NR 439 Week 1 Discussion

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-439: RN Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Week 1 Discussion Posts

Week 1 Discussion: Introduction to Evidence-based Practice (graded – 50 points)

Assigned Readings

Chapter 1: The Importance of Research as Evidence in Nursing
Chapter 3: Ethical and Legal Considerations in Research

Purpose

The graded topics for this week align with the following Course Outcomes (COs):

CO 3: Identify ethical issues common to research involving human subjects. (PO 6)
CO 5: Recognize the role of research findings in evidence-based practice. (PO 7 & 8)

Discussion

In this week’s exploration of research and evidence-based practice (EBP), we reflect on our historical foundations. Upon reviewing the assigned readings and lesson, please address the following prompts:

Analyze the evolution of research since the era of Florence Nightingale.
Differentiate between research and EBP, and discuss how research underpins EBP in nursing.
Identify a historical unethical breach in research practices, and explain how you would ensure the protection of study participants using a specific ethical or legal research guideline.

Florence Nightingale is recognized as the pioneer of nursing research, being the first to introduce scientific inquiry as a basis for nursing practice (Houser, 2018, p. 6). During the Crimean War, she meticulously collected evidence on soldiers’ health conditions through statistical methods, which significantly contributed to the establishment of nursing education within universities and ultimately led to the formation of the National Institute of Nursing Research. Nightingale’s efforts laid the groundwork for nursing practices aimed at improving health across various demographics through evidence-based methodologies (National Institute of Nursing Research [NINR], 2019).

The distinction between nursing research and evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial. Research is defined as a structured process of inquiry that generates unbiased, reliable answers to questions regarding nursing practices (Houser, 2018, p. 5). In contrast, EBP involves integrating scientific evidence with clinical expertise, as well as considering patient values and preferences (Houser, 2018, p. 13). Nursing research serves as a foundational element that supports EBP, facilitating the incorporation of research findings into clinical decision-making, policies, and practice guidelines.

NR 439 Week 1 Discussion

A notable example of unethical research practices occurred when over 500 foster infants and children in New York City were used as subjects in clinical trials testing experimental AIDS medications and vaccines from 1985 to 2005, resulting in the tragic deaths of 80 children (Vera Institute of Justice Final Report, 2009). Investigations revealed that the NYC Child Services, acting as the legal guardians of these foster children, permitted agencies to conduct these trials in exchange for financial compensation. The exploitation of this vulnerable population, unable to provide consent, constituted a severe violation of their rights. As highlighted in the lesson and relevant laws, “no research can be conducted that could lead to death or disability” (Chamberlain College of Nursing [CCON], 2020). In response to how I would ensure participant care, it is imperative that each child had access to individual advocates to safeguard their interests, and that the study should have been terminated immediately upon any indication of harm or risk of death.

References

Chamberlain College of Nursing (CCON). (2020). NR-439 RN Evidence-Based Practice; Week 1: Introduction of Evidence-Based Practice [Online lesson]. Downers Grove, IL: DeVry Education Group.

Houser, J. (2018). Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). (2019, December 19). Retrieved January 4, 2020, from https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-nursing-research-ninr.

NR 439 Week 1 Discussion

Vera Institute of Justice Final Report (2009). 80 NYC Foster Children Died in AIDS Drug Trials. (2016, September 13). Retrieved January 2, 2020, from https://ahrp.org/2009-commissioned-investigation-absolves-nyc-of-80-foster-children-deaths-in-aids-trials/.