LibGuides: Family Nurse Practioner (FNP): Evidence-Based Practice

PICO for Clinical Questions

Healthcare professionals sometimes use the PICO or PICOT format to develop keywords for searching of clinical questions where:

P - Patient or Population or Problem

I - Intervention or prognostic factor of interest

C - Comparison to intervention

O - Outcome of interest

T - Time (sometimes included)

For more information about forming and using a PICO question to search, please see the American Journal of Nursing article below.

Stillwell, S. B., Fineout-Overholt, E., Melnyk, B. M., & Williamson, K. M. (2010). Evidence-based practice, step by step: Asking the clinical question: A key step in evidence-based practice. American Journal of Nursing, 110(3): 58-61.

Information about Practicing EBP

Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine The CEBM aims to develop, teach and promote evidence-based health care through a variety of methods so that all healthcare professionals can maintain the highest standards of medicine.
Evidence-Based Nursing Blog Analysis and discussion of developments in Evidence-Based Nursing.
Evidence-Based Practice Step by Step The purpose of these 12 articles from the American Journal of Nursing is to give nurses the knowledge and skills they need to implement EBP consistently, one step at a time.

Evaluating Evidence

Critical Appraisal Skills Programme
Downloadable checklists to appraise types of evidence including RCTs, systematic reviews, cohort and case-control studies, qualitative research, economic evaluations, diagnostic tests and clinical predication rules.

How to Read a Paper by Trisha Greenhalgh The best-selling introduction to evidence-based medicine In a clear and engaging style, How to Read a Paper demystifies evidence-based medicine and explains how to critically appraise published research and also put the findings into practice. An ideal introduction to evidence-based medicine, How to Read a Paper explains what to look for in different types of papers and how best to evaluate the literature and then implement the findings in an evidence-based, patient-centred way. Helpful checklist summaries of the key points in each chapter provide a useful framework for applying the principles of evidence-based medicine in everyday practice. This fifth edition has been fully updated with new examples and references to reflect recent developments and current practice. It also includes two new chapters on applying evidence-based medicine with patients and on the common criticisms of evidence-based medicine and responses. How to Read a Paper is a standard text for medical and nursing schools as well as a friendly guide for everyone wanting to teach or learn the basics of evidence-based medicine.
ISBN: 9781118801130
Publication Date: 2014-02-26

Evidence-Based Care Sheets

Databases

CINAHL Plus with Full Text This link opens in a new window
There are several ways to search CINAHL for evidence using the 'Limit Your Results' area (under the search boxes) OR "See More" (on a results page).
1. You can choose 'Evidence Based Practice' for a broad search to find articles from evidence based practice journals, articles about EBP, research articles, and commentaries on research articles.
2. You can choose to limit to Research Articles (all types of research)
3. You can search by clinical area of interest or by type of research by choosing one of the 'Clinical Queries' options.
4. You can search for a specific type of research by choosing a 'Publication Type' (Clinical Trial, Meta Analysis, Practice Guidelines, Randomized Controlled Trial, Systematic Review)
Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials This link opens in a new window
The best database to find the full text of controlled trials, which review the treatment and prevention methods tested in clinical trials to determine which ones work and what remains unknown.
Dynamed This link opens in a new window
DynaMed™ is a clinical reference tool created by physicians for physicians and other health care professionals for use at the point-of-care. Dynamed is updated daily and has clinically organized summaries for more than 3200 topics.
Medline Complete This link opens in a new window
You can search for a specific type of article by choosing a 'Publication Type(s)' (Case reports, Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Meta Analysis, Practice Guidelines, Randomized Controlled Trial, Review)
ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Premium This link opens in a new window
This database offers reliable, comprehensive coverage of the fields of nursing and allied health including journals, video, dissertations, reference books and more.

EBP Journals

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM) is an international, peer-reviewed journal that seeks to understand the sources and to encourage rigorous research in this new, yet ancient world of complementary and alternative medicine.
Evidence-Based Nursing
Evidence-Based Nursing systematically searches a wide range of international medical journals applying strict criteria for the validity of research and relevance to best nursing practice. Content is critically appraised then the most relevant articles are summarised into a succinct expert commentary focusing on the papers key findings and implications for clinical practice.
Systematic Reviews
Systematic Reviews encompasses all aspects of the design, conduct and reporting of systematic reviews. The journal aims to publish high quality systematic review products including systematic review protocols, systematic reviews related to a very broad definition of health, rapid reviews, updates of already completed systematic reviews, and methods research related to the science of systematic reviews, such as decision modeling. The journal also aims to ensure that the results of all well-conducted systematic reviews are published, regardless of their outcome
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing is a peer-reviewed, evidence-based nursing journal, is a primary source of information to improve patient care. Each bimonthly issue contains knowledge synthesis and original articles with best practice applications, recommendations for clinical practice, nursing education, administration, and public healthcare policy.

