Practice-based research (PBR) is an essential component of healthcare today, as it helps bridge the gap between scientific evidence and practice. It seeks to ensure that quality care is provided through a rigorous approach that incorporates research and real-world applications. Learn what practice-based research is, the different types of practice-based research, the benefits and challenges associated with conducting such research, how to disseminate research results, and much more.
Practice-based research is a type of research that studies clinical questions within real clinical settings, allowing for the assessment of causal relationships between interventions and producing findings that are relevant to local workforces. However, it does come with some challenges, such as collecting accurate assessment endpoints, dealing with patient heterogeneity, and ensuring data standardization.
Types of practice-based research
Practice-based research can take many forms and often incorporates the use of different methods. It is a multi-disciplinary approach to scientific inquiry that focuses on healthcare settings, practitioners, and patients as primary participants in the study design process. Below are some examples of how research can be driven by practitioners:
- Quantitative studies: Surveys or interviews are forms of quantitative research that collect data to measure a phenomenon.
- Qualitative studies: Qualitative studies look at themes from patient narratives to gain insight into their experiences. For example, a qualitative study may look at the stories of patients who have had a positive experience with a new therapy or treatment.
- Mixed methods approach: Combining both quantitative and qualitative elements can clarify a complex phenomenon. An example could be a mixed methods approach that may combine survey data with interviews to explore how a new drug is being taken up and used by patients.
- Single case designs: Examining outcomes associated with individual treatments can be done through single case designs. A single case design may be used to analyze the efficacy of a new drug in a particular patient.
- Clinical trials: Clinical trials are an important form of research that involves testing the safety and efficacy of a new drug or therapy. A clinical trial may be used to compare two different drugs to see which is more effective in treating a particular disease.
- Program evaluation: Examining processes used during implementation phases is important for ensuring the success of a new program. For example, a program evaluation may look at the effectiveness of a new patient education program to ensure that the information is being accurately disseminated.
- Observational techniques: Observational techniques such as chart reviews or field notes taken by clinicians during an intervention period can provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of a treatment or therapy. An example could be a chart review being used to assess the success of a novel drug in treating a certain condition.
- Retrospective analysis: Retrospective analysis involves mining past information for current evidence about best practices. This type of analysis may be used to compare the outcomes of two different treatments to determine which one is more effective.
For practice-based researchers, studying successful interventions and how they have impacted populations can be beneficial. Additionally, researching how changes to treatment protocols affect quality metrics is also of interest. Furthermore, evaluating the differences between patients’ self-reported results and physicians’ ratings based on customer satisfaction surveys taken following discharge visits and phone calls can be insightful. Finally, cross-site comparison of healthcare systems can provide valuable information on differences in the ability to deliver cost-effective services that still meet standards. When conducting practice-based research, it is important to choose a methodology that will effectively yield meaningful results in the medical field.
Benefits and challenges
Practice-based research offers numerous benefits for healthcare providers, practitioners, and patients alike. It can provide a deeper understanding of the complexities faced in the clinical setting by helping to identify solutions tailored specifically toward individual healthcare contexts. This kind of evidence-driven approach is essential when developing policies or treatments that aim to improve patient outcomes while keeping costs down over time.
Practice-based research further enables clinicians to evaluate their practice decisions objectively through the collection and analysis of data. It also allows measurement of the impact on identified areas where improvement has been called into question previously via other scholarly articles published within top medical journals. Additionally, there may be potential opportunities discovered unrelated to traditional models used to study such topics. For example, observing the interactions between nurses and doctors in hospitals during intervention periods is an effective strategy for gathering cost-saving insights rather than embarking on the more costly option of leading a panel discussion.
Finally, it can also help inform public policies regarding how to efficiently use the resources allotted by governments to ensure the taxpayers get the maximum benefit from the advances in medicine.
Although practice-based research has the potential to provide meaningful insights into healthcare settings, there are some challenges that must be addressed for it to adequately reflect reality. Obtaining reliable data for evidence-based interventions is challenging due to the privacy regulations set by agencies. Further, some places cannot take advantage of electronic medical records or other data-collecting software, which makes it difficult to assemble information rapidly in a short period.
Three further examples of major hurdles facing practice-based research include procuring laboratory equipment, instructing medical staff to use study methods, and convincing funders to invest despite the uncertain outcomes.
In order for the medical industry to fully utilize practice-based research, these issues must be effectively addressed.
Examples of practice-based research
A great example of practice-based research is the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) study. This was a practice-based research project designed to evaluate the effectiveness of pain management interventions for patients with chronic musculoskeletal issues. The study was conducted over one year, during which time researchers collected data from both electronic medical records and patient surveys. Using this data, they were able to measure outcomes related to medication adherence, changes in functional status, and quality of life.
The project included a variety of different pain management interventions, including physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications. The results of the study showed that patients who received these interventions experienced significant improvements in their functional status, medication adherence, and overall quality of life. The findings of the PROMIS study provide valuable insight into the efficacy of various pain management strategies and the long-term impacts of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. The study’s results can be used to inform healthcare providers and policymakers in their efforts to improve the lives of patients with chronic pain.
