Short Answer Questions

Chapter 11: Evidence-based practice

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1. What is meant by evidence-based practice (EBP)?

EBP is an approach to decision-making in which the nurse uses the best evidence available, in consultation with the patient, to decide upon the option which suits the patient best.

2. What is evidence?

Information that can support policies, programmes and interventions to improve health for individuals, families and populations.

3. What does RCT stand for?

Randomized controlled trial.

4. What is NICE?

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence which produces guidelines for public health decisions on reviews of effectiveness.

5. From which of the following can robust evidence be obtained?
• Google
• The Cochrane Library
• Wikipedia
• CINAHL
• The Nursing Times

The Cochrane Library. CINAHL is a database of peer-reviewed journals and evidence can be obtained following a search. Google Scholar can also find research evidence.

6. Which of the following is the strongest form of evidence?
• The Times newspaper
• Systematic reviews
• The most experienced sister on the ward
• Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)

Systematic reviews are syntheses of evidence (usually RCTs).

7. What are the stages in evidence-based practice?

1. Identify a problem or area of uncertainty about prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, or therapy.
2. Formulate a focused question for a specific patient problem.
3. Search the literature of relevant articles to answer that question.
4. Critically appraise each article to determine its quality, validity, impact (size of the effect) and applicability (usefulness to your practice situation).
5. Synthesize the findings and identify if there is a consensus.
6. Integrate the relevant findings in clinical practice along with expertise and patient views and values.

8. What is a PICO question?

It is a way of formulating a question around a specific problem. It is an acronym for Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome.