Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Theory Chapter 12: Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Theory

Overview of Evidence-Based Practice Evidence-based practice (EBP) was introduced in the 1970s by Dr. Archie Cochrane. Dr. Cochrane focused on critical review of research (emphasis on RCTs) to improve medical practice. Application in nursing has been delayed but has been growing over the past 10 years.

Overview of Evidence-Based Practice—(cont.) EBP is based on the premise that health professionals should not base practice on tradition and belief but on information grounded in research. EBP is not synonymous with research. Research focuses on discovery. EBP focuses on application.

Overview of Evidence-Based Practice—(cont.) EBP involves: Identifying a clinical problem Searching the literature and critically evaluating research evidence Determining appropriate interventions EBP integrates research, theory, and practice.

Definition and Characteristics of Evidence-Based Practice EBP is “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of theory-derived, research-based information in making decisions about care delivery . . . in consideration of individual needs and preferences.” Key concepts of EBP Best evidence Expertise Patient values Careful review of research findings according to guidelines De-emphasizes ritual, isolated, and unsystematic clinical experiences, options, and tradition as basis for practice

Question Which is NOT considered to be a key concept of EBP? Best evidence Patient values Provider expertise Traditional practices

Answer D. Traditional practices Rationale: EBP de-emphasizes ritual, unsupported practices, and tradition and focuses on research- supported interventions that considers patients’ desires and needs and provider expertise.

Evidence-Based Nursing Some sources for EBP information/guidelines Cochrane Collaboration/Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews— network that helps health care providers make informed decisions about health care Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)—maintains database of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines

Evidence-Based Nursing—(cont.) Concerns Too much focus on EBP could result in “cookbook care” and loss of “art” of nursing. Lessening of attention to holistic care Health care reimbursement might drift exclusively to interventions substantiated by “evidence.” Not all health care practices can or should be based on science per se (What about “care”?). Consensus agreement that EBP in nursing should consider all types of evidence (not just RCTs) as well as clinical experience, patient experiences and desires, and relevant local/organizational influences.

Practice-Based Evidence PBE is a relatively new concept in nursing and health care. Based on the observation that many interventions have limited formal research support PBE recognizes the importance of the environment in determining practice recommendations. Premise of PBE is that large databases should be reviewed or “mined” to gather data on quality and effectiveness.

Practice-Based Evidence—(cont.) PBE seeks to determine what works best for which patients, under what circumstances, and at what costs. More comprehensive picture than RCTs Sources include: Benchmarking data Clinical expertise Cost-effective analyses Infection control data Medical record data National standards of care Quality improvement data Patient and family preferences

Theory and Evidence-Based Practice More awareness of EBP has renewed appreciation for linkages among research, theory, and practice. Research and clinical data provide evidence for EBP and/or PBE and can generate practice guidelines and/or situation-specific theories. Preference for term “theory-guided, evidence-based practice”

Models for Evidence-Based Practice For some EBP models, the goal is to create or establish EBP protocols, procedures, or guidelines. Some EBP models focus on implementation of EBP in the setting or institution.

Models for Evidence-Based Practice—(cont.) Most commonly used and described in nursing literature are: Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice Star Model (ACE Star Model) (Stevens, 2005, 2012) Advancing Research and Clinical Practice Through Close Collaboration (ARCC) Model (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015) Iowa Model (Titler et al., 2001) Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) Model (Newhouse et al., 2007) Stetler Model of Evidence-Based Practice (Stetler, 2001)

Evidence-Based Practice Models—ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation Depicted by five points of sequential knowledge transformation Discovery research Evidence summary Translation to guidelines Practice integration Process and outcome evaluation

Evidence-Based Practice Models—ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation—(cont.) Knowledge transformation (KT) consists of eight premises. KT is necessary prior to using research for clinical decision making. KT is derived from multiple sources (e.g., research, experience, authority). Research process is the most stable source of knowledge. Evidence can be classified by strength of evidence based on rigor.

