The Western knowledge system’s pillar is using evidence-based research to make objective, empirical conclusions. Evidence is particularly important in Health and Medicine, a field that requires years of analysis and research before implementing any health interventions to ensure patient safety and well-being (Kamath & Guyatt, 2016). According to Grand Canyon University, there are five levels of acceptable evidence in research (2021). Animal studies and case reports focus on limited sample sizes, and the findings are not necessarily applicable to the general population. Randomized-controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses are on the first level because they are the most rigorous, reliable method of establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between intervention and outcome. The most reliable evidence incorporates a large variety of study subjects to ensure its universal applicability.
Lack of health literacy is considered a major contributing factor to hypertension because patients do not adhere to prescribed medications or self-care behaviors. Newest Vital Sign (NVS) is a tool used to assess health literacy in patients. In 2016, Shealy and Threatt published a systematic review evaluating the correlation of NVS with positive health outcomes in the United States (2016). This review meets the evidence level required for primary research because the authors collected, appraised, and summarized the findings of over twenty studies and made conclusions about the current state of NVS research. They presented a comprehensive overview that demonstrated the generalizable applicability of NVS in clinical practice and identified questions for further research.
In conclusion, evidence is an integral part of medical research that ensures patients have always prescribed interventions with the most optimal outcomes. There are several tiers of research, with the first level successfully synthesizing large amounts of previous data and literature to establish generalizable, credible conclusions. Shealy and Threatt successfully assessed the findings of over twenty studies on the correlation between NVS and positive health outcomes and thus demonstrated its universal applicability in healthcare settings (2016). Systematic reviews such as these are necessary to prove the reliability of health interventions before enforcing them in clinical practice.
References
Levels of Evidence in Research (2021). Grand Canyon University.
Kamath, S., & Guyatt, G. (2016). Importance of evidence-based medicine on research and practice. Indian Journal of Anesthesia, 60(9), 622-625.
Shealy, K. M. & Threatt, T. B. (2016). Utilization of the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) in practice in the United States. Health Communication, 31(6), 679-687.