Theoretical Foundations
Providing quality nursing care is supported by the use of evidence-based practice (EBP);Several models have been developed to assist nurses in determining what the best evidence is to guide their practice.
Select one of the theoretical models used to evaluate the evidence for EBP that will fit into your future advanced nursing role (Mental Health, NP). Briefly explain the model, provide rationale for selection of the model, and provide an example of how the model has been used in advanced nursing practice.
Sample Paper
Theoretical Foundations
Evidence-based practice tends to incorporate the best evidence from studies that are well-designated, patient preferences and values, and a clinician’s expertise in making decisions about patients care. The use of evidence-based practice when administering care is important because EBP leads to improved patient outcomes, higher quality care, increased nurse satisfaction, and reduced costs (LoBiondo-Wood, & Haber, 2021). There are several EBP models that can help nurses organize and track progress when implementing EBP change. This paper discusses the Lowa model as one of the models used to evaluate the evidence for EBP.
The Lowa model helps in guiding the nurses on how to use research findings to help improve patient care. The model provides the nurses with the steps that they should use to enable them to identify, research solutions, and implement changes. The main aim of the Lowa model is to act as both a framework and heuristic device for articulating knowledge for nursing administration research, education and practice. When using the Lowa model, the first step is to identify a situation or gap where the use of EBP is required. The second step of using this model helps the nurses evaluate the level of importance of the issue or problem for the practice, organization, or department. The third step involved when using the model is having a team that will help evaluate, develop, and implement the EBP change (Chiwaula, Kanjakaya, Chipeta, Chikatipwa, A., Kalimbuka, Zyambo, & Jere, 2021). The fourth step is gathering and analyzing the research related to the desired practice change. The fifth step involves reviewing the research by synthesizing and critiquing the research to know if the change is scientifically viable. The sixth step of using the Lowa model when evaluating the evidence for EBP is taking time to determine if there is enough research to implement a practice change. The next step is using a pilot program to implement the change. This is important for evaluation purposes to determine if the change has a positive impact before fully implementing it. The final step is evaluating the change results to determine if it is feasible and if it achieved the intended outcome (Titler, & Medvec, 2018).
The reason for selecting this model is that it depicts two domains of knowledge: outcomes and systems. Each domain has three levels: the organization, patient aggregates, and the health care system. At each level, concepts that are useful for knowledge development are identified. Therefore, using this model in my future advanced nursing role will help me focus on the entire health care system. Another reason for choosing this model is that the guidelines of the Lowa model provide nurses with the ability to question their method of care process when the need arises and find answers to those questions through the utilization of research and implement change that is feasible (Fating, Singh, & Ankar, 2021). An example of how the model has been used in advanced nursing practice is guiding the nurses to identify fever as a clinical problem, research on fever control interventions, implement and evaluate those interventions and finally, guided the integration of those interventions as s a routine for evidence-based practice. From the research carried out by Chiwaula et al. (2021) using the Lowa model use of ice packs, intravascular cooling, and antipyretics are effective methods that can be used in nursing practice to reduce fever.
References
Chiwaula, C. H., Kanjakaya, P., Chipeta, D., Chikatipwa, A., Kalimbuka, T., Zyambo, L., … & Jere, D. L. (2021). Introducing evidence based practice in nursing care delivery, utilizing the Iowa model in intensive care unit at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 14, 100272.
Fating, L., Singh, S., & Ankar, R. (2021). Application of Modified Lowa Model Evidence Based Practice on Trauma Care Nurses Regarding Head Injury.
LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2021). Nursing Research E-Book: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Titler, M. G., & Medvec, B. R. (2018). Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practice. Evidence-Based Practice for Nursing and Healthcare Quality Improvement-E-Book, 231.
