HURLEY, DENEGAR, & HERTEL / Research Methods: A Framework for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice /
Research Methods: A Framework for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice
Chapter 3 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice: Distinguishing Best Practices
Assignment 3.1
Acquiring Evidence
Activity Type Focused Learning Objectives
problem solving understand EBP; recognize roles of theories and models;
3-page paper using information systems; assess, ask, and acquire
Part I: Why Is This Assignment Important?
In the era of evidence-based practice, there is growing expectation that students and practitioners be able to access research literature efficiently, analyze the strength of evidences, conduct article appraisal, and understand basic research designs. Although it might not be necessary to know the details of statistical analysis, undergraduate and post-professional doctoral students need to know the research methodology in detail because they will be researchers or professors in academic and clinical settings in the future. Acquiring skills in research and critical appraisal is fundamental in learning to assess and regard the significance of efficiently accessing and effectively determining the applicability, reliability, and validity of published research in order to distinguish best clinical practices. It is important to have an understanding of and appreciation for academic theory and research methods so as to make practical applications of evidence-based practice in patient care and clinical advancement.
Part II: The Problem Scenario
Modern health care has demonstrated a trend that seems now to require clinicians not only to develop individual medical skills, but also to become skillful at navigating within an evidence-based, technology-driven information cycle. As stated in Chapter 1, evidence-based practice (EBP) refers to the process by which decisions about clinical practice are supported from research using scientific models and theoretical paradigms. In this process, clinicians use the best, up-to-date clinical care research evidence to help in the diagnosis and treatment of individual patients. The progression of "evidence-based" clinical practice necessitates that clinicians be able to access, evaluate, interpret, and apply the medical literature by following methodological criteria used to systematically determine the validity of the clinical evidence.
Remember that “evidence-based” clinical practice is a three-pronged approach to patient care: (1) valid research findings grounded in theory and science; (2) clinical expertise and practical experience; and (3) the medical needs, psycho-social interests, and ethical and religious values (multiculturalism) of the individual patient. Describe and explain the relevant key terms and concepts, and use clear and simple examples. Be careful to write formally, however; remember that you are training to be a professional.
Part III: The Work Product
Select, read, and synthesize three peer-reviewed journal articles of your choice to acquire information about a specific topic of interest to you, or to gather information as evidence about the history and evolution of evidence-based medicine. (You must use published scientific journal articles of original research, not review papers discussing multiple studies on the same topic. Acquire evidence from the literature, summarize your findings in a three-page paper, and provide specific examples of past clinical practices that are no longer followed.