Sample Answer for NRS 445 Topic 4 DQ 2 Included After Question
Assessment Description
Describe the influence “levels of evidence” have on practice changes. Identify the most reliable level of evidence and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from this level of evidence.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competency 4.1
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NRS 445 Topic 4 DQ 2
Title: NRS 445 Topic 4 DQ 2
The level of evidence is an aspect that has a big influence on practice changes. The level of evidence refers to the framework used in evaluating the reliability and quality of research findings. Therefore, in nursing research and practice changes, the levels of evidence have various influences. Nursing practice changes are required to help solve various problems identified in clinical settings.
The use of levels of evidence influences practice changes in several ways. One of the ways is through informed clinical decision-making (Dang et al.,2021). As part of the process, the nurses can critically appraise clinical literature and research studies based on the level of evidence. As such, it is easier to assess the quality of evidence, hence using the same to make informed decisions, especially on the most appropriate and effective interventions that can be used to help improve patient outcomes.
Level of evidence can also be used in developing nursing procedures and protocols. High levels of evidence obtained from research efforts such as randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials can be used to formulate protocols and procedures, which can then lead to practice change. Such a practice change is undertaken to ensure that the nursing practices are in line with the latest and best evidence available.
Based on the level of evidence presented in a research article or by particular research findings, nurses can implement the findings as part of evidence-based practice to lead to a practice change (Cullen et al.,2020). The practice change can focus on improving the existing procedures and guidelines to help impact patient outcomes positively.
The most reliable level of evidence is the level I evidence, which is usually obtained from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. A type of practice change that could result from this level of evidence is transitioning from normal urinary catheter care to the use of CAUTI bundles to help reduce the CAUTI rates and incidences (Shadle et al.,2021).
References
Cullen, L., Hanrahan, K., Farrington, M., Anderson, R., Dimmer, E., Miner, R., … & Rod, E. (2020). Evidence-based practice change champion program improves quality care. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 50(3), 128–134. Doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000856
Dang, D., Dearholt, S. L., Bissett, K., Ascenzi, J., & Whalen, M. (2021). Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals: Model and guidelines. Sigma Theta Tau.
Shadle, H. N., Sabol, V., Smith, A., Stafford, H., Thompson, J. A., & Bowers, M. (2021). A bundle-based approach to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections in the intensive care unit. Critical Care Nurse, 41(2), 62-71.