Topic 2 DQ 2 Differentiate between research and EBP. Discuss a peer-reviewed article that you have located that supports the need for a change in nursing practice.

Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.

Expert Answer and Explanation

Evidence-based practice and nursing research are two critical components in nursing practice that are interrelated and contribute to enhancing patient care. However, the two terms are often confused to mean the same thing yet they are different. Evidence-based practice is a process that uses the best and updated evidence to inform clinical decision-making that leads to effective and efficient patient care (Li et al., 2019). On the other hand, nursing research is a systematic process of conducting a scientific inquiry to collect evidence into a phenomenon, either known or unknown to support or improve clinical outcomes and support nursing practice.

In a study by Shakibamehr et al. (2019), the researchers wanted to identify the effectiveness of using tragacanth gel cushions compared to foam-filled ones to prevent pressure ulcers in traumatic patients. The researchers identified the negative consequences associated with pressure ulcers in care settings and thus aimed at identifying the most appropriate intervention to prevent them from the two. The researchers employed a triple-blind, randomized, clinical trial methodology on 94 patients, grouped into two categories, the intervention and control groups.

Data was analyzed using Chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and t-test. The results showed that both cushions prevented pressure ulcers. However, tragacanth gel–filled cushions delayed the onset of erythema. tragacanth gel–filled cushions were also cost-effective and natural making them viable and recommended to improve sacral skin health and prevent pressure ulcers (Shakibamehr et al., 2019).

Reference

Li, S., Cao, M., & Zhu, X. (2019). Evidence-based practice: Knowledge, attitudes, implementation, facilitators, and barriers among community nurses-systematic review. Medicine, 98(39), e17209. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017209

Shakibamehr, J., Rad, M., Akrami, R., & Rad, M. (2019). Effectiveness of tragacanth gel cushions in prevention of pressure ulcer in traumatic patients: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Caring Sciences, 8(1), 45–49. https://doi.org/10.15171/jcs.2019.007