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EBP eBooks

Fast Facts for Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing, Second Edition by Maryann Godshall Designated a Doody's Core Title This is a pithy, pocket-sized resource for students and practicing nurses alike that delivers the foundations of evidence-based practice (EBP) and basic nursing research concepts in an easy-to-read, quick-access format. It demystifies the research process with straightforward information presented in concise sentences and bullet points. The book focuses on providing readers with the most practical information on EBP--including how to get the best evidence quickly using various databases and includes coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods. At-a-glance charts categorize research and simple examples demonstrate concepts. The second edition has been updated to reflect rapidly changing trends and stateof-the-art information in EBP, including such new research methods as narrative inquiry and storytelling. Using proven, class-tested content for both traditional and online courses, this updated edition includes guidance on how EBP is used to obtain and retain Magnet status, and presents examples of how health care providers are integrating EBP into their practice. The text differentiates between EBP and research, often a difficult distinction for students to grasp. Extensive coverage of how EBP can be used to improve patient care includes many practical examples. Every chapter includes the popular "Fast Facts in a Nutshell" feature, highlighting must-know information. The book also provides background information on defining the "compelling question" which is essential to finding the appropriate evidence-based material. New to the Second Edition: Reflects new trends, research methods, and state-of-the-art EBP information Includes guidance on how EBP is used to obtain and retain Magnet status Provides examples of how health care providers and hospitals are integrating EBP into their practice Differentiates between EBP and research Discusses how EBP can be used to improve patient care
ISBN: 9780826194077
Publication Date: 2015-09-28
Implementing the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Competencies in Healthcare by Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk; Lynn Gallagher-Ford; Ellen Fineout-Overholt; Sigma Theta Tau International Staff (Contribution by) Hospitals and healthcare systems around the world have attempted to build and sustain evidence-based practice (EBP) cultures and environments, yet they have struggled to clearly understand what EBP competency means. Implementing the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Competencies in Healthcare clears up that confusion and serves as a guide for clinicians, leaders, faculty, EBP mentors, and students in achieving EBP competency, facilitating evidence-based decision making in daily practice, and accelerating the speed at which research knowledge is translated into real-world settings to improve health outcomes and decrease healthcare costs.
ISBN: 9781940446448
Publication Date: 2016-06-01
Nursing Research Using Case Studies by Mary de Chesnay (Editor) Once considered to be a lesser pedagogical method, the case study is now recognized as a powerful, in-depth tool for examining evidence-based practice as it relates to patient care, family dynamics, professional roles, and organizational systems. Here is a unique how-to guide to conducting research using case studies. Focusing on current leading methodologies, the text describes the philosophical basis and state of the art for using this qualitative method. The peer-reviewed designs (including interviews, physiological measurements, psychological tests, and analyses of patients' diaries and journals) are accompanied by an in-depth research plan, a discussion of appropriate methods, and ethical considerations. The text provides clear directives - bolstered by nursing examples - on how to solve practical problems a researcher may encounter. Examples from international scholars who have published research using case studies are included along with coaching designed to support the new researcher in making decisions and facing challenges. The text is the eighth in a series of concise volumes addressing a variety of methods for conducting qualitative research. Conceived and edited by a noted expert in qualitative research, the book is designed for both novice and practicing researchers seeking to develop or expand their competency, health institution research divisions, in-service educators and students, and graduate nursing educators and students. Key Features: Explains clearly and concisely how to conduct research using case studiesReviews the philosophical basis for using case studiesFocuses on solving practical problems related to conducting researchOffers rich nursing exemplars and coaching from international health/mental health contributors
ISBN: 9780826131928
Publication Date: 2016-08-28

Searchable Open Access Resources

DARE (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects) Provides abstracts, and sometimes critical summaries, of systematic reviews. The database also includes reviews of the wider determinants of health such as housing, transport, and social care where these impact directly on health, or have the potential to impact on health.
TRIP Database A clinical search engine designed to allow users to quickly and easily find and use high-quality research evidence to support their practice and/or care. Offers the ability to filter by several options including evidence-based synopses, systematic reviews, primary research, and controlled trials. Obtain the full text through our library's databases.
National Guideline Clearinghouse Public resource for evidence-based clinical practice guidelines
AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) Guidelines and Recommendations Includes links to the National Guideline Clearinghouse, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, the Guide to Preventative Services, and an archive of guidelines published by AHRQ between 1992 and 1996.