KEY TERMS
propositional
knowledge: The
science of nursing
or knowledge
that is obtained
from research and
scholarship
nonpropositional
knowledge: The
art of nursing or
knowledge that is
obtained through
practice
studies: A level in
the pyramid of the
5 Ss that contains
quantitative and
qualitative studies,
case studies, and
concept analyses
syntheses: A level
in the pyramid of
the 5 Ss containing
evidence to present
a whole depiction
of a phenomenon
synopses: A level
in the pyramid of
the 5 Ss containing
brief descriptions of
evidence
summaries:
A level in the
pyramid of the 5 Ss
containing detailed
descriptions of
evidence
systems: A level
in the pyramid of
the 5 Ss involving
electronic medical
records integrated
with practice
guidelinesFIGURE 12-1 The Pyramid of the 5 Ss
SystemsSummariesSynopsesSyntheses
Meta-analyses, systematic reviews,
integrative reviews, traditional literature
reviews
Studies
Quantitative, qualitative, case studies,
concept analysesof research studies (i.e.: RCTs, correlational, qualitative) as sources of evidence
has been presented previously. Additional types of evidence that form this bot-
tom layer of the pyramid include case studies and concept analyses. Haynes
identifies other layers of the information pyramid moving upward. These levels
are syntheses or systematic reviews, synopses or brief evidence-based journal
abstracts, summaries such as evidence-based textbooks, and finally systems
such as computerized decision support systems.The First S: Studies
The case study report contributes to nursing’s body of knowledge; it can expand
and generalize theory, represent a typical case, and provide great detail about a
phenomenon for which little information is known (Yin, 2013). A case study
enhances our understanding of clinical care and clinical decision making,
specifically the process of care for a particular case (Aitken & Marshall, 2007).
Yin (2013) notes that a case study “is an empirical inquiry that investigates
a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, especially when the
boundaries between the phenomenon and context are not clearly evident” (p. 13).
Sandelowski (2011) provides an expanded definition, stating that “case studies areModified from Haynes, R. B. (2006). Of studies, syntheses, synopses,
summaries, and systems: The “5 S” evolution of information services for
evidence-based health care decisions [Editorial]. ACP Journal, 145(3), A8.310 CHAPTER 12 Other Sources of Evidence