Evidence-based Nursing

Evidence-Based Nursing refers to a philosophy which is based on specific daily routines in a way that is problem and action oriented, and which bases the decision-making process on different sources of knowledge: Research, clinical expertise, patients’ experiences/preferences and local data (resources).

(Rycroft-Malone et al., 2004)

EBN - Research
Doing research in the framework of Evidence-Based Nursing means providing patients with nursing-care based on scientifically-proven knowledge. In order to implement scientific knowledge in the daily nursing routine, the Rudolfinerhaus has devised the following projects: Revision of in-house nursing standards on the basis of research results and the know-how of nursing staff by integrating the patients. Applied-research projects helping to transfer and implement new scientific findings into daily routines. Challenging daily nursing practices and working on the resulting questions on the basis of research literature.

EBN - Clinical Expertise
Clinical expertise which is based on sound professional expertise and know-how is an integral part of Evidence-Based Nursing. Among other things, the nursing staff’s estimation of the patient’s situation (nursing diagnostics) in the framework of the nursing process is central to the development of a clinical expertise provided by the nursing staff in the Rudolfinerhaus.Learning and further development by way of reflection are important objectives of projects related to this subject.

EBN - Patients' Preferences
Experiences, values and preferences expressed by the patients are important factors in the EBN decision-making process. More specifically, patients’ preferences in the Rudolfinerhaus refer to: Collecting patient-specific information on knowledge, experiences, values, ideas and desires concerning the individual care situation. Providing patients with information on nursing measures, possible alternatives and consequences of nursing measures. Active integration of patients into nursing care and taking account of the individual needs of the patients concerning their participation in nursing decisions.

EBN - Local Data and Ressources
Local data and resources are an important source of information in clinical decision-making. Examples of the systematic collection of data in the Rudolfinerhaus are: consistent records of falls, records of skin alterations as well as patient surveys concerning the evaluation of the services offered in our institution.The results make available institution-related knowledge, supporting individual, patient-specific decision-making as well as providing, at an institutional level, specific evidence on how to improve the situation.