12-Feb-2026 news

Evidence-informed practice: simplifying and applying the concept for nursing students and academics

Incorporating evidence-based practice (EBP) into my daily work has significantly enhanced the care we provide. After analysing evidence from multiple studies, I adopted non-pharmacological interventions like music therapy and structured routines. In my responsibility as a lead practitioner, evidence-based practice (EBP) means using quality research to inform and improve our care. Monitoring the effectiveness of these interventions has shown a reduction in fall incidents, validating the importance of using evidence to guide practice. As a lead practitioner in adult care, I understand the significance of evidence-based practice (EBP) and its impact on our work.

As illustrated by McSherry (2007), evidence‐informed practice provides a systems‐based approach (made up of input, throughput, and output) to applying evidence into practice, which contains, as part of its elements, the steps of evidence‐based practice. Nonetheless, it is important to note here that a characteristic difference between evidence‐informed practice and evidence‐based practice is the processes involved in applying the concepts. Despite the extensive awareness of evidence‐based practice, healthcare practitioners continue to encounter difficulties in its implementation. Digitalization in healthcare, during the last decade and more, may have enhanced nurses’ access to evidence‐based sources of information. Previous research has shown that information acquired from communication with colleagues is preferred over scientific sources, like systematic reviews and evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines. Scientific evidence includes literature reviews, online resources, such as the Cochrane Library and Joanna Briggs Institute, and clinical practice guidelines based on knowledge synthesis.

  • This is what distinguishes a practice-based research project from just general creative practice that someone would do for other reasons.
  • Meaningful reflective practice develops a growth mindset enacted through mindful presence, asking questions, and taking action.
  • In addition, definitions for “knowledge,” “attitudes,” “understanding,” and “behavior” were based on the Classification Rubric for Evidence‐based practice Assessment Tools in Education (CREATE) created by Tilson et al. (2011).
  • The ways in which the evidence is used in the policy process are largely determined by the beliefs and values of policymakers, as well as by considerations of timing, economic costs, and politics 2,18–22.
  • Certainly, the programme will be encouraging more explicit reflection on the direction that research in education should take and whose voices should be included in making those decisions.

1.2. Scholarship of application

how research informs practice

How are knowledge ‘gaps’ or areas of ‘non-knowledge’ constructed, and what are the power relationships underpinning that process (Nielsen and Sørensen, 2017)? How can we ensure that local and indigenous interests and priorities are not ignored by predominantly Western research practices? This might mean asking questions about who is able to participate in the practice and evaluation of research. Enabling researchers to reflect on their own role in the ‘knowledge economy’—that is, the production and services attached to knowledge-intensive activities (usually but not exclusively referring to technological innovation (Powell and Snellman, 2004))—requires engagement with this history.

how research informs practice

1 Analyse how evidence-based practice can be used to inform your practice

how research informs practice

These findings suggest that early indevelopment attachment security may be improved even if an intervention doesnot target the mother-child relationship directly. Clinical trials conducted at MHFC added to the evidence basesupporting the efficacy of the intervention for maltreated infants andpreschoolers. A number of modifications to the CPP program were made to ensurethat the intervention was developmentally appropriate for older children.Therapists were trained in child development transitions from toddlerhoodinto the preschool period and through early school age. Establishing efficacy is framed as a common goal for the agency andthe researcher because it is only by stringently testing interventions thatwe can create effective interventions that do not waste precious communityresources. It is important to note that therapists werecommitted to conducting the manualized treatments in accord with the studyprotocol, while the necessity of exercising clinical judgment in theimplementation of the intervention was supported and emphasized.

how research informs practice

Translating research to practice: Evidence-informed practice

Although registered nurses were the population of interest, studies on licensed practical nurses and nurse aides or assistants were also included. However, studies have shown that nurses’ ability to use digital technology in their work varies (Brown et al., 2020). Spenceley et al. (2008) reviewed the literature on the sources of information used by nurses from 1990 to 2006 and ranked the information types, reporting that nurses preferred information from colleagues and other clinicians to formal sources. Further, they do not use available evidence in their practice (Saunders & Vehviläinen‐Julkunen, 2016). Information sources such as computers and reference materials were ranked higher, and information from patients was ranked lower than in the 2008 review. If that’s not practice-based research, I don’t know what is.

how research informs practice

By using research evidence to inform practice decisions, social workers can ensure that they are providing the most effective support to vulnerable children and families. However, with the growing recognition of the importance of evidence-based practice, there has been a shift towards a more systematic and rigorous approach to informing practice decisions. Historically, social work practice was often based on intuition, anecdotal experience, National Academies report on mental health and theoretical assumptions. Our team brings more than 15 years’ combined experience across the NHS, adult social care, mental health services, and the charity sector. Always strive to balance evidence with individual patient needs and preferences, ensuring personalised and effective care.