Enhancing Evidence-Based Practice: Effective Strategies for Literature Search in Clinical Settings

NURSING AND HEALTHCARE

After studying Module 2: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following:

  1. What search engines or databases are you using to identify the articles for your Article Summary assignments?
  2. What keywords are you using for your search?
  3. Have they been effective in finding articles that are relevant to your clinical practice? Include rationale.
  4.  Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in the current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources

Read and watch the lecture resources & materials below early in the week to help you respond to the discussion questions and to complete your assignment(s).

(Note: The citations below are provided for your research convenience. You should always cross-reference the current APA guide for correct styling of citations and references in your academic work.)

Read

  • LoBiondo-Wood, G. & Haber, J. (2016).
    • Chapter 3: Gathering and Appraising the Literature
    • Chapter 19: Strategies and Tools for Developing an Evidence-Based Practice

Watch

 

 

### Effective Strategies for Literature Search in Clinical Practice

In conducting literature searches for Article Summary assignments, selecting appropriate search engines and using targeted keywords are crucial steps in identifying relevant scholarly articles. This discussion explores the methods employed, their effectiveness, and the rationale behind these choices.

#### Search Engines and Databases

For my Article Summary assignments, I primarily utilize the following search engines and databases:

1. **PubMed**: As a comprehensive resource for biomedical and healthcare literature, PubMed is invaluable. It provides access to a vast array of peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and clinical trials relevant to clinical practice.

2. **CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature)**: This database specializes in nursing and allied health topics, offering a wide range of scholarly articles, evidence-based practice guidelines, and healthcare protocols.

3. **Google Scholar**: Although not as specialized as PubMed or CINAHL, Google Scholar provides a broad search across academic disciplines. It helps in locating articles that may not be indexed in more specialized databases, offering a broader perspective on clinical topics.

4. **Cochrane Library**: Known for its systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the Cochrane Library is essential for accessing high-quality evidence that informs clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice.

#### Keywords for Searches

The choice of keywords significantly influences the effectiveness of literature searches. Some of the keywords I commonly use include:

– **Evidence-Based Practice**
– **Nursing Interventions**
– **Patient Outcomes**
– **Clinical Guidelines**
– **Healthcare Communication**
– **Moral Distress**
– **Health Promotion**
– **Socioeconomic Status**

These keywords are selected based on their relevance to clinical practice and their potential to yield articles that address specific aspects of healthcare delivery, patient care, and professional development.

#### Effectiveness and Rationale

The selected search engines and keywords have proven effective in several ways:

1. **Relevance**: By using specialized databases like PubMed and CINAHL, I ensure that the articles retrieved are directly related to healthcare and nursing practice. These databases focus on peer-reviewed research and evidence-based literature, which are critical for maintaining high standards in clinical practice.

2. **Comprehensiveness**: Combining multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library) broadens the scope of literature accessed. This approach helps in capturing diverse perspectives and ensures a comprehensive review of current research and clinical guidelines.

3. **Precision**: Targeted keywords help in narrowing down search results to articles that specifically address the topics and issues of interest. For instance, using “evidence-based practice” alongside specific clinical topics ensures that the retrieved articles are applicable to evidence-based decision-making in healthcare settings.

4. **Integration of Evidence**: Incorporating findings from systematic reviews and meta-analyses found in the Cochrane Library enhances the reliability and validity of the literature reviewed. These sources provide synthesized evidence that can inform clinical guidelines and best practices.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, effective literature searching in clinical practice requires strategic use of specialized databases and targeted keywords. Utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library ensures access to a wide range of peer-reviewed articles and evidence-based resources. By selecting relevant keywords and databases, healthcare professionals can enhance their understanding of clinical issues, improve patient care practices, and stay updated with current evidence in their field.

### References

– LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2016). *Nursing Research: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice* (8th ed.). Elsevier.
– Duke University Medical Center Library and Archives. (2019). The introduction to evidence-based practice tutorial – Acquire section. Retrieved from https://guides.mclibrary.duke.edu/ebptutorial

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Ensure to format your references and citations according to the current APA guidelines when preparing your responses for submission. This ensures clarity, accuracy, and adherence to academic standards in your written assignments.

 

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