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Quality improvement (QI), evidence-based practice (EBP) and research are important concepts in nursing. The three concepts of QI, EBP and research share three similarities as they disseminate best practices in nursing services, identify excellence in nursing services delivery to patients, and promote quality in settings that support professional nursing practices. Still, there are significant differences between the three. QI is a subjective process that involves the practice of using data-guided, systematic approaches to improve outcomes and processes. Visual model comparing and contrasting QI, EBP and research in nursing.It evolves from philosophies of total quality management and continuous quality management with a focus on defining the outcomes that need to be improved, how the outcomes would be measured, and a plan for implanting the intervention and collecting evaluation data prior to and after the intervention. Unlike research and EBP, QI does not require rigorous critical appraisal or extensive literature reviews. In addition, QI differs from the others since it is typically site specific and provides best evidence and generalizable knowledge (see Figure 1) (McEwen & Wills, 2018).Visual model comparing and contrasting QI, EBP and research in nursing.
EBP is concerned with translating the evidence from research and applying the evidence in clinical decision-making. It is intended to apply the best available evidence in decisions concerning patient care. Although much of the evidence is from research, some can be from clinical expertise since there may not be definitive knowledge from research results. Unlike research that is involved with developing new knowledge, EBP is concerned with finding and translating the best evidence into clinical practice. EBP makes use of literature review to find the best current evidence. Once the evidence is collected, it is critically appraised to ensure clinical significance and credibility (see Figure 1) (Schmidt & Brown, 2019).Visual model comparing and contrasting QI, EBP and research in nursing.
Research is intended to validate the existing knowledge based on theory or generate new knowledge even as it answers questions about a particular phenomenon. It involves conducting a scientific, systematic inquiry that either tests as hypothesis or answers specific research questions using rigorous, disciplined methods. Visual model comparing and contrasting QI, EBP and research in nursing.It is concerned with discovery, exploration and investigation. Having a valid and reliable research requires the use of scientific method in sequential and orderly steps. In all research, discovery occurs as data is collected and analyzed with the results and outcomes being interpreted. Besides that, it involves a comprehensive and systematic review of literature to answer the research question with the research description being published to contribute to the existing body of knowledge. Unlike EBP that conducts literature review to find the best current evidence, research conducts literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge (see Figure 1) (Schmidt & Brown, 2019)
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