Capella 4030 Assessment 2

Capella 4030 Assessment 2 Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources

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Capella University

NURS-FPX 4030 Making Evidence-Based Decisions

Prof. Name

Date

Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources

This paper explores Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) further and identifies credible and relevant sources of information related to the disease. Additionally, we explore the evidence-based approach and its benefits for COPD management. Finally, this analysis elaborates on an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) model, integrating credible evidence to improve the quality of healthcare delivery and COPD care in healthcare facilities.

COPD and Evidence-based Approach

COPD is a respiratory illness resulting from constricting airways due to constant exposure to lung irritants. This health condition is declared the sixth leading cause of mortality in the United States, with a prevalence of 6.5%, i.e., 14.2 million individuals, in 2021 (Liu et al., 2023). COPD commonly manifests as chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. The disease has a multifactorial etiology involving genetic predisposition and environmental exposures like smoking. Moreover, it is a progressive disease, resulting in variable symptoms and exacerbations (Safiri et al., 2022). Due to the complex nature of the health condition, a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to care is necessary. Thus, an evidence-based approach is crucial in managing COPD.

The EBP approach integrates the best evidence from research studies, clinical guidelines, and expert consensus. Moreover, it includes patient-centered care, emphasizing patients’ needs and preferences (Li et al., 2019). This approach assists healthcare professionals in optimizing patient outcomes and ensuring the delivery of high-quality care. In the context of COPD, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about COPD management strategies, choosing the best practices and proven methods for enhancing patient outcomes. Furthermore, this approach promotes continuous learning and professional development among healthcare professionals, fostering a culture of critical thinking, inquiry, and innovation in COPD care.

Criteria to Determine the Credibility of Online Resources

The widely used criteria in healthcare research for determining the credibility and relevance of journal articles and websites are CRAAP.

CRAAP Criteria

The CRAAP test is an evaluation tool used for academic and research articles. It is a mnemonic for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. One of the example articles by Khan et al. (2023) fulfills the CRAAP criteria as follows:

Currency: The article was published in 2023, making the information up-to-date.
Relevance: It provides reliable insights into COPD management among hospitalized patients, demonstrating relevance to the chosen diagnosis.
Authority: Published in a reputable journal (Cureus) by field-specific and expert authors.
Accuracy: The information is supported by credible evidence, enhancing its accuracy and precision.
Purpose: The review aims to provide readers with evidence-based information on COPD management, enhance knowledge, and improve clinical practices.

Credible and Relevant Sources of Information

In the pool of online information, several sources of information are available that fulfill the criteria of credibility and relevance. Some of the sources related to COPD care and management are elaborated below:

The article by Liu et al. (2023) is a credible report on the prevalence of COPD, highlighting the importance of early interventions and adequate management of the disease to reduce the incidence rate and poor consequences. Thus making it highly relevant and purposeful for healthcare professionals and public health experts to improve COPD outcomes. It is a 2023 publication, indicating recentness and providing up-to-date information on COPD prevalence trends. The authors are affiliated with reputable organizations, and the article was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lending credibility to the study. It is supported by various relevant and recent studies, indicating its accuracy and validity.

Capella 4030 Assessment 2

Another research article in the PubMed database by Wodwaski and Webber (2023) is highly credible. This is the most useful resource as it directly addresses the evaluation and management of COPD patients, providing guidelines for healthcare providers to care for them and reduce the risk of readmissions and complications. This resource fulfills the CRAAP criteria as it is a recent publication highly relevant for healthcare professionals. It is an authorized publication in a professional and modern journal, focusing on the needs of hospice and home care nurses. Credible references accurately support the article and have a clear purpose of guiding healthcare practices related to COPD management.
Nici et al. (2020) have written official practice guidelines from the American Thoracic Society (ATS), published in its official publication, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. It is one of the most useful resources as it guides healthcare practices according to the standardized guidelines developed by reputation organizations, experting in thoracic medicine. It is a CRAAP-based resource, published recently, highly relevant for healthcare professionals and researchers in pulmonary medicine. Moreover, it is accurate and has no biases, with a clear purpose of guiding healthcare practices related to the pharmacological management of COPD.

Integrating Credible Evidence into an EBP Model

Integrating credible and relevant information into an EBP model is crucial for addressing COPD effectively. Credible evidence from research articles, practice guidelines, and reputable organizations helps healthcare professionals make effective decisions about disease management (Li et al., 2019). Through an evidence-based practice model, the researchers can utilize a systematic approach of inquiry and clinical decision-making to optimize patient outcomes, minimize risks, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery. One example of an EBP model is the Knowledge to Action (KTA) model. It is an organized framework for translating evidence into practice. The KTA model permits healthcare systems to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, leading to more effective, efficient, and patient-centered care (ten Ham-Baloyi, 2022). It is a seven-step model, beginning with identifying the issue/knowledge gap, such as COPD care and management.

Then, the credible and best research evidence is synthesized and distilled on COPD treatments and interventions. This step helps healthcare professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of effective strategies. In the next step, the researchers adapt the synthesized knowledge and tools to fit the local context and meet the specific needs of patients with COPD, considering patient preferences, resource availability, and organizational culture. Additionally, implementation strategies, such as education, training, and quality improvement initiatives, facilitate healthcare providers’ uptake of evidence-based practices. Lastly, continuous monitoring, evaluation, and feedback mechanisms are established to enable iterative refinement of evidence-based practices based on patient outcomes and healthcare experiences (ten Ham-Baloyi, 2022).

References

Khan, K. S., Jawaid, S., Memon, U. A., Perera, T., Khan, U., Farwa, U. E., Jindal, U., Afzal, M. S., Razzaq, W., Abdin, Z. U., & Khawaja, U. A. (2023). Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations in hospitalized patients from admission to discharge: A comprehensive review of therapeutic interventions. Cureus, 15(8), e43694. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43694

Li, S., Cao, M., & Zhu, X. (2019). Evidence-based practice: Knowledge, attitudes, implementation, facilitators, and barriers among community nurses—systematic review. Medicine, 98(39), e17209. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017209

Liu, Y., Carlson, S. A., Watson, K. B., Xu, F., & Greenlund, K. J. (2023). Trends in the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults aged ≥18 years—United States, 2011–2021. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7246a1

Capella 4030 Assessment 2

Nici, L., Mammen, M. J., Charbek, E., Alexander, P. E., Au, D. H., Boyd, C. M., Criner, G. J., Donaldson, G. C., Dreher, M., Fan, V. S., Gershon, A. S., Han, M. K., Krishnan, J. A., Martinez, F. J., Meek, P. M., Morgan, M., Polkey, M. I., Puhan, M. A., Sadatsafavi, M., … Wedzicha, J. A. (2020). Pharmacologic management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. An official American Thoracic Society clinical practice guideline. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 201(9), e56–e69. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202003-0625ST

Safiri, S., Carson-Chahhoud, K., Noori, M., Nejadghaderi, S. A., Sullman, M. J. M., Ahmadian Heris, J., Ansarin, K., Mansournia, M. A., Collins, G. S., Kolahi, A.-A., & Kaufman, J. S. (2022). Burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its attributable risk factors in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019: Results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. BMJ, e069679. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-069679

ten Ham-Baloyi, W. (2022). Assisting nurses with evidence-based practice: A case for the Knowledge-to-Action Framework. Health SA Gesondheid, 27, 2118. https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v27i0.2118

Capella 4030 Assessment 2

Wodwaski, N., & Webber, E. (2023). Assessment and management of COPD. Home Healthcare Now, 41(1), 6–13. https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000001126