Evidence Levels in Clinical Practice
Evidence levels imply a problem-solving procedure used in clinical practice. It is a type of study that is carried out using well-designed methods that include both patient values and preferences as well as strong evidence to assist the physician in making decisions about the patient's care (Burns, Rohrich, & Chung, 2011).
Importance of Evidence-Based Practice to Nurses
Although there is no standard formula for decision making in the nursing sector, evidence-based practice is extremely important to nurses because it serves as the foundation for their decisions. Trial as well as the clinical evidence-based practices, and their systematic review of strengths and qualities of the evidence.
The Levels of Evidence
The second level entails evidence obtained from a well-designed Random Controlled Trial. This may include for instance a large multi-site Random Controlled Trial. The third level showcases evidence borrowed from a well-designed trial which has been randomized. A typical example of this is the quasi-experimental. The fourth level of evidence highlights evidence from a well-designed and case-controlled study which in this case entails cohort studies carried out in the process of coming up with the evidence (Burns, Rohrich, & Chung, 2011). The fifth level gives evidence obtained by a systematic descriptive review including qualitative analysis of the evidence. The sixth level entails evidence from only one qualitative study. The final level of evidence contains evidence or rather facts from medical expertise regarding the initial researches done (Burns, Rohrich, & Chung, 2011). This last bit of evidence is sometimes even compiled by committees in the form of a report.
Significance of Understanding Levels of Evidence
In summary, level of evidence is a significant element of Evidence-Based Medicine. Understanding the levels with the reason regarding their assignment to different publications abstracts enables whoever is reading in information prioritization. Overall, these levels of evidence act as guidelines to the clinicians, and they are expected to be cautious in result interpretation.
Reference
Burns, P. B., Rohrich, R. J., & Chung, K. C. (2011). The levels of evidence and their role in Evidence-Based Medicine. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 128(1), 305.
