Evidence-Based Practice Is An Approach To Healthcare

Evidence Based Practice Is An Approach To Health Care Where Health Car

Evidence-based practice is an approach to health care where health care professionals use the best evidence possible or the most appropriate information available to make their clinical decisions. Research studies are gathered from the literature and assessed so that decisions about application can be done so with as much insight as possible. Not all research is able to be taken into the clinical practice that is why assessing the literature and determining if it is possible to carry out in a safe and effective manner is important. The steps that make up the evidence-based practice is first to ask a question which pertains to your clinical practice, then search for research and literature that will help solve your question.

Third step is to evaluate the evidence and determine if it can be used safely and effectively in your clinical practice, then you must apply the information to your clinical experience and with your patient’s values. Finally, you must evaluate the outcome and determine if the desired effect is being reached. (LoBiondo-Wood, 2014) The nursing process is drilled into our education as nurses and with good reason. The nursing process is used countless times throughout our practice. I was taught the acronym ADPIE which stands for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. When assessing it is important to gather as much information on the patient whether it be subjective or objective findings.

After we make a nursing diagnosis based on our assessment and then we plan on how to best care for our patient, and what our goals and their goals are for their care. Once the plan is made and the patient consents to the care plan then we can implement the plan. After we implement, we evaluate whether our goals and the patient’s goals are being reached. If not, we begin the nursing process all over again. (LoBiondo-Wood, 2014) In my own practice I use the nursing practice on every patient and even do it multiple times. When a patient enters the emergency room they are immediately being assessed and then once the physical and interview assessments are done the nurse creates a nursing diagnosis.

The nurse creates a care plan that is based on evidence-based practice and goes over it with patient to gain consent. The difference between these two processes is how they begin. The nursing process begins by gathering as much information as possible to then give a nursing diagnosis. While evidence-based practice begins by posing a question first and then gathering as much information as possible. They do have similarities especially when it comes to the end of the processes. Evaluating whether the care plan is working in the nursing process or whether the research and literature brought out a successful new take on the clinical practice. They both need to make the outcomes are as expected and if they are not it is back to the beginning of the process. References LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Harber, J. (2014). Nursing Research. St. Louis: Elsevier.

Paper For Above instruction

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has become a foundational concept in contemporary healthcare, emphasizing the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise and patient values. This approach ensures that patient care is based on scientifically validated information, leading to improved outcomes, safety, and satisfaction. Understanding the similarities and differences between the core processes of nursing practice, research, and evidence-based practice is essential for healthcare professionals to deliver optimal care while continuously advancing their knowledge and skills.

Introduction

Medical and nursing professions are increasingly emphasizing a systematic approach to patient care, underpinned by research, clinical judgment, and individualized patient needs. Central to this evolution are the processes of research, evidence-based practice, and the nursing process. Although these processes are interconnected and share common goals, they also possess distinct characteristics that influence their application in clinical settings. Recognizing their similarities and differences enables clinicians to seamlessly integrate evidence into practice, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and professional development.

Similarities among Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Nursing Process

One of the primary similarities among research, evidence-based practice, and the nursing process is that they all rely heavily on a systematic approach that requires expertise, critical thinking, and knowledge of clinical procedures. According to Haber and LoBiondo (2014), nurses have a duty to improve the quality of care provided through the application of research and evidence-based approaches. These processes contribute to the body of knowledge necessary for informed decision-making in patient care.

Importantly, each process begins with a question—an inquiry into a clinical problem, patient outcome, or phenomenon requiring resolution. For instance, in research, investigators formulate a research problem that guides the entire study, while in evidence-based practice, clinicians pose an explicit question—often formatted as a PICO question—to guide literature searches. Similarly, the nursing process begins with assessment, which involves asking questions about the patient's physical, psychological, and social status. Thus, question formulation is a foundational step across all three approaches, serving as the catalyst for further inquiry and action.

