Introduction
A scientific approach to problem-solving implies testing hypotheses and observing results since tested and proven knowledge can be considered credible. In a healthcare setting, such knowledge is referred to as evidence-based practice (EBP). According to Bianchi et al. (2018), EBP is “the use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.” EBP is central in the given scenario that pictures a newly trained nurse experiencing doubts in diagnosing her patient with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Early CAD diagnosis could prove vital for disease management and treatment (Malakar et al., 2019). Consequently, this assessment will provide insights on a leading nurse’s role in encouraging EBP research among subordinates to use for diagnoses. In addition, it will provide information on where to find and how to evaluate the credibility of EBP research sources.
Encouraging Research of Evidence-Based Practice
The role of a supervisor nurse can not be overestimated. Leadership skills involve sharing a clear professional vision and motivating ongoing education through the use of communication and interpersonal skills (Bianchi et al., 2018). These skills put in support of subordinate nurses present an essential component of fostering an EBP commitment at a local clinical level.
Moreover, leaders are in many ways responsible for setting an example of activities and practices in the clinical setting, which implies frequent and successful EBP implementation and associated mentoring from their side.
Places to Look for Guidance
Diagnoses based on EBP imply a thorough evaluation of the sources’ credibility prior to its implementation. One of the possible ways to assess credibility is by applying the RADAR framework. The abbreviation stands for five evaluation criteria such as rationale, authority, date, accuracy, and relevance (Loyola Marymount University, 2022). Besides online sources, hospital documentation and library are available at the workplace; more experienced colleagues can provide needed professional guidance as well.
Identification of Five Relevant Sources
In the context of the discussed scenario, RADAR was used to identify five credible online sources that can provide relevant information regarding CAD. MEDLINE website represents the National Library of Medicine’s bibliographic database. Embase is another example of a comprehensive medical research database. Regarding the scholarly journals, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the Journal of the American Heart Association, and an International Journal of Hypertension are devoted to the topics of cardiology and heart conditions, including information on CAD.
Arguments for Sources’ Credibility
The mentioned sources were chosen due to the EBP research possibilities and search utility they provide. Firstly, MEDLINE has access to a vast database of medical science and statistics pieces of research as a governmental website. Secondly, Embase website has implemented a sophisticated and precise search tool, allowing for complex search specification options.
Finally, mentioned journals display an ongoing and constantly updating showcase of research on the scenario topic, which includes EBP reports and recent research findings. Overall, these sources make scholarly articles easy to find, study and use accordingly for a confident diagnosis.
Conclusion
EBP is a valuable source of credible information for ongoing general education and particular unclear or complex cases. With guidance and motivation, both by communication and example, supervising nurses can foster an encouraging atmosphere of EBP research and practical implementation among their subordinates.
The evidence can be accessed in various ways, such as the internet, traditional paper-based library sources, or mentorship. In addition, discovered online sources can be evaluated in terms of credibility with the help of the RADAR framework.
References
Bianchi, M., Bagnasco, A., Bressan, V., Barisone, M., Timmins, F., Rossi, S., Pellegrini, R., Aleo, G. & Sasso, L. (2018). A review of the role of nurse leadership in promoting and sustaining evidence‐based practice. Journal of Nursing Management, 26(8), 918-932.
Loyola Marymount University. (2022). Evaluating sources: Using the RADAR framework.
Malakar, A. K., Choudhury, D., Halder, B., Paul, P., Uddin, A., & Chakraborty, S. (2019). A review on coronary artery disease, its risk factors, and therapeutics. Journal of cellular physiology, 234(10), 16812-16823.