Qualitative research is a method to study and comprehend human experiences, behaviors, and opinions deeply. This type of research offers a more in-depth view of the issue, providing the context and multiple perspectives that can inform policy and practice, making it more patient-centered and holistically healthcare-oriented (Presado et al., 2021). This paper discusses the issues associated with qualitative research and evidence-based practices and the criteria that must be met to consider an evidence-based approach.
Issues Associated with Qualitative Research and EBP
First, Qualitative research often involves the researcher’s interpretation of data, which can introduce subjectivity and potential bias. One way to tackle this challenge is for researchers to practice reflexivity, actively reflecting on their preferences and assumptions. Besides, engaging participants in member checking could enhance the quality of findings. Peer debriefing can offer an external view by including colleagues in the discussion of a study. This problem can be solved by carefully documenting all details about your research process. It involves keeping proper records about how data was collected and analyzed, making raw data available, and following specific guidelines for writing up qualitative research (Pitsillidou et al., 2021). Through transparent reporting, other people may assess and replicate findings made during the study.
Evidence-Based Practice Considerations
A medical practice is considered evidence-based if it has support from scientific research. Therefore, the course should have been studied thoroughly in well-designed studies such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, or meta-analyses. As an illustration, if a program aims at helping people stop smoking, then it must have been tested by way of rigorous trials where subjects were randomly assigned into intervention or control groups. Through these trials, one learns whether the practice is compelling enough to produce the desired results, like smoking cessation rates (Melnyk et al., 2021). Evidence is not just about judging right and wrong; moreover, it is about choosing between two alternatives. If, for example, numerous studies in many different countries with various populations are showing that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works in treating anxiety disorders, then there is evidence for this being the best treatment option. These consistencies across diverse populations and studies bolster trust in the efficacy of practices adopted.
These guidelines are made mainly by reputable healthcare or professional organizations that often advocate for particular evidence-based practices. Thus, they develop evidence-based clinical guidelines followed by healthcare providers. For instance, using statin medications to treat elevated cholesterol levels exemplifies evidence-based practice. The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommend its use as first-line treatment for reducing cardiovascular risk, among other things. Including such a practice in these guidelines points towards solid evidence such as efficacy and safety. Concerning patient preference and values, any EBP approach should consider patients’ preferences and values regarding outcomes desired from treatment options (Melnyk et al., 2021). Its flexible nature allows every patient’s needs or circumstances to be satisfied accordingly. For example, shared decision-making is considered an evidence-based approach to cancer treatment.
In this case, one discusses different treatment options and their associated risks and benefits with a patient. All that is aimed at ensuring that the chosen treatment aligns with patient values and preferences but within the framework of evidence-based guidelines. The autonomy and choices of individual patients are honored while sticking to the best available evidence. Finally, another criterion for a practice to qualify as evidence-based is a complete evaluation of its safety profile and risk-benefit assessment. Therefore, more is needed for such a practice to show positive results. It also has to be safe for the patients. Any intervention in medicine – be it a drug, surgery, or therapy – carries risks and benefits. To satisfy this criterion, all these factors must be carefully studied. For instance, vaccination programs targeting childhood immunizations are considered typical examples of evidence-based practices. Much research supports their effectiveness in preventing various infectious diseases (Ehrmin & Pierce, 2021).
Nevertheless, what makes these practices evidence-based is the continuous monitoring and evaluation of their safety aspect. Thus, health authorities thoroughly scrutinize any negative impacts associated with vaccines. This includes rare side effects, which might only be observed when vaccines are used on larger groups of people. The ongoing analysis, therefore, ensures that vaccination has more advantages than possible risks.
Conclusion
Qualitative research provides a deep understanding of human experiences and behaviors, enriching evidence-based practice by offering context and diverse perspectives. However, it faces challenges such as subjectivity and resource intensity. Evidence-based practices must meet criteria like rigorous research support, consistency, guidelines, patient-centeredness, and safety evaluations to ensure effectiveness and safety.
References
Ehrmin, J. T., & Pierce, L. L. (2021). Innovative qualitative research data collection and analysis activities that engage nursing students. Journal of Professional Nursing, 37(1), 38-42. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S8755722320302295
Melnyk, B. M., Tan, A., Hsieh, A. P., & Gallagher‐Ford, L. (2021). Evidence‐based practice culture and mentorship predict EBP implementation, nurse job satisfaction, and intent to stay: Support for the ARCC© model. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 18(4), 272-281. https://sigmapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/wvn.12524
Pitsillidou, M., Roupa, Z., Farmakas, A., & Noula, M. (2021). Factors affecting the application and implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing. Acta Informatica Medica, 29(4), 281. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8800576/
Presado, M. H., Baixinho, C. L., & Oliveira, E. S. F. D. (2021). Qualitative research in pandemic times. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 74. https://www.scielo.br/j/reben/a/Swp39qvyQvTzqqbWYX9bvKN/?lang=en
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