Exploring the Differences Between Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Why it Matters at Bedside

In the complex world that we live in today,  nurses are called to deliver competent and high-quality care.  While research and evidence-based practice serve different functions, they are closely connected.  By understanding the way they work together helps nurses make better decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Nursing research is a systematic and intentional process used to generate new knowledge about health, patient care, and nursing practice. According to LoBiondo-Wood & Haber (2022).  Research follows the scientific method to answer the who, what, when, where, why and how questions, ultimately to contribute to what we know about effective care.

There are two major types of nursing research, qualitative and quantitative.  Qualitative research focuses on the human experience and is often used to explore the patient's perspective or behaviors and experiences.  Quantitative research focuses on measurable outcomes and is used to describe phenomena.  This type of research is often used to test relationships and interventions.

The goal of research isnt always immediate application, but a way to create new knowledge that leads to real world change.  The knowledge gathered can be used by nurses who are involved in evidence-based practice.  

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making process that involves clinical expertise using the best available research while keeping the patient's values and preferences in mind.  Instead of resulting in new knowledge, EBP uses the existing knowledge to provide informed care.  According to LoBiondo-Wood & Haber (2022) and Barrow (2021), EBP helps nurses transition from traditional, opinion-based care to providing interventions that are considered gold standards of care.

The EBP process consists of five steps:

1. Ask a clinical question (often using the PICOT format).  

2. Acquire the best evidence.  

3. Appraise the evidence critically.

4. Apply the evidence to practice.

5. Evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness.

An examination of differences between nursing research and evidence-based practice is as follows: The purpose of nursing research is to generate new knowledge, while evidence-based practice applies current evidence to improve care.  The outcome of nursing research is to explore studies, new theories, or discoveries.  In contrast, the outcome of EBP is clinical change or practical improvement.  As Barrow (2021) explains, research asks, “What do we not know?” while EBP asks, “What does the evidence say we should do?”

The essential connection between evidence-based practice and nursing research is that without research, there is no evidence to practice from.  EBP depends on peer-reviewed studies.  Both evidence-based practice and nursing research improve patient outcomes by aiming to enhance quality, safety, and effectiveness in care.  Even if nurses are not conducting research, they are obligated to apply research through EBP.  

Research creates evidence while evidence-based practice applies evidence.  A great example of this is applied by LoBiondo-Wood & Haber (2022) when describing a systematic review by Facchinetti et al. which had examined continuity of care interventions for older adults. The research identified ways to prevent hospital readmissions.  The findings were then used in EBP to improve discharge planning and patient education.

Specifically, here is an example of this application in real life for a long term care nurse.  A unit manager might notice a rise in catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI).  The nurse finds studies that show silver alloy catheters reduce infection rates.  The nurse works with leadership and physicians to implement silver catheters as the facility's catheter protocol.  CAUTI rates decline after 6 months, which improves the residents' health and safety.  The research informed the nurse of the EBP change that resulted in a measurable outcome.

A nurse does not need to be a researcher to use research.  However, it is essential for the nurse to be able to identify, comprehend, and assess the quality of research so that it can be effectively applied to patient care. Nurses must be research-literate and EBP competent.  It is the nurses ethical obligation to not only stay current but also advocate for safer and more effective care. 

Overall, nursing research and evidence-based practice are distinct.  They are also deeply related.  As research produces the knowledge, evidence-based practice turns that knowledge into action.  Both are crucial in advancing nursing as a profession and ensuring that patients receive the best care possible.  

References

Barrow, J. (2021, May 10). Nursing research and evidence-based practice [Video]. YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5uY8SjSYi4Links to an external site.

LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2022). Nursing research: Methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice (10th ed.). Mosby. https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9780323762922Links to an external site.