Types of Nursing Evidence

When it comes to practice and execution within the nursing and broader medical spheres, the use of prior lessons, research and experiments is something that is common and pervasive. Two terms that are used in this regard are research utilization and evidence-based practive. Many people conflate these terms as if they are the same. However, that is absolutely not true. They are alike in that they are the genesis and precursor for many methods and practices within the nursing realm. However, there is a distinction between the two.

While the two terms are often used interchangeably, there is most certainly a difference. Analysis Bussieres et al make the point that the concepts of evidence-based practice (EBP), research utilization (RU) and knowledge translation (KT) are all interrelated. EBP is the “integration of clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence into the decision-making process for patient care” (Bussieres et al, 2016). RU is described as a sub-set of EBP.

To be specific, RU is “that process by which specific research-based knowledge is implemented in practice” (Bussieres et al, 2016). While not asked for by the prompt, KT is meant to be a way to close the research/practice gap (Bussieres et al, 2016). One might ask which one of the three is the most common. Many people glom onto using evidence-based practice. However, it is not the most common. Per Bussieres et al, knowledge translation is the most pervasive when it comes to what is used in nursing-related studies.

About 75 studies were looked at in total. 35 of them were KT and about 20 each were evidence-based and research utilization. Indeed, EBP came in at 20 and research utilization was 21. In total, EBP was last, albeit not by much. However, both EBP and RU were far behind KT when it comes to the sample used by Bussieres et al (2016). The overall goal of groups like the Institute of Medicine is to have at least 90 percent of all medical decisions being EBP-based by 2020 (Stavor, Zedreck-Gonzalez & Hoffmann, 2017).

Regardless of progress in that regard, it is clear that partnership and working together will be pivotal when it comes to any progress that is possible or is to come (Spector & Pinto, 2017). Conclusion It is apparent that there are notable gaps when it comes to evidence-based practice. It is trumpeted as a great way to act within the nursing sphere. However, it is ostensibly paralleled in terms of use by research utilization and both EBP and its sub-set are dwarfed by knowledge translation.

Regardless, the best available method or tool that is available should be used when it comes to nursing practice and patient care. It would be outstanding if EBP were more widely used. However, that is progress and movement that will have.