Explain the difference between internal and external evidence

Posted: May 5th, 2020

Explain the difference between internal and external evidence. How can each of these types of evidence be utilized for quality improvement in the clinical setting?

Your initial posting should be at least 600 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook

Introduction

In healthcare, evidence plays a significant role in informing clinical practice and promoting quality improvement. Evidence comes in two forms: internal evidence and external evidence. Internal evidence refers to data generated from an organization or healthcare system, while external evidence is obtained from research studies, guidelines, and systematic reviews. Both internal and external evidence are essential for quality improvement in clinical settings. This paper explores the differences between internal and external evidence and how each can be utilized for quality improvement in the clinical setting.

Internal Evidence

Internal evidence refers to data that is generated from within a healthcare organization or system. This data can include patient outcomes, performance metrics, and financial data. Internal evidence is collected through routine monitoring and evaluation processes within the organization, such as audits, incident reports, and clinical indicators (Stevens et al., 2016). The primary purpose of internal evidence is to provide insight into the effectiveness of the organization’s processes and procedures and to identify areas where improvements can be made. Internal evidence can be used to inform decisions related to clinical practice, resource allocation, and quality improvement initiatives within the organization.

Internal evidence can be utilized for quality improvement in several ways. Firstly, it can be used to identify areas where improvements are needed. For example, if an organization’s internal evidence shows that patient outcomes are consistently poor in a particular area, it can trigger the development of quality improvement initiatives to address the issue. Secondly, internal evidence can be used to monitor the effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives. For example, an organization may implement a new procedure to reduce hospital-acquired infections. Internal evidence can be used to track the incidence of infections before and after the implementation of the new procedure, to determine whether it has been effective.

External Evidence

External evidence refers to data that is obtained from sources outside of the healthcare organization. This data can include research studies, clinical practice guidelines, and systematic reviews. External evidence is based on the results of studies conducted in different settings or populations and is used to inform clinical practice and quality improvement initiatives (Stevens et al., 2016). External evidence is typically generated through rigorous research processes, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, which provide the highest level of evidence for clinical decision-making.

External evidence can be utilized for quality improvement in several ways. Firstly, it can be used to inform clinical practice. For example, clinical practice guidelines based on external evidence can be used to guide the management of specific conditions, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatments available. Secondly, external evidence can be used to inform the development of quality improvement initiatives. For example, if external evidence shows that a particular intervention is effective in improving patient outcomes, an organization may implement this intervention as part of a quality improvement initiative.

Differences between Internal and External Evidence

While both internal and external evidence are essential for quality improvement in clinical settings, there are several key differences between the two. Firstly, internal evidence is generated from within the healthcare organization, while external evidence is obtained from outside sources. Secondly, internal evidence is typically based on routine monitoring and evaluation processes, while external evidence is generated through rigorous research processes. Thirdly, internal evidence is specific to the organization in which it is generated, while external evidence is more generalizable to different settings and populations.

Conclusion

Internal and external evidence are both essential for quality improvement in clinical settings. Internal evidence provides insight into the effectiveness of an organization’s processes and procedures, while external evidence is based on research studies, guidelines, and systematic reviews. Both types of evidence can be used to inform clinical practice and quality improvement initiatives, although they differ in terms of their sources and the methods used to generate them. By utilizing both internal and external evidence, healthcare organizations can improve the quality of care provided to patients and achieve better outcomes.