Describe The Steps Of The Evidence-Based Research Process

Describe The Steps Of The Evidence Based Research Process And The I

Describe the steps of the evidence-based research process and the importance of using them. In the initial stages of an EBP project, where do nurses in your specialty go to locate sources of information that help them to determine whether or not a practice problem is appropriate for an evidence-based practice change proposal? Include two specific sources on the information in your discussion.

What are some of the major ethical issues in conducting research that impacts the advanced registered nurse? Discuss the role of the advanced registered nurse in advocating for patient safety and rights in conducting research. Use 4 APA citations for this assignment, NO PLAGIARISM.

Paper For Above instruction

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) forms the cornerstone of modern nursing, fostering a systematic approach to clinical decision-making grounded in research evidence. The process of executing an evidence-based research project involves several critical steps, ensuring that practices are scientifically validated and ethically sound. Recognizing the importance of each step helps nurses improve patient outcomes effectively and ethically. Furthermore, understanding where to locate pertinent information at the beginning of an EBP project is vital for establishing a strong, credible foundation for change proposals. Ethical considerations also play a pivotal role, especially for advanced registered nurses (ARNs), who are tasked with safeguarding patient rights while promoting research integrity.

Steps of the Evidence-Based Research Process

The evidence-based research process typically involves five distinct but interconnected steps: (1) Ask a clinical question, (2) Collect the best available evidence, (3) Appraise the evidence, (4) Implement the practice change, and (5) Evaluate outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). Each step is essential to ensure that practice changes are grounded in valid, reliable evidence. The first step involves framing a clear, answerable question, often using PICOT (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time) format. The subsequent step is gathering evidence from reputable sources, such as research databases and systematic reviews, which provides the foundation for informed decisions. Then, the evidence is critically appraised for validity and applicability before integrating it into practice. Implementation involves careful change management, followed by monitoring and evaluating patient outcomes to determine effectiveness (LoBiondo-Wood & Haber, 2018).

Importance of Following the EBP Steps

Following these steps ensures that clinical practice is based on the most current, credible evidence, reducing reliance on outdated or anecdotal practices. It promotes patient safety, improves quality of care, and ensures that nursing actions are ethically justified. Furthermore, this systematic approach helps identify gaps in current practices and encourages ongoing learning and improvement among nursing professionals.

Locating Sources of Information at the Initial Stage

At the initial stages of an EBP project, nurses often turn to specific sources of credible information to determine the appropriateness of a practice problem. Two valuable sources include:

• CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature): An essential database containing peer-reviewed nursing and health literature, offering a wealth of current research articles relevant to clinical practice (Hinshaw, 2019).
• The Cochrane Library: A comprehensive collection of systematic reviews that provide high-quality evidence on health interventions and practices, aiding nurses in identifying effective, evidence-based interventions (Higgins & Green, 2019).

Utilizing these sources allows nurses to assess the evidence supporting a potential practice change and determine if it aligns with best practices and current research standards.

Major Ethical Issues in Conducting Research and the Role of the Advanced Registered Nurse

Research involving human subjects raises several ethical issues, including informed consent, confidentiality, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice (Holland, 2020). For ARNs engaged in research, ensuring informed consent is voluntary and comprehensively informed is paramount. Protecting patient confidentiality and privacy also remains a priority, especially in sensitive health research. Additionally, ARNs must address potential conflicts of interest and ensure that the research design maximizes benefits while minimizing harm (Mann, 2017).

ARNs play a vital role in advocating for patient safety and rights during research. They act as ethical custodians, ensuring adherence to Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines and ethical standards. Their advocacy includes scrutinizing research proposals for ethical soundness, ensuring participants’ rights are protected, and that risks are minimized. Furthermore, ARNs support transparency, facilitate patient understanding of research participation, and champion equitable access to research benefits. As frontline healthcare providers and researchers, ARNs are uniquely positioned to uphold ethical principles, foster trust, and promote social justice in health research (Shaw et al., 2019).

In conclusion, understanding the systematic steps in evidence-based research, knowing where to locate credible information, and recognizing the ethical responsibilities of ARNs are essential components of advancing nursing practice ethically and effectively. These efforts ultimately enhance patient outcomes, promote the integrity of research, and uphold the ethical standards fundamental to nursing profession.

References

• Higgins, J. P., & Green, S. (Eds.). (2019). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. John Wiley & Sons.
• Hinshaw, A. S. (2019). Navigating nursing research databases: Strategies for evidence-based practice. Nursing Education Perspectives, 40(3), 170-172.
• Holland, J. R. (2020). Ethical issues in health research. Journal of Medical Ethics, 46(4), 207-211.
• LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2018). Nursing research: Methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice. Elsevier.
• Mann, J. (2017). Ethical considerations in nursing research. Nursing Ethics, 24(8), 928-936.
• Melynk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Wolters Kluwer.
• Shaw, S. J., et al. (2019). The role of nurses in health research advocacy. Nursing Research, 68(2), 89-94.
• Higgins, J. P., & Green, S. (2019). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. John Wiley & Sons.