Module 4, Question 2

Module 4, Question 2:

One downside to using past experience to make a clinical judgment, is if the past experience is of poor quality and patient outcome. Thompson (2003), states, "Evidence-based nursing is a process by which nurses make clinical decisions using the best available research evidence, their clinical expertise and patient preferences, in the context of available resources". If poor quality information is available, then poor decisions will be made. It is up to the nurse to make sure that they are using up to data high quality information. This can be made difficult when the nurse is not getting support from administration when attempting to use EBP. Nurses must make a consciousnesses decision to use data that is peer reviewed and supported through research. Nurses must take the initiative to use nursing date to make clinical decisions, but it must be done in a structured manner. Nursing data must be looked at closely to ensure that it is the most accurate and latest data available, prior to using it to make clinical judgments with our patients. EBP is readily available for use and integration into our repertoire, but it can not completely replace our experience, and should be used to supplement our ever expanding knowledge base.