followed by a search for evidence, appraisal of the evidence, integration of the evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences, and finally, implementation of the evidence. The goal of the evidence-based practice process is to improve patient care.

The nursing process is a cyclical process that begins with assessment, followed by diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The goal of the nursing process is to provide holistic care to patients.

Despite their differences, all three processes share some similarities. They all involve the following steps:

Identifying a problem. The first step in all three processes is to identify a problem that needs to be solved.
Gathering information. The next step is to gather information about the problem. This can be done through research, literature reviews, or brainstorming.
Generating solutions. Once the information has been gathered, the next step is to generate solutions to the problem. This can be done through brainstorming, discussion, or group work.
Evaluating solutions. The final step is to evaluate the solutions and select the best one. This can be done by considering the pros and cons of each solution, or by conducting a pilot study.
The following example illustrates how a decision was made to change a procedure or practice in a nursing setting.

Problem: A hospital was experiencing a high rate of central line infections.
Information gathering: The hospital conducted a literature review and found that the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin wipes before central line insertion was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of infection.
Solution: The hospital implemented a policy requiring the use of CHG skin wipes before central line insertion.
Evaluation: The hospital evaluated the policy and found that it was effective in reducing the rate of central line infections.
The research process, the evidence-based practice process, and the nursing process are all important tools that can be used to improve patient care. By following these processes, nurses can ensure that they are using the best available evidence to make decisions about patient care.

References:

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A practical approach (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Tanner, C. A. (2016). Essentials of nursing process: Concepts, applications, and critical thinking (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: FA Davis.