Nursing Practice Quality Improvement QI Evidence Based Practice EBP and Research

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Research, and Quality Improvement (QI) in Nursing

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Research, and Quality Improvement (QI) in Nursing Practice

Abstract

This paper differentiates Evidence-Based Practice, Research, and Quality Improvement as used in nursing. Evidence-Based Practice, Research, and Quality Improvement are considered the key to improving patient outcomes and healthcare quality (Carter et al., 2017). Evidence-based practice involves translating the evidence and using it in clinical decision-making. Evidence-based practice consistently enhances healthcare delivery, cuts costs, diminishes differences in care that are geographic-oriented and strengthens outcomes. Research studies include a scientific inquiry to respond to particular research questions or test the hypothesis through rigorous and disciplined methods. On the other hand, primary care practices with substantial-quality improvement also continue to seek enhancement of their patient outcomes and performance. This quality improvement orientation influences activities to give priorities for places to improve and the work required to attain such targets.

Significance and Background

Without new ideas and initiatives, dissemination, findings, and innovations of evidenced-based practice, research, and quality improvement, studies cannot reach health professionals and nurses who can use the knowledge in their practice. Currently, Evidence-Based Practice, Research, and Quality Improvement are broadly considered the key to enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare quality. Even though the role of evidence-based nursing practice and nursing research are seemingly dissimilar, several research studies have been carried out to translate evidence into actual practice. Practical innovation (evidence from research) must be associated with effective implementation and enabling the environment to realize proportionate results (Carter et al., 2017). Besides, nursing science should include research from translation to discovery, holistic to mechanical, and bedside to bench.

Finally, Evidence-Based Practice, Research, and Quality Improvement endorse three main objectives of the Magnet Recognition Programs. They include enhancing quality in a setting that backs professional practice, releasing best practices in nursing services, and identifying excellence in nursing services delivery to residents or patients.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Contrary to research, evidence-based practice does not involve validating the existing knowledge or developing new knowledge. Instead, it involves translating the evidence and using it in clinical decision-making. Evidence-based practice ensures that the best available evidence is used in making patient care decisions. However, multiple pieces of evidence come from research (Carter et al., 2017). Nonetheless, evidence-based practice goes beyond using research evidence to include patient values and preferences and clinical expertise. The utilization of evidence-based practice considers that sometimes, the best evidence comes from experts and opinion leaders, as there are no definite research and knowledge outcomes. Also, as research involves finding new knowledge, the evidenced-based practice involves innovation in translating and finding the best evidence into clinical practice.

According to studies, evidence-based practice consistently enhances healthcare delivery, cuts costs, diminishes differences in geographic-oriented care, and strengthens the outcomes. Evidence-based practice has been established to contribute to overall job satisfaction, minimizing burnout (LoBiondo-Wood et al. 2018). Despite its efficacy in achieving the Triple and Quadruple Aims, evidence-based practice is simultaneously becoming the standard of care in the United States (Carter et al., 2017). Considering its tested ability to hugely promote the quality of care while at the same time reducing costs, the advancement of evidence-based practice adoption is critical. When nurses are armed with the necessary skills and knowledge, they can form an integral part of implementing evidence-based practice as members of the healthcare systems and interdisciplinary teams.

Moreover, evidence-based practice being an empowering approach to care gives nurses the resources and tools required to be agents of change for enhanced healthcare results. Furthermore, nurses that have adopted evidence-based practice have become the nexus between practical ground experience and the wealth of medical research. Such nurses can realize positive change in their patients, communities, and the world (Carter et al., 2017). Equally, they minimize medical errors and standardize care. Finally, evidence-based practice enables nurses to pick more active roles in influencing nursing practice associated with other healthcare clinicians and professionals.

Research Evidence

The reason for carrying out research studies is to validate the existing knowledge or develop new knowledge. Research studies include a scientific inquiry to respond to particular research questions or test the hypothesis through rigorous and disciplined methods (Carter et al., 2017). Even though research is about discovery, investigation, and exploration, understanding the philosophy of science is also required in research (Hain, 2017). To consider research outcomes valid and reliable, researchers must follow scientific methods in sequential and orderly steps.

In conducting research, the initial part of the investigation usually involves a comprehensive and systemic review of the literature to respond to research questions (Hashish et al., 2020). Identified knowledge gaps are used to derive the research questions or hypotheses, followed by the decision on the theoretical model to guide the study and aid the choice of method type deemed most appropriate to investigate the phenomenon.

Subsequently, rigorous nursing research evidence provides the nursing body with the knowledge that advances nursing practice (Hain, 2017). The evidence from such scientific studies is also used to influence health policies, thus, contributing to global healthcare (Carter et al., 2017). On the other hand, the current healthcare systems are complex, and patients have multiple requirements. Finding solutions to the health challenges of diverse populations requires that providers adopt varying approaches (Hashish et al., 2020). For instance, providers enrolled in online nursing can become professionals who understand why nursing research is needed and incorporate the same into their practice.

Quality Improvement (QI)

Quality improvement uses systemic and data-driven approaches to enhance outcomes or processes. Strategies and principles engaged in quality improvement were developed from organizational philosophies of continuous quality improvement and total quality management (Carter et al., 2017). As much quality can be relative, Quality improvement in nursing primarily focuses on improving patient outcomes. As a result, the critical part is defining the expected outcome that should be improved precisely, evaluating how such outcome will be measured, and establishing the plan for implementing and collecting information after and before the intervention.

Unlike evidence-based practice and research, quality improvement does not need rigorous critical appraisal and extensive literature reviews. As a result, nurses can get more engaged in Quality improvement than in research or evidence-based practice (LoBiondo-Wood et al., 2018). Moreover, quality improvement activities are usually site-specific, and the results are meant to provide the best evidence or generalizable knowledge. For instance, implementing a process that removes urinary catheters within a particular timespan or establishing a process to enhance wound care documentation.