Aim:
The aim of this essay is to demonstrate your understanding of evidence-based nursing practice in the provision of person-centered care.
Course objective being assessed:
CO1: Explain the relationship between knowledge, research, and evidence-based practice.
CO2: Analyse the ethical principles that underpin research.
CO3: Describe the principles of evidence-based practice and their application to person-centred care.
What you need to do:
In this essay you will:
· Explain your understanding of the relationship between knowledge, research, and evidence-based practice.
· Apply your understanding of evidence-based nursing practice to a clinical scenario.
· Discuss the ethical principles that underpin research.
The essay must be presented using the headings provided below.
1. Introduction – 100 words
Provide an outline of the purpose and structure of the essay.
2. Relationship between knowledge, research and evidence-based practice – 400 words
Explain what is meant by the terms: nursing knowledge, nursing research, and evidence-based practice. Consider how these three concepts link together to inform nursing practice.
3. Applying evidence-based practice – 600 words
Describe the three components of evidence-based practice. Explain how you (a Graduate RN) would apply each component of evidence-based practice when faced with the following scenario.
n.b. This section can be written in first person when referring to individual clinical expertise.
A patient who has advanced cancer and hospitalised is at risk for pressure ulcers. The patient lays on a pressure ulcer prevention mattress and is repositioned by nursing staff every few hours. After a few weeks, however, this patient becomes terminally ill and does not want to be repositioned anymore.
n.b. You do not need to provide the scenario description again in your essay.
4. Research ethics – 300 words
Now having considered where research fits into evidence-based practice, imagine that your nursing team is going to undertake a research project to investigate the effectiveness of a new air mattress to prevent pressure ulcers in terminally ill patients. Describe ‘research ethics’ and explore at least three ethical considerations/principles that should be included when preparing the research proposal.
5. Conclusion – 100 words
Summarise your main points and reinforce the significance and implications of your essay.
6. References (not included in overall word count)
Aim for about 1 reference per 100 words.