NUR 314 Evidence-Based Practice

Lecture Hours: 6
Credits: 6

Introduces the research process and prepares students to review evidence as beginning consumers of nursing research. Evaluates nursing research studies and understands the process of utilizing research for evidence-based practice. Discuss various research designs and methods, as well as basic statistical methods.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Statistics class.
Maximum number of credits course can be taken for: 6

Student Learning Outcomes:

Analyze the major components of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process.
Explore the use of PICO questions for framing clinical inquiry.
Critically appraise research studies and other sources of evidence from online databases for their validity, reliability, and applicability to nursing practice.
Demonstrate proficiency in using evidence to inform clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
Determine appropriate measures to evaluate the effectiveness of EBP implementation and use data for quality improvement.

Content Outline

Overview of EBP in nursing
- Historical evolution and significance
The EBP process and models
Understanding the PICO(T) framework
Developing answerable PICOT clinical questions
Introduction to research databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library)
Quantitative vs. qualitative research
Levels of evidence hierarchy
Common research methodologies in nursing
Assessing validity, reliability, and bias
Appraisal tools and checklists (e.g., CONSORT)
Evaluating trustworthiness: credibility, transferability
Appraisal tools for qualitative studies
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Integrative literature reviews
Translating evidence into clinical guidelines
Developing evidence-based care plans
Change theories and implementation models (e.g., Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations)
Strategies for successful EBP implementation
Measuring patient and system outcomes
Quality improvement processes
Common barriers: individual, organizational, cultural
Strategies to promote EBP adoption
Ethical principles in research and EBP
Patient rights and informed consent
Legal responsibilities of nurses in EBP
Importance of teamwork in EBP
Communication skills for collaboration