The Concept of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
The concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential in nursing because it is one of the defining criteria of competency. EBP is a framework that combines the finest scientific knowledge, expertise, patient preferences, and acceptable value to make suitable judgments (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011). As a result, EBP has resulted in numerous advancements in the healthcare industry; nonetheless, various accessible nursing theories have a larger role in the EBP's effectiveness. As a result, this study provides an examination of the roles of theories in confirming some of the research knowledge that contributes to the success of most EBP. Theory development in the field of nursing is a product of many research knowledge. Most of the studies involve the use of theories to address some of the gaps in the new practice, and as the sector of healthcare evolves, some of the new issues are discovered that may validate the research findings. Most of the scientists in nursing have achieved a lot in the discipline by relying on the theories as a guideline to their studies that seek to improve nursing practice as well as the patient's outcome hence attaining the goals of EBP. According to Blais and Hayes (2015), the concepts of practice, research and theories in nursing relate to one another in a circular or interactive manner. Therefore, from many research and theories' points of view, the practice of nursing explores most of the professional tasks and finally modify the existing theories that have been studied. The researchers can evaluate these theories to disapprove, modify or even validate them and conclude on whether they can be relied on by the practitioners. The theories then impact on the final research findings and the EBP itself. While many theories form the basis for conducting most of the surveys in nursing, they also guide the practitioners hence assist them in confirming whether their procedures are corresponding to the findings of the studies.
The Role of Theory in Nursing Practice
The inclusion of theory in nursing practice is an essential component in the improvement of both the patient care and the competencies of the practitioners. Therefore, theories validate the EBP when nurses apply them in offering theory-based and quality healthcare services. The assumption is that an increased use of theory in the research studies is always intended to improve the healthcare services (Fawcett & Desanto-Madeya, 2012). When the practitioner depends on the theories as a guideline to their profession, researchers are tasked with testing the validity of the theories as they lend their support to the contents and the concepts of the theories. Hence, theory plays a role in guiding the EBP and for there to be an effective theory, research survey is needed. Finally, as the nurses depend on the research-based theories, they form part of the cycle. The outcomes of a fine research tune most of the theories hence promoting better healthcare as nurses advance their practice by testing and fine-tuning the findings of the theories.
The Impact of Theories on Evidence-Based Practice
In summary, theories in the nursing sector play an essential role as they affect some of the models of practice. Some of the models that new theories prove obsolete are abandoned and new ones adopted. Therefore, theories determine whether EBP is appropriate or not hence validating the whole process.
References
Blais, K. & Hayes S, J. (2015). Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and perspectives. 6th Ed. Pearson. Retrieved on 20th February, 2017 from: https://www.pearsonhighered.com/product/Blais-Professional-Nursing-Practice-Concepts-and-Perspectives-6th-Edition/9780135080900.html
Fawcett, J., & Desanto-Madeya, S. (2012). Contemporary nursing knowledge: Analysis and evaluation of nursing models and theories. FA Davis.
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (Eds.). (2011). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
