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Incorporating outcomes research into clinical practice: the four-step approach
1University of Maryland School of Nursing, Columbia, USA. bresnick@umaryland.edu
Abstract:
Outcomes research is designed to develop new and generalizable knowledge about care delivery, interventions, and patient outcomes. Advanced practice nurses are asked not only to participate in outcomes research but also to develop and maintain outcomes research projects and databases and to demonstrate the effectiveness of their own care practices through outcomes research. A four-step approach is described as an easy way in which to help advanced practice nurses engage in outcomes research at any site and with any patient population. The four steps are: Step I: identify and describe current practice in nursing-medical care and its outcome(s); Step II: data collection; Step III: data analysis; and Step IV: praxis: putting the research into practice. Participating in outcomes research will allow advanced practice nurses to improve healthcare services and to secure the role of advanced practice nurses in the changing healthcare arena.
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Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
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