Research Guides: The Clinical Inquiry Process Resource Guide: Path of Clinical Inquiry (Research, EBP, PI/QI)

Place on the Diagram

Summarize and Synthesize the Evidence

Once the evidence has been gathered and evaluated, the next step is to summarize and synthesize the evidence in order to make recommendations as to the changes that could be made.

Direction of Clinical Inquiry - Research, EBP, PI

Stopping Point 2: Discuss Progress with Your EBP Mentor/Advisor

Before moving on, meet with your mentor/advisor concerning your question. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that your question and path forward are one that will allow you to be successful. Do not move forward before your mentor/advisor sign off on the meeting sheet .

Stop 2 Submission Documents:

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.
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.
Resource/ Meeting Log - Update original form with additional contacts and resources The form is intended to help those doing an EBP project to keep up with those they have discussed their question with and what was discussed. Also enables the team to keep track of what resources were consulted and what was found as the EBP question was clarified.

How Many Articles or Amount of Evidence is Needed to Move Forward?

The number of articles or amount of evidence needed to make a practice change is based on a combination of factors:

1. The Level and Quality of Evidence Found.

It is a good practice to have team members evaluate the same articles/evidence separately and then compare evaluations. When there is a discrepancy you should discuss and come to a consensus as to the grade and level of the article/evidence.
Remember that some questions will not have Level I evidence. Keep in mind the type of question you are asking will help to dictate the type of primary studies or level of evidence that may be available to answer the question.

2. The decision is also influenced by the depth of clinical knowledge/expertise of the team.

The composition of your team is critical because the knowledge of the team may help to fill in the blanks of the evidence you have found. The team members will also be key when it comes to properly evaluate the evidence and gaining buy-in from the stakeholders on the unit or patient.

3. The willingness of Patient or Unit to Adopt of Go Along with the Practice Change.

Important to have an interdisciplinary team and be sure you are communicating with the person or persons that the intervention will affect. Communication is key as to whether the practice change or intervention will be adopted.