Florida Atlantic University Nursing Process and EBP Responses
Similarities
There are definite similarities between the research process and the evidence-based practice Process. Both Evidence based practice (EBP) and the research process are launched too seek benefits for communities. However, EBP’s benefits are primarily for patients, their families, staff and organizations. EBP processes involve life long, problem based learning. EBP is an activity and a mindset that can be applied to all aspects of health sciences With the research process, at that point the benefits are seen for clinicians and the scientific community. Occasionally, the subjects themselves will benefit. With EBP, the scope of interest is specific to units or patient populations within an organization. For the research process, the scope of interest is much wider, and the intent is to generalize the research findings to larger populations that extend beyond an organization. Research process involves finding support for research questions.
Differences
Research processes apply methodologies (qualitative or quantitative) to develop new knowledge. EBP on the other hand will search for and then apply the best clinical evidence, often taken from research and apply it toward decisions for patient care. According to Bolick et al. (2020), other areas of difference include how each process requires IRB approval. EBP and nursing practice processes do not require IRB approval unless their specific organization’s policy mandates it. For the research process however, IRB approval is required.
In this comparison EBP utilizes more systematic approaches and uses data in projects to lead to improved outcomes, and better performances, along with professional development. Research is focused on experimentation and finding answers. EBP seeks to determine actions that can result in measurable improvements for the healthcare industry. EBP can utilize teams that do not require great expertise. Black et al. (2016) explain that a benefit that distinguishes EBP from the research process is that it takes less time to translate EBP from research. EBP has fewer time constraints than the research process. EBP is able to operate with small convenience samples, as long as they are still large enough to observe changes. They can still be used for data collection. The same applies for the nursing process. However, for research, more planning is required. Sample sizes for research are preferably larger, and randomized.
To conclude, the nursing process also serves as a systematic guide for how to proceed in patient centered care, often using sequential processes. These processes also involve assessments diagnosis, panning, implementation and evaluation. Evidence based practice thrives on continuous learning, and is essential due to the increased complexity of care, as our populations become more diverse, and people are living longer than they did 50 years ago, creating a larger population of older Americans with age related health concerns. EBP and the nursing process are intertwined as nurses learn the importance of patient centered care, interprofessional teams, application of Quality Improvement initiatives, and how to use informatics in their process. The nursing processes can be understood as the methodology practitioners take in caring for their patients, to ensure quality care and delivery. The end purpose is the same as EBP. Research is more concerned with investigating research questions and discovery, than in following best practices. Research will use tests and experiments. However, the knowledge gained from research may be integrated into health care practices, and thus nurse practices. All three are essential to thriving and evolving healthcare industries.
References
Black, A. (2016). Promoting Evidence-Based Practice Through a Research Training Program for Point-of-Care Clinicians. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 46(10), 14-20. doi:10.1097/01.nna.0000499766.29737.15
Bolick, B. N., Reuter-Rice, K., Madden, M. A., & Severin, P. N. (Eds.). (2020). Pediatric Acute Care E-Book: A Guide to Interprofessional Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.
