Evidence Based Nursing Practice and Application of Research

Abstract

This study examines the adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP) concepts into LIS and three other disciplines (medicine, nursing, social work) by comparing documentation from each. Initial questions are as follows: What elements distinguish differences in the adoption of evidence-based concepts into different disciplines? How are these elements evidenced in the professional publications, association standards, and models for evidence-based practice?

First, the top ten journals from library science (LIS), medicine, nursing, and social work were identified. Next, primary bibliographic databases for each discipline (LISA, Medline, Cinahl, and Social Services Abstracts) were searched for terminology related to evidence-based practice and research methodologies for the period from 1995-2005, in order to track diffusion of EBP concepts to each field through its top literature. Professional association statements, EBP models, barriers to practice, controversies, and other aspects were considered, then compared between the disciplines.

Disciplines traditionally based on an empirical body of evidence may be more ready to adapt evidence based models for practice than those whose foundations rest at least partially in the social sciences (social work, LIS), and this is evidenced by the patterns of use of EBP-related research methods as reflected in the disciplines' top resources.

By comparing across disciplines we can better understand how EBP has been adapted to suit the different disciplinary contexts, and consider how this might best occur in LIS. This comparison contributes to the emerging discourse on evidence-based library and information practice (EBLIP) as we work toward a practicable model.

Evidence Based Nursing Practice and Application of Research

Introduction

As sociological researchers have found, acceptance of ideas is not accomplished merely by the presentation of new information. Diffusion of innovation (DOI) is a widely accepted theory concerned with processes involved in the dissemination of new ideas, practices, or objects. In his pioneering work, Everett M. Rogers has defined diffusion as the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among members of a social system (2003, 11). Acceptance of new practices and concepts is affected by a number of different elements, including perception of relative advantage, compatibility with existing values, experiences, and needs for the individual and the social system. In addition, rates of acceptance (or acceptability) are dictated by perceptions of complexity (level of difficulty of comprehension and application); trialability (ability to experiment with new ideas, practices, or objects); and observability (visibility of results to others). It is this last attribute we are considering in our study, by examining publication trends among four disciplinary areas.

Background

As sociological researchers have found, acceptance of ideas is not accomplished merely by the presentation of new information. Diffusion of innovation (DOI) is a widely accepted theory concerned with processes involved in the dissemination of new ideas, practices, or objects. In his pioneering work, Everett M. Rogers has defined diffusion as the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among members of a social system (2003, 11). Acceptance of new practices and concepts is affected by a number of different elements, ...