Evidence-based practice for the busy nurse practitioner: Part two: Searching for the best evidence to clinical inquiries

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this four-part evidence-based practice (EBP) series is to enhance the nurse practitioner's (NP's) EBP skills by reviewing the process of developing a clinical question, searching for the best evidence, and critically appraising and applying the findings. Part two of the series focuses on how to search the published scientific literature for the most relevant studies that will answer a specific clinical question of importance to the NP.

Data sources: Scientific literature review, gray searching, PubMed and other online literature databases and resources, and online EBP websites.

Conclusions: Technology has allowed multiple healthcare resources to be available at one's fingertips enabling both NPs and their patients to find answers to clinical questions. EBP databases can be categorized as synthesized/filtered, unfiltered, and background information/expert opinion resources. Learning which database can best answer the clinical inquiry can streamline the search process.

Implications for practice: For the busy NP, EBP has emerged as an important strategy to maintain valid, accurate, and relevant clinical knowledge. It is expected that this part of the series will enable NPs to identify appropriate databases to answer clinical inquires while refining their search strategy skills, which takes both time and practice.