Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses

health care. Middle range and practice theories that are more useful in clini-

cal settings need to be developed. Nursing research must include studies that

replicate previous studies with different populations to confirm prior findings.

Studies that demonstrate nursing’s contribution to positive health outcomes

will be especially important. A commitment to the continued preparation of

nurses as scientists is vital to achieve excellence in nursing research. It will be

increasingly important for nurses to advocate for monies and to draw on new

funding sources. Interdisciplinary and international research will continue

to be important as complex health problems are addressed. Technology will

continue to offer new ways to communicate research findings to a broader

audience, thereby improving diffusion of innovations. Research topics that are

most likely to be priorities are listed in Box 1-3.

Nursing will continue to be challenged to bridge the gap between research

and practice. EBP offers the greatest hope of moving research findings to the

point of care. Nursing education must prepare nurses to appreciate the impor-

tance of basing patient care on evidence. Educators need to create innovative

Bioterrorism

Chronic illness

Cultural and ethnic considerations

End-of-life/palliative care

Genetics

Gerontology

Healthcare delivery systems

Health disparities

Health promotion

HIV/AIDS

Management of pandemics/natural disasters

Mental health

Nursing informatics

Opioid epidemic

Patient outcomes/quality of care

Safe administration of medications

Symptom management

BOX 1-3 Nursing Research Priorities

32 CHAPTER 1 What Is Evidence-Based Practice?