To investigate a clinical problem, nurses should select the most relevant method, focusing on a research project or evidence-based project. Depending on the purpose of the intended improvement, it is possible to recognize between several distinctions of the mentioned projects. Research is a systematic exploration that aims to generate new knowledge for practitioners to increase their professionalism (Grove & Gray, 2018). This option includes research development, verification, and assessment to understand the contribution of the proposed interventions. When the literature review identifies gaps, a nurse can conduct a research project to either validate the available knowledge or produce new ideas. An example of such a project is a randomized-controlled trial of two treatment approaches for patients with pressure ulcers in inpatient care settings.
On the contrary to research projects, evidence-based projects (EBP) focus on translating evidence into practice to make informed decisions. The main goal of EBPs is to apply the best interventions to ensure high-quality and safe patient care (Black et al., 2015). While being based on research projects, EBPs also integrate clinical expertise and patient preferences. For example, an EBP project can be initiated to introduce guidelines for making follow-up calls to patients with mental disorders in a post-discharge period. The process begins with posing a clinical question and evaluating the existing evidence. Furthermore, the evidence is to be applied to a specific environment and patients. The interest of nurses in conducting EBPs is related to patient care improvement, reducing care costs, and eliminating non-relevant practices (Grove & Gray, 2018). As a result, nurses receive such benefits as providing individualized care to meet patients’ needs and expectations, as well as being proactive and developing as a professional.
References
- Black, A. T., Balneaves, L. G., Garossino, C., Puyat, J. H., & Qian, H. (2015). Promoting evidence-based practice through a research training program for point-of-care clinicians. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 45(1), 14-20.
- Grove, S. K., & Gray, J. R. (2018). Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice (7th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.