Assessment 01: Locating Credible Databases And Research

assessment 01 Locating Credible Databases And Researchcreate A 2 4

Create a 2-4 page resource that will describe databases that are relevant to evidence-based practice (EBP) around one of the following diagnoses: Gastroenteritis, Urinary Retention, or Sepsis. The resource should help a new nurse better engage in EBP by identifying credible and useful databases for researching this condition. Select one diagnosis from the list to focus on, as this will be used in subsequent assessments. The resource should include descriptions of relevant databases, their access methods, and how they can be used to find research evidence related to the diagnosis. Avoid including extraneous instructions or guidelines; focus on providing clear, relevant information suited for a new nurse seeking to enhance their EBP skills regarding the chosen condition.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Enhancing evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies among novice nurses is essential for improving patient care outcomes. Central to this process is the ability to locate credible, relevant research databases that facilitate access to high-quality evidence. This paper provides an overview of key databases pertinent to the diagnosis of sepsis, a complex and potentially life-threatening condition requiring rapid, evidence-informed interventions.

Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated immune response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction and high mortality rates (Singer et al., 2016). Effective management depends heavily on timely, evidence-based interventions such as early recognition, appropriate antibiotic administration, and hemodynamic support. To inform these clinical decisions, nurses must have access to reliable sources of current research. Several specialized databases serve as vital tools for this purpose.

PubMed/MEDLINE

PubMed, maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), is a comprehensive and freely accessible database that indexes biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books (National Library of Medicine, 2023). PubMed allows users to search for peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, review papers, and guidelines relevant to sepsis. Its user-friendly interface and advanced search filters enable nurses to refine searches by publication date, article type, and subject keywords such as "septic shock" or "antibiotic therapy." PubMed is a primary resource for evidence synthesis and current clinical practice guidelines.

Cochrane Library

The Cochrane Library is a globally respected database specializing in systematic reviews and meta-analyses that evaluate healthcare interventions' efficacy (Cochrane Collaboration, 2023). For a nurse seeking evidence on sepsis management, Cochrane provides rigorously appraised reviews on interventions like fluid resuscitation strategies, antimicrobial timing, and vasopressor use. Accessing Cochrane reviews can inform clinical decisions with high-level evidence and support best-practice guideline development.

CINAHL is a specialized database focused on nursing and allied health literature, offering abstracts and full-text articles from peer-reviewed journals (EBSCO Information Services, 2023). It contains a wealth of research on nursing interventions, patient outcomes, and clinical protocols for sepsis care. CINAHL's subject headings and filtering options support targeted searches, making it an essential tool for nurses aiming to integrate evidence into bedside practice.

Google Scholar

While not exclusively a clinical database, Google Scholar provides access to a broad range of scholarly articles, theses, and conference papers across disciplines (Harzing & Van der Wal, 2009). It can be a useful complementary resource for rapidly locating recent research or grey literature concerning sepsis. However, nurses should critically appraise the sources' credibility and peer-review status when using Google Scholar.

Access and Utilization

Nurses can access these databases through institutional subscriptions often available via hospital or university libraries. Many contain user tutorials to aid navigation and search strategy development. Utilizing Boolean operators, keywords, and filters enhances search efficiency, helping nurses find relevant, high-quality evidence to inform clinical practice.

Conclusion

Locating credible, evidence-based research is foundational for novice nurses aiming to improve patient outcomes in sepsis care. Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar offer invaluable resources for accessing current, high-quality evidence. By developing proficiency in these tools, nurses reinforce their role as key contributors to clinical decision-making grounded in research.

References

  • Cochrane Collaboration. (2023). The Cochrane Library. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/
  • EBSCO Information Services. (2023). CINAHL Complete. https://www.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/cinahl-complete
  • Harzing, A.-W., & Van der Wal, R. (2009). Google Scholar as a new source for research evaluation. Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics, 9, 61–68.
  • National Library of Medicine. (2023). PubMed Overview. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/about/
  • Singer, M., Deutschman, C. S., Seymour, C. W., et al. (2016). The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA, 315(8), 801–810.

Related Assignments