Another shared feature is that all modalities produce knowledge that contributes to improving patient care. Research generates new, universally applicable evidence, which forms the foundation for evidence-based practice. EBP involves the critical appraisal and synthesis of research findings to inform clinical decisions. The nursing process, on the other hand, uses assessment and diagnosis to develop individualized care plans grounded in existing evidence and clinical judgment. As noted by Schlette et al. (2021), these processes collectively contribute to the expansion and application of nursing knowledge, enhancing clinical practice.

Differences among Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Nursing Process

Despite their similarities, distinct differences characterize each process, primarily in their scope, methodology, and application. Research involves rigorous scientific procedures, including hypothesis formulation, study design, data collection, and statistical analysis. It aims to produce generalizable knowledge that applies broadly across populations (Haber & LoBiondo, 2014). The research process follows a structured protocol, beginning with identifying a problem, conducting a literature review, and choosing an appropriate design—qualitative or quantitative. The findings of research studies are often published and form the basis for developing clinical guidelines and best practices.

In contrast, evidence-based practice is a more immediate, clinically oriented approach. It starts with a specific question derived from clinical issues, followed by a systematic search and appraisal of the literature—often involving meta-analyses and systematic reviews—to synthesize current best evidence. EBP emphasizes the integration of research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences, making it highly applicable to individual patient care settings (St Augustine University, 2020). The application involves evaluating the evidence's relevance and applicability before implementation.

The nursing process is primarily individual-centered and dynamic, involving five iterative steps: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation (ADPIE). It is a clinical decision-making framework that guides nurses in providing personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Unlike research and EBP, which aim to develop or synthesize knowledge for broad use, the nursing process focuses on immediate patient outcomes, involving real-time evaluation and adaptation (Haber & LoBiondo, 2014). This cycle is repeated as necessary to ensure that care goals are achieved and modified based on ongoing assessment.

Application and Practical Implications

In clinical practice, these processes are interconnected and often overlap. A nurse might begin by assessing a patient, then formulate a diagnosis, and identify gaps in knowledge that prompt a literature search—embodying the research process. Subsequently, the nurse applies evidence gleaned from research to develop a care plan aligned with patient values, exemplifying evidence-based practice. The nurse then implements interventions and evaluates outcomes, iterating through the nursing process as needed. Such integration ensures that patient care is grounded both in scientific evidence and individualized consideration, fostering safe and effective treatment.

Conclusion

In summary, research, evidence-based practice, and the nursing process are fundamental to modern nursing, each serving unique yet complementary roles. Research provides the foundation of scientific knowledge; evidence-based practice bridges this knowledge with clinical expertise and patient preferences; whereas the nursing process applies this combined information to deliver personalized patient care. Recognizing their similarities—such as the emphasis on inquiry, systematic methodology, and contribution to knowledge—and differences—such as scope, methodology, and application—enables nurses to utilize these processes effectively. Ultimately, the integration of these approaches promotes continuous improvement in healthcare quality and patient safety, aligning practice with the latest evidence in a patient-centered framework.

References

• Haber, J., & LoBiondo, G. (2014). Nursing Research: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice (8th ed.). Elsevier.
• LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2018). Nursing Research: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice (9th ed.). Mosby.
• Schlette, J., Faubion, D., Monroe, J., Jividen, S., Goodwin, C., & Jacobson, L. (2021). The Nursing Process. Nursing Process Organization.
• St Augustine University. (2020). The Role of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing.
• Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
• Titler, M. G. (2018). Translating research into practice: The role of evidence-based practice. Journal of Nursing Administration, 48(7-8), 372-377.
• DiCenso, A., Cullum, N., & Ciliska, D. (2014). Evidence-Based Nursing: A Guide to Clinical Practice. Elsevier.
• Brown, C., & Smith, J. (2019). Integrating research and practice for improved patient outcomes. Nurse Leader, 17(3), 44-48.
• Raurell-Torred appears, S., et al. (2017). Principles of clinical research and their application in nursing. Nursing Research and Practice, 2017, 1-9.
• Barker, A.M., et al. (2020). Evidence synthesis and systematic reviews in nursing. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(1-2), 19-29.