Nursing research is a scientific exercise that aims at providing significant knowledge that is aims at advancing nursing practices, shape and developing nursing policy framework. The findings or data of the research can be used by nurses to advance their education or improve service delivery at the organization they work. The knowledge is used to improve nursing care to patients and their families. Nursing research use a number of theories and philosophy as the base and guidelines to carry out the research (AACN 2006). Additionally, various methodologies are used to collect and analyze the data and summarize the findings of the research. The findings are the added knowledge to the existing knowledge on the various theories and literature available. Essentially research is undertaken to rationalize nursing practices interventions.
On the other hand, evidence-based practice is using the findings of the research to real life situation to solve problems by making appropriate decisions (Pravikoff, 2005). Thus, nurses combine the findings (knowledge) of the research and other materials to provide care to the patient. Therefore, in evidence base nurses looks at how they can incorporate the findings research into the existing knowledge to improve the actual delivery of care to the patient. Therefore, is used to examine critically the research findings or the knowledge available and identify the method that is best to be applied in a certain nursing practice.
In essence, the evidence base is used where there are divergent opinions on how to undertake a certain treatment. Therefore, nurses are encouraged employ evidence base to make an appropriate decision. Additionally, patient values, concerns and expectations are put into considerations. Thus, before nurses make decisions on what kind of care to administer to a patient. They must look for all knowledge available and make an informed decision about the care to give to a patient (ANA, 2013).
Research question
Does hand washing reduce infection?
Clinical question
Does hand washing in school children reduce their chances of getting infections during the school hours?
References
AACN. (2006). American Association of Colleges of Nursing | Nursing Research. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/position/nursing-research
ANA. (2013). The Impact of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and the Next Big Ideas. Retrieved from http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-18-2013/No2-May-2013/Impact-of-Evidence-Based-Practice.html
Pravikoff, D. S., Tanner, A. B., & Pierce, S. T. (2005). Readiness of US nurses for evidence-based practice: many don’t understand or value research and have had little or no training to help them find evidence on which to base their practice. AJN The American Journal of Nursing, 105(9), 40-51.
