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NURSING RESEARCH 1 (NCM 111)

STUDY GUIDE

Evidence-Based Nursing Research

Introduction

Welcome to Week 16 of NCM 111: Nursing Research 1. This week, we will focus on Evidence-
Based Nursing Research, a crucial approach that integrates the best available research
evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to guide nursing practice.

Your instructor for this week is J. Martinez, who will guide you through the important concepts of
evidence-based practice in nursing research.

I. Learning Outcomes
1. Define evidence-based nursing research and its importance in healthcare
2. Explain the process of implementing evidence-based practice in nursing
3. Evaluate the levels of evidence in nursing research
4. Describe strategies for building an evidence-based nursing research culture
5. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in utilizing evidence-based nursing research

II. Key Concepts

A. Definition of Evidence-Based Nursing Research

Evidence-based nursing research is a systematic and rigorous process of investigating

phenomena relevant to nursing practice using the best available evidence to inform and guide
clinical decision-making. It involves integrating research findings with clinical expertise and
patient values to improve patient care outcomes.

Components of Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing comprises three core components:
• Best research evidence: Empirical knowledge derived from the synthesis of quality
studies relevant to a clinical problem.
• Clinical expertise: The nurse's knowledge and skills gained through education,
experience, and ongoing professional development.
• Patient circumstances and values: The individual patient's clinical state, preferences,
expectations, concerns, and cultural beliefs.
Historical Context and Development
The origins of nursing research can be traced back to Florence Nightingale, but its development
was slow until the mid-20th century. The rapid acceleration of nursing research began in the
1950s, with a focus on problems related to clinical practice from the 1970s onward.
The concept of EBP originated in medicine as evidence-based medicine (EBM) and was later
expanded to encompass all healthcare areas, including nursing. This movement emphasizes
the critical appraisal of research findings and their application to patient care.
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B. Importance of Building an Evidence-Based Nursing Research Practice

Impact on Patient Outcomes
EBP leads to improved patient outcomes by ensuring that clinical decisions are based on the
best available evidence. Research-based interventions have been shown to be more effective in
treating specific patient health problems and promoting positive health outcomes.
Improving Quality of Care
EBP is crucial for enhancing the quality of nursing care. By integrating research findings into
practice, nurses can ensure that they are providing safe, effective, and patient-centered care.
This leads to improved patient satisfaction, reduced errors, and better overall care quality.
Cost-Effectiveness in Healthcare Delivery
EBP contributes to cost-effectiveness in healthcare delivery by promoting the use of
interventions that have been proven to be effective and efficient. By avoiding unnecessary or
ineffective treatments, healthcare resources can be utilized more effectively.
Professional Development of Nurses
EBP promotes the professional development of nurses by encouraging them to engage in
critical thinking, stay updated on current research, and continuously improve their clinical
practice. It empowers nurses to make informed decisions, contribute to knowledge
development, and advance the nursing profession.
C. Utilization of Evidence-Based Nursing Research
Steps in the Evidence-Based Practice Process
The EBP process typically involves five steps:
1. Asking clinical questions: Formulating focused and answerable clinical questions
using a structured format, such as PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome).
2. Acquiring evidence: Searching for relevant research evidence from various sources,
including databases, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines.
3. Appraising evidence: Critically evaluating the quality, validity, and applicability of the
retrieved evidence.
4. Applying evidence to practice: Integrating the appraised evidence into clinical
decision-making and developing evidence-based interventions.
5. Assessing outcomes: Evaluating the impact of the implemented interventions on
patient outcomes and making adjustments as needed.
Levels of Evidence in Nursing Research
Different types of research evidence have varying levels of strength and reliability. Evidence
hierarchies are used to rank evidence sources based on their methodological rigor and potential
for bias. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are generally considered the gold standard for
evidence, followed by other study designs such as cohort studies and case-control studies.
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Critical Appraisal of Research Studies

