Evidence-based practice allows the nursing student to systematically use the best available evidence with the integration of clinical expertise, as well as the client’s values and preferences, in making clinical decisions. The purpose of this assignment will allow the nursing student to discuss the competencies of Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). · Identify two attitudes related to evidence-based practice in which the nursing student will seek personal growth. Explain the interrelationships among theory, practice, and research to improve safety and quality healthcare.
Enhancing Competencies in Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) through Evidence-Based Practice
Introduction
In the ever-evolving field of nursing, staying up-to-date with the latest evidence and best practices is crucial for providing safe and high-quality healthcare. Evidence-based practice (EBP) has become a cornerstone of modern nursing, allowing nurses to make informed clinical decisions based on the best available evidence, their clinical expertise, and the values and preferences of their patients. This essay aims to explore the competencies of Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) while emphasizing two attitudes related to evidence-based practice that nursing students should seek personal growth in. Additionally, it will delve into the interrelationships among theory, practice, and research, demonstrating how they contribute to improving safety and quality in healthcare.
Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN)
Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) is an initiative that was developed to address the pressing need for improving the quality and safety of healthcare services provided by nurses. QSEN was first introduced in 2005 and has since gained prominence as an essential framework for nursing education. It focuses on developing competencies among nursing students to ensure they are prepared to deliver high-quality care that prioritizes patient safety. The six core competencies of QSEN are patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety, and informatics (Cronenwett et al., 2007).
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) within QSEN
Evidence-based practice is one of the core competencies of QSEN, and it plays a pivotal role in ensuring that nursing care is based on the best available evidence. EBP involves the systematic integration of the latest research findings, clinical expertise, and patient preferences and values to inform clinical decision-making (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). This approach is essential for ensuring that nursing interventions and care plans are both effective and patient-centered.
Two Attitudes Related to Evidence-Based Practice
To become proficient in evidence-based practice, nursing students should cultivate two key attitudes: a commitment to lifelong learning and a willingness to challenge traditional practices.
- Commitment to Lifelong Learning: In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, it is essential for nursing students to recognize the importance of continuous learning. The commitment to lifelong learning entails staying updated with the latest research, guidelines, and best practices. This attitude encourages nurses to seek out opportunities for professional development, attend conferences, and engage in ongoing education to enhance their knowledge and skills (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). By doing so, nursing students can ensure that they provide the most current and effective care to their patients.
- Willingness to Challenge Traditional Practices: While tradition can be a valuable aspect of nursing practice, it is also essential for nursing students to be open to questioning and challenging traditional practices when necessary. The healthcare field is dynamic, and what was considered the standard of care in the past may no longer be the best approach based on current evidence. Nursing students should be willing to critically evaluate established practices and be open to implementing new, evidence-based interventions that may improve patient outcomes (Melynk & Gallagher-Ford, 2020).
Interrelationships Among Theory, Practice, and Research
To improve safety and quality in healthcare, it is crucial to understand the interrelationships among theory, practice, and research. These three components are intricately connected and play a significant role in shaping nursing care.
- Theory: Nursing theory provides the foundational knowledge and framework that underpins nursing practice. It helps nurses understand the fundamental concepts and principles that guide their actions. Theories such as Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory and Virginia Henderson’s theory of nursing emphasize the importance of patient-centered care and holistic nursing practice (Parker & Smith, 2015). These theoretical frameworks serve as the basis for nursing practice and inform the development of evidence-based interventions.
- Practice: Nursing practice is the application of theory in real-world healthcare settings. It involves the direct care of patients, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing interventions. Evidence-based practice ensures that nursing care aligns with the best available evidence, which is derived from research and theory (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). By integrating theory into practice, nurses can provide care that is informed by established principles and evidence, thus improving patient outcomes and safety.
- Research: Nursing research generates the evidence that supports evidence-based practice. Research studies conducted by nurse scientists and other healthcare professionals contribute to the body of knowledge in nursing. This research includes clinical trials, qualitative studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, among others. Nursing research allows for the identification of best practices, the development of new interventions, and the evaluation of existing ones (Polit & Beck, 2021). It bridges the gap between theory and practice by providing the empirical evidence needed to inform clinical decision-making.
The interplay among theory, practice, and research is exemplified through the process of evidence-based practice. When implementing evidence-based care, nurses begin by identifying a clinical question or problem based on their practice experience. They then turn to the existing body of research (research) to search for the best available evidence to answer their question. This evidence is evaluated for its validity and applicability to the specific patient population and clinical context (theory). Finally, the evidence is integrated into the nursing care plan and implemented in practice to improve patient outcomes (practice) (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). This iterative process ensures that nursing care is both theoretically grounded and supported by the latest research findings.
Improving Safety and Quality Healthcare through Interrelationships
Understanding the interrelationships among theory, practice, and research is essential for improving safety and quality in healthcare. These interrelationships contribute to several key aspects of healthcare improvement.
- Evidence-Based Practice Implementation: The integration of evidence-based practice into nursing care is directly influenced by the interrelationships among theory, practice, and research. Nurses utilize research findings (research) to inform their clinical decisions (practice) while applying theoretical knowledge (theory) to ensure that care is delivered in a patient-centered and holistic manner. This synergy enhances the quality and safety of healthcare by aligning practice with the best available evidence.
- Continuous Quality Improvement: Quality improvement is another core competency of QSEN, and it relies heavily on the interplay between theory, practice, and research. By continuously evaluating and monitoring patient outcomes, nurses can identify areas for improvement and develop evidence-based interventions (research) that are guided by theoretical frameworks (theory). Implementing these interventions in practice leads to enhanced quality and safety in healthcare settings (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).
- Patient-Centered Care: The interrelationships among theory, practice, and research also play a crucial role in delivering patient-centered care. Nursing theories emphasize the importance of holistic care that considers the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of patients. Evidence-based practice ensures that care is based on research findings that align with patient preferences and values, resulting in care that is truly patient-centered (Masters, 2020).
- Innovation and Advancement: Nursing research constantly pushes the boundaries of healthcare by exploring new interventions, technologies, and approaches. This research is rooted in theoretical frameworks and is aimed at improving patient care (research). As new evidence-based practices emerge, nurses integrate them into their practice (practice) and contribute to the advancement of healthcare, leading to safer and higher-quality care for patients (theory) (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).
Conclusion
Evidence-based practice is a cornerstone of modern nursing, and it is closely aligned with the competencies outlined in Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). To excel in evidence-based practice, nursing students must cultivate attitudes of commitment to lifelong learning and a willingness to challenge traditional practices. Moreover, understanding the interrelationships among theory, practice, and research is essential for improving safety and quality in healthcare. These interrelationships ensure that nursing care is based on the best available evidence, guided by theoretical knowledge, and delivered in a patient-centered manner. Ultimately, by embracing evidence-based practice and recognizing the synergy between theory, practice, and research, nurses can contribute to the delivery of safer and higher-quality healthcare.
References
Cronenwett, L., Sherwood, G., Barnsteiner, J., Disch, J., Johnson, J., Mitchell, P., … & Warren, J. (2007). Quality and safety education for nurses. Nursing outlook, 55(3), 122-131.
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Melynk, B. M., & Gallagher-Ford, L. (2020). Nursing and healthcare leaders’ views on use and impact of evidence-based practice: Results from a national survey. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 17(2), 109-119.
Parker, M. E., & Smith, M. C. (2015). Nursing theories and nursing practice. F.A. Davis.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Essentials of nursing research: Appraising evidence for nursing practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Masters, K. (2020). Role development in professional nursing practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
