Introduction
In the field of nursing, evidence-based practice (EBP) is a crucial aspect of providing high-quality and safe care to patients. EBP involves using the best available evidence to guide decision-making and improve patient outcomes. It requires nurses to have a deep understanding of research principles, the ability to critically evaluate published research studies, and the skill to integrate evidence into clinical practice. This assignment aims to provide a learning activity for nursing students to experience a practice-based scenario and apply a process worksheet to identify an independent nursing problem or concern, develop a PICOT clinical question, and search for evidence using credible online databases and sources.
The assignment aligns with several Course Outcomes (COs) of the course. CO1 focuses on examining the sources of evidence that contribute to professional nursing practice. By engaging in this assignment, students will develop their understanding of where evidence comes from and how it can influence nursing practice. CO2 emphasizes the application of research principles to interpret the content of published research studies. Through the process of evaluating research articles for credibility and significance, students will enhance their ability to apply research principles in their practice. CO4 centers around evaluating published nursing research for credibility and significance related to evidence-based practice. By critically appraising the literature and assessing its relevance to their clinical question, students will develop their skills in evaluating research. Lastly, CO5 highlights the recognition of the role of research findings in evidence-based practice. This assignment will enable students to recognize the importance of evidence in informing clinical decisions and improving patient care.
Scenario and Purpose
The scenario for this assignment involves being a member of the nursing evidence-based practice (NEBP) committee as mandated by the Chief Nurse Executive (CNE). The purpose of the NEBP committee is to conduct nursing research studies that address clinical practice problems. This aligns with the goal of increasing nurses’ awareness of quality and safety concerns and fostering an attitude of inquiry and questioning. Baccalaureate nurses are expected to actively participate in problem identification, search for evidence, and integrate credible sources into their practice (AACN, 2008). As a member of the NEBP committee, the CNE has requested that each committee member choose a priority area for conducting a research study related to quality and safety concerns. The committee will collaborate to decide which nursing clinical problem area will be the focus of their next research study.
This assignment aims to facilitate the selection of a priority area for research study by completing the Problem, Population, and PICOT (PPE) Worksheet. This worksheet will guide students in identifying an independent nursing problem or concern, specifying the population of interest, and formulating a PICOT clinical question. The completion of this worksheet will enable students to contribute to the NEBP committee’s decision-making process and provide valuable input to the research study.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this assignment provides a learning activity for nursing students to engage in a practice-based scenario and apply a process worksheet to identify a nursing problem or concern, develop a PICOT clinical question, and search for evidence using credible online databases and sources. By participating in this activity, students will enhance their understanding of research principles, critical evaluation of published research studies, and integration of evidence into clinical practice. The assignment aligns with the Course Outcomes of the course and contributes to the goal of promoting evidence-based practice in nursing.