The use of Patient Safety Practices in nursing contexts has been increasingly studied in recent years, with the goal of understanding how to mitigate risks associated with certain procedures. In particular, studies have been conducted focusing on the effectiveness of policies and procedures implemented in hospitals across the United States. For instance, one study conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) observed and interviewed staff members at hospitals across the country to determine the different safety practices used. In addition, the study also looked at any incidents that occurred during the intervention periods. This type of observational research allowed the researchers to gain a better understanding of the safety practices being implemented and the impact they had on patient safety.
Other studies have also looked at how PBRs can be used to improve patient outcomes and how patient safety can be improved using technology. For example, a study conducted in 2017 examined the use of electronic medical records (EMRs) and their impact on patient safety. The results of this study showed that implementing EMRs can reduce medical errors while also improving the overall quality of care.
Overall, the use of PBRs in nursing contexts has been found to be beneficial in improving patient safety. Through observational research and the use of technology, healthcare providers can better understand the safety practices being implemented, and better address any potential risks.
Strategies For Disseminating Research Results
Developing an effective plan for disseminating results gathered via practice-based research requires careful consideration of the potential implications the findings might have for the wider population served by the care provider conducting the investigations. Conducting PBR in healthcare settings requires a skill set that combines quantitative and qualitative methods to gain meaningful insights and trends within the medical field. It is important to consider the possible implications of the findings, including the ethical considerations around the use of patient data, as well as the potential impact of the research results on the quality of care and services provided.
To ensure that the results of PBR are disseminated effectively and ethically, it is important to develop an effective plan for communicating the results. This plan should involve strategies for sharing the results with the stakeholders and other healthcare professionals who may be impacted by them. As part of this plan, considerations for the potential risks and benefits of conducting the research and how those risks and benefits may impact the population should be made. Additionally, it is important to consider how the results of the research can be used to inform medical practice and how the findings can be used to improve the delivery of care.
When developing an effective plan for disseminating results, it is important to include a strategy for ensuring that the results are communicated accurately and transparently. This may encompass providing summaries of the findings and access to the raw data. It is also necessary to consider the potential impact of the results on the patients in general and to develop a strategy for addressing any potential issues or concerns that may arise.
The findings from a research study can have far-reaching implications for the community it is studying. For example, if a study’s result shows that a particular method is effective in improving patient outcomes, the findings may have implications for the way that healthcare services are provided. Such findings may encourage changes in healthcare policy and practice, leading to advancements in services for patients. Similarly, if a research project finds that a particular intervention is not as effective as previously thought, it may indicate the need for a different approach to healthcare services or the need to reassess existing policies and practices.
In addition to its implications for policy and practice, research can also have implications for the wider community. If a project finds that a certain healthcare intervention is beneficial for certain population groups, then this may lead to increased access to such interventions for those groups, resulting in improved health outcomes for the community as a whole. Similarly, if a study finds that certain healthcare interventions are not effective, it may lead to a re-evaluation of the services being provided and a more evidence-based approach to healthcare delivery.
Finally, research findings can also help to raise awareness of important health issues within the community, allowing for a more informed discussion on the potential solutions. If a study finds that a particular health issue disproportionately affects a specific population group, this may lead to increased public awareness of the problem, and potentially the implementation of targeted interventions or policies to address the issue.
Overall, it is crucial to consider the potential implications of research findings on the community and to ensure that the research is used to inform policy and practice to improve the quality of care and services provided.
Get involved
Practice-based research is essential for improving the quality of care in healthcare settings and directly impacts patient outcomes, so getting involved in this type of research and in the nursing industry is a great way to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Marymount University Online ABSN is a highly regarded program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become Registered Nurses in just 16 months. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and recognized as a College of Distinction for Nursing, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education.
One of the key benefits of the Marymount University Online ABSN program is its focus on practice-based research. Through its online ABSN program, Marymount University empowers students with the ability to utilize various research methods to gain meaningful insights about trends in the medical field. This knowledge will be invaluable in helping students to become leaders in the contemporary healthcare environment.
Additionally, the online ABSN program at Marymount University is flexible and convenient, allowing students to complete coursework online and only requiring clinical placements and residency on the university’s main campus in Arlington, Virginia.
Impact of practice-based research on healthcare
Practice-based research is crucial for enhancing healthcare and has a direct effect on patient outcomes. This type of research utilizes various methods to gain insights into trends in the medical field. It provides evidence-driven insights into complexities in healthcare contexts. It can be used by public health departments to study the impact of initiatives on different communities and identify cost-saving opportunities. Practice-based research is also an important tool for evaluating new treatments and protocols and provides information on best practices that can reduce risk factors associated with certain conditions and diseases.
Additionally, it informs performance improvement initiatives, leading to safer care for patients and strategies for improving communication between patients and healthcare providers.