DQ: Describe the “levels of evidence” and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from each.

DQ: Describe the “levels of evidence” and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from each.

To determine the effectiveness of evidence, several levels of strategies or research can be used. The level is determined by how biases and outcomes will affect it (Glasofer & Townsend, 2019).

RCT, Systematic Review, and Meta Analysis are the highest level 1 research techniques. These have been identified as providing the best evidence. When used in conjunction, it has an even greater impact (NOVA, 2021). These kinds of studies would be useful for determining the cause and evaluating the effect.

Level 2 may include Quasi experimental and Systematic Review, but it may be missing a criterion that would be found in experimental research. This type of research is not as strong, but it can be used for comparison research, such as a pre and posttest effect (Glasofer & Townsend, 2019).

Level 3 is considered non-experimental because no variables are manipulated. This level may or may not use Systematic Review, RCT, or Meta Analysis (Glasofer & Townsend, 2020) 1. It is also known as observation research because the researcher observes but does not intervene. This type of research could be used to determine the impact of something. They might ask the group to write down a daily occurrence to see what happens. In this research area, the researcher could use a case-control study to compare a condition to someone who does not have that condition (Glasofer & Townsend, 2020) 1.

The researcher employs opinions or statements at level 4. Clinical practice guidelines, position or consensus statements may contain these. The guideline is tested and reviewed by experts, as are consensus and position statements, but they are also subject to peer review and are limited (Glasofer & Townsend, 2020) 2. These options may not be of the same caliber as the levels preceding them. They are, however, useful for comparison information when looking for evidence-based documentation.

The final level 5 and lowest quality of evidence is Literature Review, which has no set standards. Although a literature review can provide a useful summary of information, it should be used with caution (Glasofer & Townsend, 2020) 2. This type of research could be useful if you simply want to learn more about a topic, but it is not peer reviewed and may be biased.

Levels 1, 2, and 3 are ideal for gathering evidence-based practice research data that can be used to improve healthcare and nursing interventions. Gronning et al., (2022) conducted a study to support the importance of teaching nursing students about evidence-based practice. demonstrating how to incorporate evidence-based information into their work and possessing up-to-date knowledge They learned the value of research in improving clinical practice because our patients rely on us to provide the most accurate and reliable information. Opinions, reviews, and literature are useful for comparisons and information, but they are not reliable because opinions can be incorrect.

Felder, Wanda

Date Posted

May 1, 2022, 6:44 PM

Replies to Gale Storm-Bryant

Research in healthcare is the standard behind practice change and improvements in patient care. As new researchers, one may feel

DQ Describe the levels of evidence and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from each.

that their impact on nursing is not felt. In reality, participation in research advances over time, allowing for a greater impact on patients as well as interprofessionally. Learning environments help develop new practices and increase engagement in nursing by incorporating learning and research (Nasrabadi et al., 2021). The diagram below shows how the impact of research begins at the organizational level and progresses to influence healthcare policies. Changes in health-care systems result from additional research, which leads to societal and economic changes. As a result, as nurses and researchers, we must acknowledge that our research is both necessary and effective. As nurses, we are constantly learning new techniques and practices. Nasrabadi et al. (2021) discuss the significance of EBP in nursing and how research contributes to nurses becoming lifelong learners.

How do you see yourself contributing to research in the future?

A. N. Nasrabadi, N. Mohammadi, Z. Rooddehghan, A. Shabani, F. Bakhshi, and A. Ghorbani (2021). A qualitative content analysis study of stakeholders’ perceptions of the requirements for implementing innovative educational approaches in nursing. 1-10 in BMC Nursing, 20(131). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00647-7

Kangleon, Jumyr

Wanda Felder responded

May 1, 2022, 9:32 PM

(edited)

Wanda Felder’s Replies

Felder, Dr. The evidence-based practice (EBP) approach, according to Heydari et al. (2014), has the potential to improve healthcare quality and is critical for nurses’ and midwives’ professional growth, responsibilities, and capacities. Furthermore, in accordance with patient and community expectations of nursing practice, evidence-based practice can reduce the costs associated with inefficient care while also lowering treatment risks for clients and patients. I believe that research leads to nurses being lifelong learners because we want the best for our patients and will therefore do what research has shown to be the best practice to increase positive health outcomes. Nurses can contribute to positive, quality patient care and outcomes by continuing to learn. According to Heydari et al. (2014), because they had not received training and had little experience searching for research evidence, few nurses believed they could find enough relevant data to incorporate into their clinical practice. Although nurses were familiar with the research process and could use different levels of evidence in clinical practice, they were unfamiliar with the concepts and principles of evidence-based practice. Prior to taking this class, I was completely unaware of the existence of many evidence-based procedures and had no idea how to find out more about them. However, I believe that this research class has demonstrated the importance of research to nursing and nursing care, and I intend to continue studying and searching for the best techniques to incorporate into my nursing practice. I also hope to contribute to research as I gain knowledge and comfort with it, and to be able to conduct a study that will benefit many people.