Why is research important for nursing practice?
As nurses we are accountable to our patients and their families for providing the highest quality, most cost-effective care possible. This requires that we constantly evaluate and improve our care based on new and credible knowledge. Research-based scientific knowledge can be used to improve nursing care, patient outcomes, and how we deliver care. In other words, research provides evidence on which to base our nursing care, or EBP. How is evidence-based practice developed? EBP is developed through a combination of research approaches. Through qualitative research we are able to better understand the patient’s and family’s experiences with health and illness. Quantitative research provides a mechanism for testing the effectiveness of nursing interventions. Finally, outcomes research focuses on the provision of quality, cost-effective care. What types of research are used in developing EBP? There are four types of research. Each type of research provides the basis for the next level of i
