Research Utilization in Clinical Practice

Research utilization refers to the process through which research generated knowledge is synthesized, disseminated, and used to make changes in nursing practice. In this process findings from qualitative and quantitative studies are used to promote positive outcomes in practice. During practice, I have been involved in numerous situations that warranted the utilization of nursing research. The situations include participation in nursing research activities and the utilization of finding from different research studies. Research utilization is an important task that not only enhances the nurse’s capability to collect data but also to analyze, interpret and apply this information to practice. Further, research utilization in clinical practice enables the nurse to realize that he or she has the personal as well as professional power to transform practice according to evidence.

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Purpose of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Evidence-based practice is a comprehensive process involving the collection, processing, dissemination and implementation of data concerning various health issues with the intent to improve nursing practice (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2019). The fundamental purpose of EBP is to improve the outcome of care for patients in all healthcare settings. The use of EBP, as highlighted by Barker, Linsley and Kane (2016), makes sure that clinical practice is guided by sound evidence besides improving the potential to achieve maximum patients’ health benefits. The use of EBP establishes the ground from where patients benefit from more consistent clinical recommendations. Consultations with patients are the primary trigger factor for the EBP process. From these consultations, questions are generated concerning the effects of treatment, the practicality of the diagnostics tests, the potential outcome of care, and the background of the disease among others Craig, Dowding & Dowding, 2019). Nurses use evidence from literature and previous studies to determine the best answers to all questions raised during practice. This indicates that EBP provides healthcare professionals with up-to-date and scientifically proven information on issues related to healthcare. Further, EBP is used to determine the benefits and potential harms associated with specific treatments (Christenbery, 2017).

Role of EBP in regulating the health and quality of life of patients

EBP plays a significant role in healthcare since it sets the ground for the provision of the most effective care to the patients. EBP improves the health of the people baby ensuring that the services provided and the interventions recommended are supported by evidence from research (Craig, Dowding & Dowding, 2019). Clinicians select treatment interventions that have proven effective in other people suffering from almost similar conditions (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2019).

EBP helps to reduce the risk of unpredictable health outcomes such as adverse effects of medications among others. This move ensures that patients obtain maximum benefits from proposed interventions (Christenbery, 2017). The quality of life of the patients is also improved since they are protected from complications such as pressure ulcers that not only increase the health burden but also subject them to unnecessary suffering.

Conclusion

Undeniably nursing research and evidence-based practice are integral to the improvement of the patient’s outcome of care and quality of life. The base established by EBP facilitates the provision of healthcare services that are proven effective in specific health conditions. Clinicians have a responsibility to select interventions that guarantee maximum health benefits to patients. Patients are, thus, protected from adverse health outcomes the escalate health burdens.

References

Barker, J., Linsley, P., & Kane, R. (2016). Evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals. Sage.

Christenbery, T. L., (2017). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing: Foundations, Skills, and Roles. Springer Publishing Company.

Craig, J. V., Dowding, D., & Dowding, D. (2019). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing. Elsevier.

Grove, S. K., & Gray, J. R. (2018). Understanding Nursing Research E-Book: Building an Evidence-Based Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Saunders, H., & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K. (2016). The state of readiness for the evidence-based practice among nurses: An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 56, 128-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2015.10.018

Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2019). Public health nursing e-book: Population-centered health care in the community. Elsevier Health Sciences.