LEARNING LOG FOR EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE                        20/09/2024

 

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS AND METHODOLOGIES.

 

The lesson started with  a recap of the last lesson. We looked at the meaning of evidenced based practice deals with a clinical expert, patients values and it is the best evidenced based practice (random ice control trial). We also briefly discussed the importance of evidence based practice, the barriers to implementing EBP for nurses, and so on. 

We continued with the lesson for the day by going through the learning outcomes and we are focusing on the these two listed below:

 

•  Demonstrate an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of different forms of evidence for use in health and social care research and service evaluation.
• Analyse professional issues that arise when implementing evidence-based practice to enhance the quality of care.

 

We defined research methodology as the method used in conducting research.( surveys, interviews, experiments).

Research methodology is the process of using specific techniques to identify, select, process, and analyse information about research topics.( quantitative or qualitative approach). 

 

Quantitative – deals with quantity that is numbers and it focuses on quantity- counting things, measuring things, analysing numerical data etc.

Qualitative – deals with quality that is words and it all about understanding the quality of experiences or phenomena – words , interviews, observations, and narratives.

 

The systematic review deals with a thorough review of all available research on a specific topic, using the structured methods to assess the quality and findings of each study. 

An example of systematic reviews is assessing the impact of physical activity, interventions on preventing type 2 diabetes in a high risk population.

The method- comprehensive database search, critical appraisal of studies, synthesis of findings.

 

We had a group activity in class to describe the object quantitatively and qualitatively. My group was to describe a book. As a group we did the research both quantitatively and qualitatively and present the findings in class and the findings are as follows:

For quantitatively:

• The pages of the book are 261.
• The weight is 337 cm
• Length is 30cm
• Width is 19cm
• Breath is 4.5 cm
• Cost is £9.99

For qualitatively:

• The book is of facts of mind
• Name of the author
• The book is colourful, eye-catching and has nice content.
• Motivational pictures
• potable.

 

The research methodology tree was discussed, I learnt about the it is divided into four groups and they are follows:

• The methods – this deals with how data are exactly collected.
• The methodology – deals with the best way we should be collecting data.
• Epistemology – this deals with how we should investigate  the world.
• Ontology – this deals with how we view the world.

 

We discussed the common research methodologies in Healthcare and as follows:

• Phenomenology focuses on lived experiences eg, understanding the patient experiences with chronic illness.
• Ethnography these are studies of cultures and communities e.g. understand how a healthcare practice works within a group.
• Randomised controlled trials (RCT) Test the effectiveness of intervention by random assigning participant in the groups( testing new medication)
• Cohort studies follow a group over time to observe outcomes ( studying long term effects of healthcare, smoking effects).

 

In making sense of literature, the following needs to be considered:

• A literature review is the comprehensive study and interpretation of literature that relates to a particular topic.
• When undertaking a literature review, you identify a research question then seek to answer this by searching for analysing the relevant literature.
• Primary research articles are generally the main focus of literature reviews.
• It is important to consider carefully what types of evidence are relevant to the reviewed question.

The key point for evaluating literature are briefly discussed below:

• The generation of themes cannot be objective, this is because it depends on the experience and the insight of the researcher.
• This means that the researcher must take steps to ensure their credibility and their trustworthiness.
• The results of qualitative research cannot be generalised, but rather give deeper understanding to a topic.
• Sample sizes are small and there is not the emphasis on random sampling as there is within quantitative research.

We looked at research road map, and the following steps: 

• We start by generating research ideas, the things we need to improve.
• Conducting a literature review by looking at a piece of literature( a piece of research).
• Refine research question.
• Plan research questions.
• Create research proposal 
• Develop a study budget and apply for funding
• Obtain research ethics and operational approval.
• Regulatory task (legal requirement are met)
• Conduct study and collect data.
• Analyse data and disseminate  knowledge
• Study closure and achieving and publishing.

 

                                      KSBs ADDRESSED.

                                 

 

                          KNOWLEDGE.

 

K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and how to fulfil all registration requirements.

K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice.

K6: Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice. 

K7: Understand the importance of courage and transparency and apply the Duty of Candour. 

K8: Understand how discriminatory behaviour is exhibited .

K10: Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography, and genomics and how these may influence health and well-being outcomes.

K11: Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes. 

K30: Understand the principles of health and safety legislation and regulations and maintain safe work and care environments.

K33: Understand when to seek appropriate advice to manage a risk and avoid compromising quality of care and health outcomes. 

K37: Understand the challenges of providing safe nursing care for people with complex co-morbidities and complex care needs. 

K43: Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision Skills.

 

                                      SKILLS

 

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements. 

S3: Recognise and report any factors that may adversely impact safe and effective care provision.

S5: Safely demonstrate evidence-based practice in all skills and procedures required for entry to the register: Standards of proficiency for nursing associates Annex A & B (NMC 2018). 

 

S7: Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people at all stages of life and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural health challenges. 

S9: Develop, manage and maintain appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers and colleagues. 

S11: Report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes. 

S43: Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services.

                           

 

                                                    BEHAVIOURS

 

B1: Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences 

B2: Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice 

B3: Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness