Date of Learning: 20/09/2024
Time: 09:30 – 16:30
Title of learning activity: Delivering quality care through Evidence Based Practice
Diary of Learning activity :
In this week’s class we spent all day with Lianne, she’s the lecturer for the module “Delivering quality care through Evidence Based Practice”. The lecture focused on three main topics: methods and methodology, search strategies, and hierarchies of evidence. When exploring methods and methodology, we learned about the distinction between the two. Methods refer to the specific tools and techniques used to collect and analyse data, such as surveys, interviews, and randomized controlled trials. On the other hand, methodology is the broader strategy that guides how research is conducted, ensuring that the selected methods align with the research objectives and questions. Recognising this difference is important for conducting valid and reliable research, particularly in healthcare, where the choice of method significantly impacts patient care quality. The session also highlighted the importance of developing effective search strategies when looking for evidence. This involves using databases like PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library and applying techniques such as keywords, and truncation to achieve comprehensive search results. It is also vital to filter results based on criteria like date range, peer-reviewed status, and study type, ensuring the retrieved evidence is both relevant and of high quality. Understanding and applying a well-constructed search strategy helps manage the vast amount of available information, making it easier to find the best evidence to support practice. Additionally, we learned about the hierarchies of evidence, which prioritize types of research based on their reliability and validity. The hierarchy ranges from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which offer the strongest evidence, down to expert opinions, which are considered the least reliable. Evidence from higher up in the hierarchy, such as randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews, provides the most robust guidance for clinical decisions. However, lower levels of evidence, like case reports or expert opinions, can still be valuable in certain situations, though they require more scrutiny for biases and limitations. These topics have a direct application to the role of Nursing Associate. To deliver high-quality care, we need to critically assess the research methods and methodologies used in literature, ensuring We apply the best available evidence in practice. The ability to conduct effective searches is also essential in efficiently finding evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. Finally, understanding the hierarchies of evidence helps guide my clinical decision-making, as it enables me to prioritize stronger forms of evidence.
KSB addressed:
| K1 | Understand the code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC 2018), and how to fulfill 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| S2 | Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records |
| 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 |
| S44 | Access, input, and apply information and data using a range of methods including digital technologies, and share appropriately within interdisciplinary teams |
| 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 |