QUTIC Nursing: Reflective Essay on Evidence-Based Practice - NSD 203

This essay is a reflection by a first-year QUTIC nursing student on their learning in NSD 203, focusing on evidence-based practice (EBP). The student uses the STARL reflection framework to discuss the significance of EBP in healthcare, detailing the five steps involved: designing a clinical question, finding evidence, critically appraising the evidence, integrating evidence with clinical expertise and patient needs, and evaluating credibility. The reflection highlights the student's increased confidence in conducting research and applying EBP to improve patient outcomes, aligning with NMBA standards for registered nurses. The student anticipates using these skills to deliver high-quality care and contribute to the healthcare system.

SITUATION
As a QUTIC nursing student studying in the first year of HL10 course, I studied unit NSD
203 inquiry in clinical practice. This unit included information and knowledge on Evidence-
based practice processes and I have learnt the significance of applying EBP processes in
healthcare practice. In this assessment, I would reflect my learning from this unit and write
how it would help in developing my future professional skills. For this, I will use my
reflection skills, QUT library resources and other internet sources as well.
TASK/ACTION
My task is to use the STARL reflection framework to reflect the leanings of this unit. I have
studied about evidence-based practice and its processes. EBP is a clinical decision-making
process where it is ensured that every action taken by a healthcare practitioner is well
researched and justified to ensure safe and better patient health outcomes (Hoffman, Bennett,
Del Mar, 2017). I learnt that it involves five main steps of designing a clinical question,
finding evidence, critically appraising the evidence followed by integrating the evidence with
clinical expertise and patient’s specific needs and finally evaluating the credibility of the
evidence. In class, I was taught to design an answerable clinical question and find evidence to
it. Also, I learnt to search journals and articles from different database sources available on
QUT library and on other internet sources. I learnt how to use key terms and filters to refine
our research and find appropriate evidence. Further, through the assessments, I learnt to
Differentiate between qualitative papers and quantitative papers, critically evaluate papers,
about the hierarchy of evidence and identified my own biases.

RESULT/REFLECT
I have learnt that EBP is a very important concept of healthcare practice and can bring better
patient outcomes. It involves thorough search, interpretation, analysis and integration of
evidence and then it is applied to the clinical practice, so, the patients receive safe and
effective care services (Melnyk, 2017). I learnt that this is an extremely beneficial approach
with which I can improve the quality of my services. Initially, it looked a little complicated
and difficult to use but the workshops and lectures have taught how to sense reliable evidence
from unreliable ones and to critically evaluate those evidence. Thus, I feel much more
confident in conducting research now and can actually find an answer to clinical questions.
LEARNING
As a healthcare professional, The skills and knowledge I gained in this unit would be very
useful for my future practice. After learning about various benefits of delivering evidence-
based care, I have made up my mind to incorporate this skill in my routine practice. I would
ensure that I look up for credential evidence supporting the practices and accordingly deliver
the services. In fact, NMBA (2016) also suggests that Registered Nurses must critically think,
analyse nursing practice and use research findings to deliver accurate and effective care
services. Thus, this unit has greatly helped me to become a better healthcare professional and
made me able to deliver high-quality services as per national standards to my future patients.
I can expect better health outcomes of my patient and also believe that I would make a
significant contribution to the healthcare system through my newly developed research skills.

REFERENCES
Hoffman, T., Bennett, S., Del Mar, C. (2017) Evidence-based practice across the health
professions (3rd Ed). Chatswood: Elsevier
Melnyk, B. M. (2017). The Difference Between What Is Known and What Is Done Is Lethal:
Evidence‐Based Practice Is a Key Solution Urgently Needed. Worldviews on Evidence‐
Based Nursing, 14(1), 3-4
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (2016) Registered nurse standards for practice.
Available from: http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/
Professional-standards/registered-nursestandards-for-practice.aspx