Research and Evidence-Based Practice: The Nurse’s Role

Abstract

This chapter introduces evidence-based practice and research, explaining the nurse’s role in accessing and appraising evidence for endocrinology nursing practice. The contribution of different types of research studies to the evidence base is discussed. The chapter considers how best evidence can be implemented in practice, with reference to quality improvement methods. Nurses are in a good position to identify gaps in the available evidence and identify new research questions. Clinical academic roles provide the opportunity for nurses to take forward their research ideas and combine clinical nursing with research. Clinical research is essential for finding new treatments and improving patient care and so clinical research nurses make a vital contribution, focusing on the care of research participants within clinical research studies. All research must be conducted in accordance with international standards for research ethics and local processes for ethical scrutiny. This chapter’s sections on evidence-based practice, clinical academic roles and clinical research nursing all include application to endocrinology nursing.