Transforming Research Evidence Into Practice

Course Description

This course is designed to support the advance practice nurse leader in implementing and sustaining evidence-based practice within the clinical practice setting and organization. Students will learn to formulate a searchable clinical question; utilize technology to systematically search the literature; thoroughly review, appraise, and synthesize the scientific evidence; identify key themes as well as limitations and biases of the evidence; consider ethical implications related to the evidence; and describe nursing implications and recommendations for practice. The student will develop a draft of a potentially publishable manuscript that describes the state of the science, incorporating elements of an integrative review.

Course Objectives

1. Utilize technologic resources to systematically search evidence databases related to clinical questions.

2. Systematically review scientific evidence for validity, reliability, methodology, ethical approaches, and practical application to a clinical issue/s.

3. Critically appraise and synthesize evidence, identifying themes, limitations, and biases, and make recommendations for practice in order to optimize health, minimize harm, improve outcomes, and enhance quality of life.

4. Integrate scientific evidence, patient preferences, and clinician expertise in the development of an evidence-based project.

5. Design implementation plans for the integration of an evidence-based clinical practice change that include the activities of quality improvement and outcomes measurement.

6. Develop for dissemination a state-of-the-science integrative review that informs practice and that encompasses safe, quality, ethical, and culturally sensitive evidence-based care.