Question

What is the difference between research- and evidence-based practice projects? Provide an example of each one and the reason for the difference. Why should nurses be interested in learning about EBP?

Answer 1

Ans) The purpose of EBP is to use the best evidence available to make patient-care decisions. Whereas research is about developing new knowledge, EBP involves innovation in terms of finding and translating the best evidence into clinical practice.

- Evidence-based practice is a clinical decision-making process in which clinicians use theory-derived, research-based knowledge to inform their decisions about care delivery.

- Consideration of individual needs, preferences and resources are also included. EBP replaces policies and procedures based on other sources of evidence such as tradition or authority. It takes into account three things nursing students should consider at all times: best practice evidence, patient preferences and clinical expertise.

- Understand how these practices have changed nursing care:
Here are just a few examples of how EBP has changed nursing care.

• The BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) diet is no longer a nutritional recommendation for gastrointestinal upset in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that children be return to a well-balanced diet as soon as possible.

• Nurse-driven protocols now guide nursing practice regarding the best time for removing urinary catheters to prevent urinary tract infections.

• Aspirin was previously used to control fever in the pediatric population, but it is no longer a standard practice because it increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

• ICU ABCDEF Bundle is a combination of multiple evidence-based interventions that can collectively reduce delirium, improve pain management and reduce long-term consequences for patients in the ICU. (A: Awakening trials for ventilated patients; B: Spontaneous breathing trials; C: Coordinated effort between the RN and respiratory therapist to perform the spontaneous breathing trial when the patient is awakened by reducing or stopping the patient’s sedation; D: A standardized delirium assessment program, including treatment and prevention options; E: Early mobilization and ambulation of critical care patients.)

• Turning patients every two hours is no longer a standard of care. The timing for turning patients should be dependent upon their condition and their risk for skin breakdown. For example, one patient may need to be turned every 15 minutes and another patient may need to be turned every hour.

Appreciate how EBP is important to student nurses :
The evidence-based interventions we learn can improve patient outcomes, help to provide high quality care, reduce costs and eliminate practices that have become obsolete or are not effective. As nursing students and future nurses, we hold a promise of continuous learning, and it is essential to build evidence-based knowledge over time. As students, it is never too early to start thinking like a nurse who is driven by evidence-based practices.