Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) presents a process used to analyze the best existing scientific evidence from research for integration into clinical practice. On the other hand, qualitative and quantitative research prioritize developing new knowledge. Thus, the first step of evidence-based practice requires formulating the PICOT question in order to gather relevant evidence in the next step. Quantitative research starts with an exploration of theory to develop a hypothesis. Furthermore, the data from respondents is collected and analyzed to define evidence for the hypothesis. In qualitative research, after the first step in defining the research question, the research features a literature review to identify relevant findings in the existing body of knowledge. Thus, acquiring and appraising evidence early in the research process can increase the research’s significance for further application in evidence-based practice.
In defining the most effective way to remove germs and prevent the spread of hospital infections, healthcare providers find it difficult to choose between using soap and water or alcohol-based rubs. According to Vermeil et al. (2019), contaminated hands of healthcare workers are often involved in transmitting pathogens in hospitals. Thus, compliance with hand hygiene recommendations and the choice of a suitable method for hand washing presents an effective measure in preventing healthcare-associated infections (Sands & Aunger, 2020). Alcohol-based hand rubs have become the preferred method of hand hygiene in the last 20 years (Vermeil et al., 2019). However, according to Borg and Brincat (2018), the data on the consumption of alcohol hand rub in hospitals points to insufficient use of the hygiene method, which may pose a risk to patients. Furthermore, recent researches identify that hand washing with soap can be more effective than alcohol rubs in removing bacteria (Breidablik et al., 2020).
Thus, the PICOT question for future research is: in hospital patients/ inpatients (P), what is the impact of implementing soap and water method for hand washing (I), compared to using alcohol-based hand sanitizers (C), have on infection prevention (O) as measured over a duration of hospital stay (T)?
References
Borg, M. A., & Brincat, A. (2018). Addressing the controversy of 100% hand hygiene compliance: can alcohol rub consumption data serve as a useful proxy validator? Journal of Hospital Infection, 100(2). Web.
Breidablik, H. J., Lysebo, D. E., Johannessen, L., Skare, Å., Andersen, J. R., & Kleiven, O. (2020). Effects of hand disinfection with alcohol hand rub, ozonized water, or soap and water: time for reconsideration?The Journal of Hospital Infection, 105(2), 213–215. Web.
Sands, M., & Aunger, R. (2020). Determinants of hand hygiene compliance among nurses in US hospitals: A formative research study. PLoS ONE, 15(4), 1-29. Web.
Vermeil, T., Peters, A., Kilpatrick, C., Pires, D., Allegranzi, B., & Pittet, D. (2019). Hand hygiene in hospitals: anatomy of a revolution.Journal of Hospital Infection, 101(4), 383-392. Web.