Evidence-Based Practice

“Florence Nightingale published her observations on cleanliness, nutrition, and fresh air in (…) 1860,” marking the beginning of evidence-based practice in nursing (Peterson et al., 2014, p.58). Research has come a long way since then, but implementing research into clinical practice is nevertheless important. However, not every research article contains valid or sufficient evidence to support a change in clinical practice. Nurses in general have the responsibility to evaluate published research outcomes for relevance and importance to nursing practice. Several ranking tools are available to help nurses evaluate a research article. The AACN Levels of Evidence and U.S. Preventive services Task Force Strength of Recommendations are two …show more content…
Ranking tool with access site Scoring Format used on tool with the meaning for each level Focus of tool (where might it be used) Strengths of the tool Weaknesses of the tool
AACN Levels of Evidence- http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/content/29/4/70.full.pdf.html Level A: Meta-analysis of multiple controlled studies or meta-synthesis of qualitative studies with results that consistently support a specific action, intervention or treatment
Level B: Well designed controlled studies, both randomized and nonrandomized, with results that consistently support a specific action, intervention, or treatment
Level C: Qualitative studies, descriptive or correlational studies, integrative reviews, systematic reviews, or randomized controlled trials with inconsistent results
Level D: Peer-reviewed professional organizational standards, with clinical studies to support recommendations
Level E: Theory-based evidence from expert opinion or multiple case reports
Level M: Manufacturers’ recommendations only -All evidenced-based research
-Critical Care practitioners/clinicians -Able to rate strength of the study design
- Simple application of tool with AACN practice alerts -Does not give researchers information about relevance to practice, therefore clinicians must still analyze the individual study for weaknesses or …show more content…
Preventive Services Task Force Strength of recommendation tool, a moderately significant difference appears. The AACN Level of evidence consists of seven levels, ranking from Level A (meta-analysis) to level M (manufacturers recommendation). This tool categorizes research according to the design of the study, therefore providing an objective evaluation. However, the USPSTF tool provides recommendations based on the quality of the research design and results. Therefore, the USPSTF tool was easier to use when rating the assigned article. The assigned study by Vincensi et al. is a mixed methods research study, therefore not perfectly fitting into an assigned level of AACN’s tool. However, USPSTF provides a guideline in evaluating the research limitations of the assigned article, helping placement of the article into the assigned grade. “Evidence-based practice (EBP) leads to higher quality care, improved patient outcomes, reduced costs, and greater nurse satisfaction than traditional approaches to care” (Melnyk et al.,

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