Integrating Research, Evidence-Based Practice,
and Quality Improvement Processes
INTRODUCTION
One goal of this chapter is to assist you in reviewing the material presented in Chapter 1 ofthe
text written by LoBiondo-Wood andHaber.A second and more fundamental goal is to provide you with an opportunity to begin practicing the role of a critical consumer of research.
Succeeding chapters in this study guide fine-tune your ability to evaluate research studies
critically.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
● State the significance of research to evidence-based nursing practice.
● Identify the role of the consumer of nursing research.
● Define evidence-based practice.
● Discuss evidence-based decision making.
● Explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative research.
● Explain the difference among types of systematic reviews: integrative review, meta-analysis,
and meta-synthesis.
● Identify the importance of critical thinking and critical reading skills for critical appraisal of
research studies.
● Discuss the format and style of research reports/articles.
● Discuss how to use a quantitative evidence hierarchy when critically appraising research
studies.