400755 Evidence Based Nursing 1

Applying Research in Practice

Prepared by: Dr Elizabeth Halcomb 2008

Revised by: Dr Kath Peters 2009

Objectives
● By the end of this session & with additional
readings you will be able to;
– Understand the importance of disseminating
research
– Identify barriers to research utilisation
– Identify locations for searching for research
to put into practice
– Explain how research can be used to inform
your clinical practice

Australian Nursing Research

● infancy of nursing research 

tertiary based education

● lack of research training

● need to raise awareness
● low submission rates

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 Dissemination of Research
Research is presented as a means of finding the
answer to clinicians questions.
Volume of research produced is overwhelming
Challenging to find a means of disseminating
research to clinicians

Methods of Dissemination
● Thesis / Dissertation (25,000 - 100,000 words)
● Formal Research Report (variable)
● Oral Conference Presentation (15-60 mins)
● Poster Presentation (1m x 1m)
● Journal Article (3000-5000 words)
● Book (variable length)
● World Wide Web
● Pamphlets
● Media (TV, newspapers)

Do Nurses Use Research in Practice??

● Large variability in practice

● Serious lack of research utilisation
● Practice is seldom based on best available
evidence for a variety of reasons

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 Barriers to Research Utilisation
● There are many barriers to achieving practice
change
– Resistance to change
– Insufficient time and resources
– Lack of support to change
– Inadequate research skills
– Problems associated with the theory/practice gap
– Lack of skills to critique research

How Can You Utilise Research?

● Be informed about research relevant to your
practice area
● Continue to reflect on your practice and identify
questions to be explored;
● Speak to other health care professionals about
practice issues;
● Search for sources of evidence on the practice
issue (for example, journal articles);

Staying Informed About Research

● Use the library and online databases
● Join and maintain membership of professional
associations (e.g. RCNA)
● Attend professional forums and conferences
● Take advantage of research opportunities that
come your way
● Participate in continuing education activities

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 Why Do We Need Research?

“Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a

different result”

Evidence Based Practice

Best
available Individual Patient /
EBP = clinical + clinical + Community
evidence expertise Preferences

References
Borbasi, S., Jackson, D. & Langford R. 2008. Navigating the maze of
nursing research: an interactive learning adventure (2nd ed.), Mosby,
Melbourne.

Hodge, M., Kochie, L., Larson, L., & Santiago, M. (2003). Clinician
implemented research utilization in critical care, American Journal of
Critical Care, July, 2003 (online)
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NUB/is_4_12/ai_1055562
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