Relationship between the research process and evidence based practice The WritePass Journal

Relationship between the research process and evidence based practice Relationship between the research process and evidence based practice Principles of Evidence Based PracticeConclusionRelated The aim of this essay is to explore the relationship between the research process and evidence based practice. The author of this essay intends to explore and illustrate an understanding of the various types of evidence used within nursing practice. There are barriers to implementing research into practice, the author intends to give explanation to these barriers and detail strategies/organisations that assist to putting research into nurse’s everyday practice. Two journal articles will be critiqued within this essay; the aim of this is to indicate which evidence has been used, to assess the strengths and weaknesses in the research process and to evaluate its usefulness in practice. Principles of Evidence Based Practice Research can be described as a method of investigating a chosen area to illicit new information on the topic or to build on previous knowledge.   In nursing research the aim of this research is to provide clients, their carers and their families with the best possible care in all aspects of their treatment to promote wellbeing (Burns and Grove 2001). â€Å"The conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. The practice of evidence based medicine means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external evidence from systematic research.† (Sackett et al 1996;72) Nurses are at the frontline of healthcare and have most one to one contact time with clients; therefore it is essential that the foundation of their practice be formed from reliable evidence (Parahoo 2006). Evidence based practice sets out to integrate the best possible evidence, nursing knowledge and patient views into practice. It is vital that nursing staff be knowledgeable of the latest findings in nursing research and are able to access and opt for the most suitable evidence to inform and implement into their practice. (Gerrish 2006) suggest that evidence based practice consists of research, patient experience and clinical expertise. It is important to address which research findings nurses should consult to inform their clinical practice in order for them to deliver adequate care to their patients.   There are many different types of evidence available to practitioners; Gray Muir (1997) as cited in Gerrish (2006) outlines a hierarchy of evidence and indicates which types are more superior. Placed at the top of the hierarchy are systematic reviews and multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic review is essentially a study done on prior research; this is then deemed as secondary research (Parahoo 2006). The aim of this type of review is to carry out an extensive and thorough search of material already available on this topic. The most fitting material in relation to the topic is chosen, this is then evaluated, the findings are then collaborated and summarised to answer the original question. This process should be performed in a clear manner so that it would be possible for others to carry out t his research. In second place on the hierarchy is randomised controlled trials, third; non-randomised controlled trials, fourth; non-experimental studies and fifth; descriptive studies/expert committees. This hierarchy is more suited to quantitative research and is deemed inappropriate if outcomes are not measurable (Gerrish 2006). There are many organisations that provide information on research and guidance to how it should be implemented into clinical practice. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) offer   clinicians guidelines and criteria to follow with the aim of developing nursing care to the benefit of the clients health (NICE). The Cochrane Collaboration supply research material which is available to everyone. Their aim as an organisation is to provide health care workers, clients and their carers with information on the most current and reliable evidence used within health care settings. There are several different barriers to implementing evidence into clinical practice; Gerrish (2006) suggests that these barriers can be set into four categories; the nature of the evidence, communication of the evidence, knowledge and skill of the nurse and organisational barriers. Barriers with regard to the nature of the evidence may include research questions unsuitable to clinical practice. In relation to communication of evidence the language used in the research may be deemed as inaccessible due to complex terminology. It has been identified that barriers concerning the nurses skill include troubles identifying or appraising evidence and also lack of confidence of the individual in using resources to access the research. Organisational barriers seem to indicate that lack of support from senior staff in providing information and time to implement changes are the main cause for concern. Parahoo (2006) suggests that there are four main components in the research process. Identification and formulation of the research question is the first stage in the process, this is where the researcher determines what is being researched and a question is created. Previous literature researched in the chosen field may be consulted by the researcher to help define concepts. The final question must be clearly set out. The second stage of the process is the collection of data, in this part of the process several decisions will have to be made before data is collected. The design of the study, methods used within it and sometimes piloting need to be decided upon. The population that will be participating needs to be defined at this point consent may need to be sought from ethical committees. Once these arrangements are in place the data can be collected. The third stage in this process is the analysis of data, at this stage the researcher would analyse, translate and display their fin dings. It is important to note that before the data was collected the researcher would have decided on how the analysis would be conducted. After analysis the researcher would typically translate findings, examine the limitations and make suggestion as to how to implement into practice. Recommendations may be made for additional research needed. The final stage in research process is the dissemination of findings. An organisation that might be responsible for this area would be NICE, the barriers to the implementation of evidence are outlined above. There are many ethical issues involved in the research process; the author of this essay intends to discuss some of these implications. Beneficence is an important ethical issue, it is essential that the study should be of the benefit of its participants and in the best interests of the overall public. Confidentiality is another ethical issue within the research process, any information gathered should be respected. Consultation to the participant’s wishes should be sought throughout the process and care must be taken by the researcher when publishing results so not to unintentionally expose the identity or information of its participants. Conclusion The author of this essay has explored the relationship between evidence and the clinical setting. Research, evidence based practice and the research process was considered. Barriers to implementing evidence based practice and the strategies/organisations used to avoid these barriers were discussed. Critiques of two research articles are included in this essay; these critiques aim to illustrate the author’s understanding of the research process and knowledge of the various types of research and the methods used.