Evidence-Based Practice Models—ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation—(cont.) Knowledge transformation (KT) consists of eight premises—(cont.) As research is converted through a system of steps, other knowledge is created. The form in which knowledge exists can be referenced to its use. The form of knowledge determines its usability. KT takes place through steps (summarization, translation, application, integration, and evaluation).

Evidence-Based Practice Models—ARCC Model The Advancing Research and Clinical Practice Through Close Collaboration (ARCC) Model was developed to advance and sustain EBP (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2002). Basis in control theory and cognitive behavioral theories Appropriate in clinical practice— particularly acute care

Evidence-Based Practice Models—ARCC Model—(cont.) Central constructs of the ARCC Model Assessment of organizational culture and readiness for EBP Identification of strengths and barriers to EBP Development and use of EBP mentors EBP implementation Outcome evaluation (providers’ satisfaction, cohesion, intent to leave, turnover, improved patient outcomes, hospital costs)

Evidence-Based Practice Models—ARCC Model—(cont.) Several scales have been developed to measure implementation of EBP using the ARCC Model. Among them are scales to measure organizational readiness and EBP beliefs. Considerable amount of research support for the ARCC model

Evidence-Based Practice Models—Iowa Model of EBP to Promote Quality Care The Iowa Model of EBP was developed in the 1990s. Intent to promote quality care through research utilization It was developed to provide guidance for nurses in making decisions about practice.

Question Tell whether the following statement is true or false: The rationale for development of the Iowa Model of EBP was to manage the costs of health care.

Answer False The Iowa Model for EBP was developed to promote quality nursing care through incorporation of research into practice.

Evidence-Based Practice Models—Iowa Model of EBP to Promote Quality Care—(cont.) Organized into starting points, decision points, and feedback loops Starting points are problem-focused triggers or knowledge- focused triggers. Decision points: Is the topic a priority? Is there sufficient research base? Is change appropriate for adoption in practice? There are numerous feedback loops based on the model. After implementation of practice change, monitor and analyze the structure, process, and outcome data and then disseminate results.

Evidence-Based Practice Models—Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model The JHNEP Model is a problem-solving approach to clinical decision making. Developed to accelerate research into nursing practice and promote nursing autonomy, leadership, and engagement with colleagues Combines the nursing process, the ANA Standards of Practice, critical thinking, and research utilization

Evidence-Based Practice Models—Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model—(cont.) Three core elements (PET) Practice question Evidence Translation Several phases composed of 18 steps. Each step helps clarify the processes. Assist in understanding how to proceed

Evidence-Based Practice Models—Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model—(cont.) Model begins with an EBP question (PICO) consisting of: Practice question (patient, population, and problem) Intervention Comparison as appropriate Desired Outcome(s) Other steps involve defining the scope of the question, assigning reasonability for leadership, recruiting a team, and scheduling conferences.

Question When developing a PICO question, the “C” represents which of the following? Care options Comparison with a baseline or standard Consideration of patient or provider values/wishes Costs of interventions

Answer B. Comparison with a baseline or standard Rationale: A PICO question consists of: Practice question (patient, population, and problem) Intervention Comparison as appropriate Desired Outcome(s)

Evidence-Based Practice Models—Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model—(cont.) Evidence phase includes: Literature search Team appraisal and recommendations Translation phase Team decides whether and how to implement changes. Evaluation of implementation Communicate the findings PRN

Evidence-Based Practice Models—Stetler Model Originally implemented in the 1970s as a quality improvement effort Similar to the nursing process, thus easily implemented Five steps or phases Preparation Validation Comparative evaluation/decision making Translation/application Evaluation

Evidence-Based Practice Models—Stetler Model—(cont.) Preparation Propose, control, and source research evidence Validation Determine credibility of findings and potential for qualifiers for application Comparative evaluation/decision making Synthesis of information and decisions for recommendations for criteria and applicability Translation/application Create operational definitions for use and actions for change Evaluation Determine alternate types of evaluation

Evidence-Based Practice—Summary EBP has become one of the key tenets of quality nursing care. In nursing, it is critical that EBP go beyond research and be theory based. Growing attention to the concept of PBE has renewed attention to the critical role of theory in excellent nursing practice.