Assignment task: Read the following evidence-based practice definitions:
- Polit and Beck (2008, page 3): "The use of best clinical evidence in making patient care decisions ... such evidence typically comes from research conducted by nurses and other healthcare professionals."
- Sackett et al. (1996, page 71): "The conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of the individual patient. It means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research."
Discussion Prompts:
- Which definition do you identify with best? Why do you believe it is the right definition?
- Consider a nursing intervention you've seen used regularly in practice. Is this practice or intervention evidence-based or based on tradition? What, if any, data were you able to find to support this practice?
DO NOT use a nursing intervention or practice already discussed by a peer.