Society during the teenage years Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Society during the teenage years - Essay Example Documentary Sources: This research was conducted by me by interviewing two of my close relatives including my grandfather and one of my mother’s cousin’s mothers-in-law. The purpose of selecting these two sources included, to acquire first-hand information, my easy access to interview them and their experience and knowledge about the difficulties they had to face at their teenage. Summary: According to two of my relatives who were born in the year 1960s, young generation today is much more developed as compared to the ones born in grandparent’s generation. The major difference between the two generations is the expression of speech. Today, youngsters have comparatively more freedom to express their ideas as more information and knowledge is available to them. This is because in today’s society we are competing on the international level which why being informative and knowledgeable is essential. They further stated that, during their teenage years it was t he period where they did not have the right or courage to openly put up their thoughts because of the fear of getting unemployed, getting into the prison and at times even of the fear of being murdered. Therefore, in order to remain protected and safe they preferred choosing the politically acceptable path. However, today youngsters are much more open to express their ideas through articles, internet and editorials internationally. It is due to the easy exchange of ideas that we are experiencing positive transformation and change in our current society. Youth today has the opportunity to attain the best possible education as the quality of education has improved drastically. There are unlimited amount of universities functioning throughout the world providing you the option to select the best for yourself. In addition to the advantages, they believe that there are also several shortcomings that are currently prevailing in the society including the existence of corruption in every ty pe of field and profession, less confidence in achieving their goals successfully in future, fading traditions, lacking patriotism and national values. It has been seen that corruption exists in almost every profession whether it be teaching or police force. All respected professions too are involved in corruption and bribery. However, in our grandparent’s era corruption was very rare because people believed in the saying, â€Å"honesty is the best policy.† Therefore, every individual who was deserving and intelligent had the chance to be successful. Furthermore, they also believe that youth today do not have the confidence of being successful in future as competition has increased and people are unaware and confused about what they actually want to achieve. On the other hand, people in olden days were well-aware of their goals and studied accordingly to achieve them. The added advantage our grandparents had in their teenage was less amount of competition. Past traditi ons are gradually diminishing due to which majority older population today are jobless and are treated as an unwanted burden

Concepts in Homeland Security Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Concepts in Homeland Security - Assignment Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that partnership between DHS and FBI is important to promote a â€Å"whole community† approach to ensure that every nook and corner of the homeland is safe. The partnership between DHS and FBI and many other agencies enhance the preparedness against low predictability events. This is why professionals in FBI raid jackets can be seen at every other terrorism event despite the fact that DHS is the primary homeland security agency. â€Å"Black Swan† means such a disastrous event whose predictability is very low and its consequences are extremely catastrophic. The disastrous outcomes are high. Some good examples include terrorist attacks, natural and environmental disasters of high scale, and economic failures. The terrorist attack of 9/11 was a big Black Swan event in the history of US because of its zero predictability and high catastrophic outcomes. It was a terrorist attack which could not be anticipated, and thus, preparedness was zero and zilch. So, Black Swan is related to preparedness in a sense that it helps security agencies take measures to implement such classical risk assessment and management policies that help us sort out some of the most predictable events. We can ask ourselves questions, like how predictable is a disaster? What kinds of disasters have been occurring in the neighborhoods or cities in the past? What are the chances that the disaster will become a major event? What can be the level of damage? How much will be the cost for rehabilitation? How will resilience be ensured? What plans and actions can be taken to avoid or deal with such a disaster? These questions will lead us toward preparedness.

