Question

During an EBP committee meeting, a nurse discussed two systematic integrative reviews related to the use of prepackaged bath kits versus the standard use of bath basins. What level of evidence is the nurse presenting? A. Level I B. Level II C. Level IV D. Level VI

Short answer

A. Level I

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Evidence Type

First, determine the type of evidence presented by the nurse. Systematic integrative reviews are comprehensive reviews that combine evidence from multiple studies to provide a more complete understanding of a particular issue or intervention.

Determine the Level of Evidence

Using the standard hierarchy of evidence, systematic reviews are generally considered high-level evidence because they synthesize findings from multiple studies, which are usually randomized control trials or observational studies.

Match the Evidence to the Correct Level

Based on the hierarchy of evidence in healthcare, systematic reviews are often classified as Level I evidence as they provide a synthesis of multiple research studies.

Key concepts

Systematic Integrative Reviews

When healthcare professionals, especially nurses, seek to improve patient care, they often turn to systematic integrative reviews. These reviews encompass a comprehensive and detailed analysis, pulling together results from numerous studies to create a consolidated and multifaceted perspective on a specific nursing practice or health issue. Imagine needing to understand how prepackaged bath kits impact patient outcomes compared to traditional bath basins. Instead of looking at a single study, a systematic integrative review would analyze various research papers on the topic.
This method involves meticulous criteria for selecting relevant studies and evaluating their quality. By doing so, it ensures the findings are robust and reliable, which is critical for informing evidence-based practice in nursing. A big plus of systematic integrative reviews is that they help in highlighting consistencies across studies, identifying areas where research is lacking, and providing a more powerful conclusion than any individual study could.

Evidence-based Practice and Systematic Integrative Reviews

Systematic integrative reviews are a cornerstone of evidence-based practice (EBP) as they offer a high level of evidence, guiding nurses toward the best available information to make clinical decisions. Notably, these reviews help in bridging research and practice, promoting the application of the strongest evidence to improve patient outcomes.

Hierarchy of Evidence

The hierarchy of evidence is key in the healthcare field and particularly within nursing research to ensure that clinical decisions are based on the best available evidence. Picture this hierarchy as a pyramid with multiple layers, where the quality and strength of evidence increase as you move upward.
At the base of the pyramid, you have ideas, opinions, and editorials – sources that offer insights but are not based on rigorous research. Climbing up the pyramid, the strength of evidence improves with case studies, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials. The peak of this pyramid is constituted by systematic reviews and meta-analyses – including systematic integrative reviews – where findings from individual studies are synthesized to provide a comprehensive understanding of research topics.

Influence on Nursing Practices

This hierarchy significantly impacts nursing practice. It empowers nurses with a framework to evaluate and implement research findings effectively. For instance, when a nurse refers to systematic integrative reviews about prepackaged bath kits versus bath basins, they are utilizing Level I evidence (the highest tier), indicating a strong foundation for clinical decision-making. Understanding this hierarchy is essential for anyone involved in evidence-based nursing, as it guides the selection of the most appropriate and credible sources.

Nursing Research

Nursing research plays an indispensable role in advancing the field of nursing, shaping evidence-based practices that result in better healthcare outcomes. It involves systematic investigation with the objective of answering questions about nursing care, patient health, and healthcare systems. Through rigorous methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative research, it can uncover vital data to support clinical practice, policies, and nursing education.
Nurses contribute to research by identifying practice issues, participating in studies, and integrating research findings into their practice. For instance, engaging with research like systematic integrative reviews allows nurses to base their care on the strongest evidence available, such as when determining the use of prepackaged bath kits or bath basins.

Driving Factors for Quality Care

A distinct aspect of nursing research is its focus on real-world applications that directly influence patient care and outcomes. It doesn't just stop at generating new knowledge; it strives to apply that knowledge in a way that tangibly improves healthcare practices. The insights gathered from nursing research can lead to innovations in patient care, bolstering the efficacy, safety, and efficiency of nursing interventions.