Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses

One way to classify research is by its aims. Descriptive research answers “What

is it?” This category of research is concerned with providing accurate descrip-

tions and can involve observation of a phenomenon in its natural setting. The

goal of the explanatory category is to identify the relationships a phenomenon

has with individuals, groups, situations, or events. Explanatory studies address

why or how phenomena are related. Predictive research aims to forecast pre-

cise relationships between dimensions of phenomena or differences between

groups. This category of research addresses when the phenomena will occur.

Table 1-3 provides an example of how these different types helped nurses to

better understand the phenomenon of pain during chest tube removal.

Another way to classify research is to consider whether findings can be

used to solve real-world problems. Basic research, sometimes known as bench

research, seeks to gain knowledge for the sake of gaining that knowledge. This

knowledge may or may not become applicable to practical issues or situations.

It may be years before a discovery becomes useful when it is combined with

other discoveries. For example, vitamin K was studied for the sake of learning

more about its properties. Years later, the knowledge gained about its mechanism

of action during coagulation formed the foundation for vitamin K becoming

an accepted treatment for bleeding disorders. In contrast, the aim of applied

research is to discover knowledge that will solve a clinical problem. The find-

ings typically have immediate application to bring about changes in practice,

education, or administration.

KEY TERMS

applied research:

Research to

discover knowledge

that will solve a

clinical problem

quantitative

research: Research

that uses numbers

to obtain precise

measurements

qualitative

research: Research

that uses words to

describe human

behaviors

Study

Aim of

Research Findings

Gift, Bolgiano, &

Cunningham

(1991)

Describe Individuals reported burning pain and pulling with CTR.

Women reported pain more frequently than men did.

Puntillo (1994) Describe Compared CTR pain with endotracheal suctioning. Patients

reported less pain with suctioning than with CTR. “Sharp”

was the most frequent adjective for CTR pain.

Carson, Barton,

Morrison, &

Tribble (1994)

Predict Patients were assigned to one of four groups for treatment

with pain medications: IV morphine, IV morphine and

subfascial lidocaine, IV morphine and subfascial normal

saline solution, and subfascial lidocaine. There were no

significant differences in pain alleviation.

TABLE 1-3

An Example of Building Knowledge in Nursing Science:

Pain and Chest Tube Removal (CTR)

16 CHAPTER 1 What Is Evidence-Based Practice?