Home Automation Provide For The Aged Outline Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Home Automation Provide For The Aged - Outline Example This helps in alerting the wardens of unfortunate occurrences such as when the elderly people fall down in the absence of any warden. The wardens are expected to respond to the buzzing sound with immediate effect. These technologies have been clearly effective and helpful in making the lives of elderly people living in care homes aresafer and more interesting. Internet allows the elderly to connect with the outside world. Through such a technology, they can be able to get some enlightenment on what is going on past the walls. They can also be able to keep up with their passions; the things they used to love while still younger. With the buzzers, it is clearly evident that they can be helpful in making sure that there are no preventable deaths or accidents taking place in these homes. The wardens cannot be able to personally attend to all the elderly people in the care home round the clock (Meduse, Governance, Health And Medicine 2008, p. 121). This is even emphasized by the fact that some of the elderly people will also love to enjoy their own privacy at some time. This technology enables wardens to be there when they are needed. There are a number of diet problems that are common with the elderly. At the late stage of the lives of human beings, their bodies tend to need more of nutrients such as: Calcium and vitamin D for bone health; fibre to stay regular; healthy fats to lower chances of heart disease, potassium for blood pressure and to avoid fatigue and depression; and vitamin b12 for energy and brain function. For the elderly people weight is always a very big determinant of their diet. They should be neither overweight nor underweight. Due to low rates of metabolism and lack of physical activities older people are at the risk of being obese. In the other hand some of them might suffer from lack of appetite thus limiting the amount of food they consume. Some elderly

To Build a Fire Essay Example for Free

To Build a Fire Essay A hero is someone who possess valor, capability, and captures the admiration of others through courageous deeds and noble traits; the main character in â€Å"To Build a Fire† by Jack London lacks all of these characteristics. The man makes many rookie errs throughout the short story and utilizes numerous tips from an old timer from Sulphur creek to try and fix them, he is grateful to the old timer, save for when he believes he is no longer in danger. After building a successful fire rather than thank the old timer he says to himself â€Å"well, here he [is]; he [has] had the accident; he [is] alone; and he [saves] himself† (pg. 26). The man believes he is better than average and believing that it is him all by himself exemplifies his arrogance. The fire fails and the man is once again wet in negative fifty below weather and to survive he must do something to stay warm, his idea is rather horrid though. To save himself and his fingers the man has the wild idea to â€Å"kill the dog and bury his hands in the warm body until numbness [goes] out of them† (pg, 530). When the man has to choose between his life and another he chooses to save himself essentially proving that he is not a hero, but rather a scoundrel. After all else the man merely surrenders his life, gives up, and decides to die in the least painful way possible. The man thinks it would be a good idea â€Å"to sleep to death† his intention is for it to be â€Å"like taking an anesthetic† (pg 533). Hero’s do not give up or take the easy way out; the man is a coward for just handing in his life in the manner in which he did. The man in Jack London’s story never reaches a heroic state; he is a normal man that makes a few mistakes and pays dearly for them.

