Research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement shapes advanced nursing practice. When a question is formed, research produces new information and/or validate existing information. Once research is conducted, that knowledge produces research evidence that is incorporated into nursing practice which in turn is called evidence-based practice. Once this research evidence comes into practice, it is evaluated to ensure that current practices are the best practices being performed. This process of evaluation is called quality improvement. Research, EBP, and QI work collectively in providing best patient outcomes in advanced nursing practice.
Concepts
There are several key elements that makes research, EBP, and QI different from one another. Research focuses on the question of what is the best thing to do? A thought is developed and the inquiry to find that information or solve that problem using a systematic approach to achieve the answer is called research. Research is conducted and, when evidence is found, it is incorporated into practice. Evidence based practice focuses on the question of am I practicing the best way? Quality improvement focuses on the question of am what I doing today the best way to do it? Quality improvement monitors the EBP and make certain it is the best practice at that time. Each one of these components are very different, but they do hold some similarities.
The similarities between research, EBP, and QI are very evident. They are all required to bring a change to advanced nursing practice. Research, EBP, and QI all have a common goal. That goal is to improve the quality of patient care and overall healthcare with the start of a question. The method to achieve this answer may be different, but they all start with the formulation of a question.