Exploring Evidence-based Practice

Despite sustained debate and progress the evolving thing that is evidence based nursing or practice (EBP) continues to dangle a variety of conceptual and practical loose threads. Moreover, when we think about what is being asked of students and registered or licenced practitioners in terms of EBP, it is difficult not to concede that this 'ask' is in many instances quite large and, occasionally, it may be unachievable. EBP has and continues to improve patient, client and user care. Yet significant questions concerning its most basic elements remain unresolved and, if nurses are to contribute to the resolution or reconfiguration of these questions then, as a first step, we must acknowledge their existence.
From a range of international standpoints and perspectives, contributors to this book focus on aspects of EBP that require development. This focus is always robust and at times it is unashamedly provocative. Contributors challenge readers to engage with anomalies that surround the subject and readers are asked to consider the often precarious assumptions that underpin key aspects of EBP. While both conflict and concord are evident among the various offerings presented here, the book nonetheless creates and sustains a narrative that is bigger or more substantial than the sum of individual parts. And, across contributions, a self-assuredly critical stance towards EBP as currently practiced, conceptualized and taught coexists alongside respectful admiration for all who make it happen.
Exploring Evidence-based Practice: Debates and Challenges in Nursing should be considered essential reading for academics and postgraduate students with an interest in evidence-based practice and nursing research.

Martin Lipscomb Ph.D. RN is a senior lecturer at the University of the West of England and Secretary to the International Philosophy of Nursing Society.

1. Introduction 2. Making Evidence-based Practice Happen in 'Real World' Contexts: The Importance of Collaborative Partnerships 3. Intra- and Inter-professional Working: Pitfalls and Potential 4. EBP as Taught and Experienced: Education, Practice and Context 5. Critical Considerations in Evidence-based Interprofessional Practice Melody Carter 6. Evidence and Practical Knowledge 7. Evidence-based Nursing and the Generalizability of Research Results 8. Evidence-based Practice and Practice-based Evidence 9. Non-research Evidence: What We Overlook (but Shouldn't) 10. Evidence and the Qualitative Research Analogous Structure 11. The Status and Use Value of Qualitative Research Findings: New Ways to Make Sense of Qualitative Work 12. Research Appraisal and Individual Responsibility: A Critique 13. Ethics and Evidence-based Practice 14. Ethical Competence and Evidence-based Practice 15. Rounding on the Smokers: The Myth of Evidence-based (Nursing) Policy