Anti-Voucher Point of View Essay -- essays papers

Anti-Voucher Point of View The idea of school vouchers sounds like a wonderful idea to get children the best possible education, until the issue is analyzed more closely. In reality, this system is hurting more children than the ones that they are helping. The people and institutions that do not support the use of vouchers believe that by taking away funds from the already failing public school system, it is causing a decrease in the level of education for children in public schools. With new initiatives like the â€Å"No Child Left Behind† campaign causing and the greater demands on teachers and children there is not room for a cut in funding (Traub 13). There are also increasing amounts of standardized tests, with guidelines that teachers must teach to, and that students must pass in order to show proficiency in the subject matter. The last thing that the public school system needs is funds taken away and distributed to the education of children in private institutions. There are not enough text books , computers, technological resources, and teachers in the public school system to meet these new high demands. When the standard is set so high and is unattainable it is not logical to take away funding from an already failing system. Every parent has a choice to send their child to a public school; if they choose to or not is their personal decision. A free public education is a right that is granted to every child in the United States. Children are required by law to attend school until they are at least sixteen years of age. Whether or not a child’s parents choose to send them to public or private school is their choice. Parents have the right to send their children to public school at no extra cost to them, whether they pay tax... ...sin. It discusses how the vouchers have moved into use in religious schools, and why people are upset about this. Chan, Swell. (2004 Sept. 1). The Washington Post. Retrieved on November 23, 2004 from: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=7&did=000000686712711&SrchMode =1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&T S=1101223405&clientId=41150 (DC VOUCHERS CHAN) Traub, James. (2003 Dec. 21). The New York Times Magazine. p13. Retrieved November 30, 2004. From: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb? index= 0&did =000000507793821&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD &RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1101794958&clientId=41150. Shultz, Fred, ed. Education. Guilford, CT: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, 2004. Collins, John William and Nancy Patricia O’Brien, ed. The Greenwood Dictionary of Education. 1st ed. 2003.

Blended Families

Family Report – Blended Families Blended families, also known as  stepfamilies, are more  familiar  now than ever. Statistics show that 65% of remarriages include  children from previous relationships. When families blend  to create stepfamilies, things rarely progress  as  smoothly  as planned. Some children might resist the many changes they have to face, while parents might become frustrated or disappointed when their new family doesn’t function the way they want to or like their previous family did. The three most important things blended families need to do  are  have appropriate discipline,  overcome their difficulties,  and spend quality time with each other. The most common problem in blended families is discipline. In disciplining children, parents should remember the Bible passage  Ephesians 4:2 â€Å"Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love. †Ã‚  New customs,  personalities,  and memories are all added to the new household. However, it is still important that a child is the child and an adult is still the adult. Children need a balance of love and discipline in their lives. Stepparents must give their stepchildren their much needed affection, as they would do to their own children. As you do this, the loving feelings will grow in time. It is the role of every parent (step or natural) to obey their responsibility of properly raising children and children have a responsibility to honor and listen to their parents. It would be very helpful if  the natural parent talked to their children early on to acknowledge the control the  stepparent has  and the respect that needs to be given towards the stepparent. When the children know ahead of time what is expected of them, their acceptance of the new family will be much easier. When two separate families come together, there are going to be many conflicts. Talking about them and understanding the other's feelings is a necessary and critical thing to do. It's very tempting for parents to stand up for their own child and point a finger at the stepchild and it's equally tempting for parents to accuse their spouse of unbalanced discipline. In times like these, parents should remember the  Bible  passage  Ephesians 4:29, 31-32: â€Å"Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgive one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. †Ã‚  Parents must understand that their  children are thrown together with near strangers and suddenly feel they have to compete for their parent's attention. It will take time to build a history, but someday the feelings  will grow from affection into familial love. It may take time and most likely won't be very easy, but it is well worth the effort in the end. Quality time is crucial in blended families. Stepparents should remember the Bible passage  Isaiah 66:13: â€Å"I will comfort as a child is comforted by its mother. †Ã‚  Stepparents also need to be understanding about the fact that the children need quality time with their natural parent. This gives the children time to know they are still important and that the stepparent is not trying to come between them and their natural parent. It is also very important to go for an outing as a whole family. Parents can't forget to make time for the two of them without the kids as well. Children do not have enough maturity to understand the dynamics of a new family and how loving it could be; but adults should. Much like when couples adopt a child, they chose to marry into a family with children. Pray a lot for them and with them, nurture them, care  for them, and accept them even when they seem to push away. Blended families are becoming more and more important in our society. It’s very crucial for adults today to understand what the most important things are in creating a blended family. Having appropriate discipline will help the children grow up to be polite, civil, and courteous. Overcoming difficulties and spending quality time with your new family will help you all become closer and have a healthy relationship. Therefore, it’s clear that having appropriate discipline, overcoming difficulties, and spending quality time with each other are the three most important things for a blended family to do.