Quality Improvement (QI), Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), and Research

Visual Model
Your Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
Identifying and understanding different research processes is essential in the field of healthcare. It allows practitioners and scholars alike to be able to identify existing problems, determine the proper methodology for research, as well as define the steps for practical applications. In this article, the author would determine three of the most utilized types of research in healthcare, namely (1) quality improvement, (2) evidence-based practice, and (3) research. Specifically, a visual diagram of their purpose and application would be provided in the subsequent sections. All in all, the author believes that having an in-depth understanding of each of these processes would be very helpful for a nurse’s future healthcare practice.
Similarities and Differences
Generally, each of the research processes can be differentiated based on their (1) application, (2) scope, and (3) Evidence needed.

Application

Scope

Evidence Needed

Quality Improvement (QI)

General; focused on workflows and processes; usually administrative
(i.e., reduction of patient traffic)

Can be conducted in a specific place (i.e., QI study in Johns Hopkins Hospital)

are collected within the healthcare setting; regardless of whether it is peer-reviewed or not

Evidence-based Practice (EBP)

Specific; more focus on the delivery of care (i.e., reduction of CAUTI cases)

Usually involve multiple hospital or healthcare settings (i.e., EBP research within 16 hospitals in Oregon)

Peer-reviewed; including best practices

Research

Find gaps in knowledge and contribute to pool of knowledge (i.e., experimental homeopathic methods)

Varied (i.e., experimental, systematic review, case study)

Data obtained from the methodology of the study

Table SEQ Table \* ARABIC 1 - Similarities and Differences between QI, EBP, and Research
First, when it comes to application, each of the research processes could be differentiated when it comes to the purpose of the research. Generally, QIs are intended for day to day processes in a healthcare setting, which ranges from the ...