Critical appraisal involves systematically evaluating research studies to determine their
strengths, weaknesses, and applicability to practice. Nurses need to develop critical appraisal
skills to assess the quality of the evidence and make informed decisions about its use in their
practice.
D. Strategies for Implementing Evidence-Based Practice
Creating a Culture of Inquiry
Fostering a culture of inquiry in healthcare settings is essential for successful EBP
implementation. This involves encouraging nurses to question current practices, seek out
evidence, and be open to new ideas and changes.
Developing Skills in Searching and Evaluating Evidence
Nurses need to be proficient in searching for and evaluating research evidence. This includes
developing skills in using databases, understanding research methodologies, and critically
appraising study findings.
Overcoming Barriers to Implementation
Numerous barriers to EBP implementation exist, including time constraints, lack of access to
resources, and resistance to change. Strategies for overcoming these barriers include providing
education and support, allocating dedicated time for EBP activities, and involving nurses in the
decision-making process.
E. Challenges in Evidence-Based Nursing Research
Time Constraints in Clinical Settings
Nurses often face time constraints in their clinical settings, making it challenging to dedicate
time to research-related activities. The sources acknowledge this as a significant barrier to EBP
implementation.
Access to Current Research
Access to current research findings and evidence-based guidelines can be limited, particularly
for nurses working in resource-constrained settings. This can hinder their ability to stay updated
on best practices.
Resistance to Change in Practice
Resistance to change is a common challenge in implementing EBP. Nurses may be hesitant to
adopt new practices, especially if they are unfamiliar or perceived as disruptive to existing
routines.
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F. Future Directions in Evidence-Based Nursing Research

Integration of Technology in Evidence-Based Practice
Technology plays an increasingly important role in EBP. Online databases, decision support
tools, and mobile applications are facilitating access to evidence, streamlining the research
process, and supporting EBP implementation.
Collaborative Research Initiatives
Collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders is crucial for advancing
evidence-based nursing research. Interdisciplinary research initiatives are fostering knowledge
sharing, promoting innovation, and addressing complex healthcare challenges.
Patient Engagement in the Research Process
Patient engagement in research is gaining recognition as essential for ensuring that research is
relevant, meaningful, and responsive to patient needs and priorities. Involving patients in
research design, implementation, and dissemination can enhance the quality and impact of
research.

III. Learning Activities:

1. Read the assigned textbook chapters on evidence-based nursing research.
2. Participate in a group discussion on the challenges of implementing evidence-based
practice in clinical settings.
3. Complete an exercise on formulating PICO questions for clinical scenarios.
4. Analyze a nursing practice guideline and present its key recommendations to the class.
5. Conduct a mini literature review on an evidence-based practice topic of your choice.

IV. Reflection Questions:

1. How can evidence-based practice improve patient outcomes in your area of nursing
interest?
2. What challenges might you face when trying to implement evidence-based practices in a
clinical setting?
3. How can nurses balance research evidence with clinical expertise and patient
preferences?
4. Why is it important for nurses to stay updated on the latest research in their field?

V. Additional Resources:
1. David, F. P. (2002). Understanding and doing research: A handbook for beginners.
Social Science Research Institute, Central Philippine University.
2. Nieswiadomy, R. M., & Bailey, C. (2016). Foundations of nursing research (7th ed.).
Pearson.
3. LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2017). Nursing research: methods and critical
appraisal for evidence-based practice. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo., Mosby Elsevier.
4. Polit, D., & Beck, C. (2017). Resource Manual for Nursing Research : Generating and
Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice. Tenth Edition (Ed.10, Cet.1). USA: Wolters
Kluwer Health.
5. Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing &
healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
6. The Joanna Briggs Institute - Evidence-Based Practice Database
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7. Online resource: Cochrane Nursing - Evidence-Based Decision Making

VI. Assignment

Develop an evidence-based practice proposal for a nursing issue you've observed in clinical
practice. Your proposal should include:
1. A clear PICO question
2. A brief summary of current evidence (at least 3 relevant research articles)
3. Recommendations for practice change based on the evidence
4. Potential barriers to implementation and strategies to overcome them
5. A plan for evaluating the outcomes of the practice change

Format your assignment using APA style, Calibri 11-point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch
margins. Submit your work through Google Classroom by the specified deadline.

Remember to review this material thoroughly and reach out to your instructor, J. Martinez at
jofredmartinez@sac.edu.ph, if you have any questions or need clarification on any topics.