Research Guides: The Clinical Inquiry Process Resource Guide: Forms/Tools/Documents

VCU Health Nursing Inquiry Process Diagram

VCUHS Inquiry Process Diagram (2018)
This diagram outlines the nursing inquiry process when it comes to answering questions that arise in the clinical setting. The diagram shows how a nurse proceeds through the process and when the question is answered though either a evidence based practice project (EBP), a performance improvement (PI) project or when it becomes a research project.

Search Process Checklist

The Clinical Inquiry Question Development Checklist (2024) The Clinical Inquiry Question Development Checklist is a handout used in instructional sessions with nurses about the clinical inquiry process. This process includes evidence-based practice, performance improvement, and research. The revised handout closely aligns with the 4th version of the Clinical Inquiry Process Diagram and contains information related to the performance improvement process and various other aspects of the clinical inquiry process.
Doing a Good Search : Basic Rules and Search Tips (2024) This updated handout, previous version published in 2023, serves as a reference for individuals learning effective database search practices. It covers fundamental search principles, including Boolean operators, question types, and potential databases for various questions for assignments or in the clinical environment. Notably, this version incorporates a diagram illustrating the search process. Remember, the search process is iterative, involving repeated cycles of refinement. Your approach will vary depending on the specific question you're trying to answer. Update of Doing a Good Search: Basic Rules and Search Tips (2023) The original version appeared in the following article: McGrath, J. M., Brown, R. E., & Samra, H. A. (2012). Before you search the literature: how to prepare and get the most out of citation databases. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 12(3), 162-170.
Finding Guidelines (2018) Handout that explains the various places one can go to find guidelines now that the National Guidelines Clearinghouse has been shutdown.

VCUHS JH EBP Forms (New)

Practice Question (P)

PET Process
Reference that shows the three step process of EBP and what is in included in each step when it comes to the Johns Hopkins model.
Evidence-Based Practice: Practice Question, Evidence, and Translation (PET) and Project Management Guide
Question Development Tool - PICO This form will help you to think through the process of coming up with a question in the PICO format.
Stakeholder Analysis Tool

Evidence (E)

Evidence Level and Quality Guide Handout serves as a reference that states what types of evidence are included at each level of quality, as well as what to consider when it comes to determining quality.
Research Evidence Appraisal Tool This tool will assist in evaluating the evidence that is research. Be sure to answer each question and make notations when possible to ensure that the evaluation of the evidence can be discussed with team members. Also, be sure to have at least two team members evaluate each piece of evidence separately to ensure that evidence is evaluated consistently.
Non-Research Evidence Appraisal Tool This tool will assist in evaluating the evidence that is non-research. Be sure to answer each question and make notations when possible to ensure that the evaluation of the evidence can be discussed with team members. Also, be sure to have at least two team members evaluate each piece of evidence separately to ensure that evidence is evaluated consistently.
Individual Evidence Summary Tool This tool will assist in providing a summary of each piece of evidence that was included to make an evidenced-based decision.
Evidence Synthesis and Recommendation Tool This tool is used to categorize and synthesize the evidence that has been found and evaluated. Using this tool will help the team to determine if there is enough evidence to make a practice change.

Translation (T)

Other Forms

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE WEB SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS Instructions on how to submit the various pieces of your portfolio electronically.
Comparison of Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Improvement and Nursing Research Table This handout shows the differences and similarities between EBP, Quality Improvement, and Research.
Action Plan Template This is a template that can be used to plan out and implement an action plan. This plan will help in determining which team members will do each part of the plan and allow the team to establish a timeline.
EBP Search Strategy Sheet The purpose of this document is to help keep track of what resources/databases were used to search for evidence. It also is a place to keep track of the search strategy that was used. The search strategy is important to keep track of because it enables others to evaluate the quality of the search and may lead to suggestions as to where else to search and terms that could be added or removed to improve the search strategy.
EBP Resource / Meeting Log This document will allow you to keep up with those you meet with and what was discussed.
Evidence-Based Process and Structure Handout that lays out the various steps in the carrying out of a Evidence-Based Practice project.
Project Management Guide This guide that will help think through the process of carrying out an EBP project.

VCU Health EBP Competencies

These competencies developed in a joint effort between the nursing committees that focus on evidence-based practice are intended to help inform all educational activities related to EBP. These competencies are intended to help nurses attain competency in the various skills nurses must have to become effective practitioners when it comes to evidence-based practice.

Novice/Advance Beginner Evidence Based Competency
Competencies developed by nurses in the VCU Health system that establishes the basic competencies a nurse should display as it pertains to EBP.
Competent/Proficient Evidence Based Practice Competency
Competencies developed by nurses in the VCU Health system that establishes the advanced competencies a nurse should display as it pertains to EBP.