The evidence for nursing interventions in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Abstract

In this paper, Patriek Mistiaen, Else Poot, Sophie Hickox, and Cordula Wagner describe how they conducted a search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in order to explore the evidence for nursing interventions. They identify the number of studies, the number of participants, and the conclusions of systematic reviews concerning nursing interventions. They conclude that the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews is a valuable source of evidence about nursing interventions, and can be used as a means of developing a research agenda in the case of inconclusive reviews.

A review of evidence‐based practice, nursing research and reflection: levelling the hierarchy

“…Despite the fact that recent definitions on EBP include personal and professional experience and specific contexts and situations, nonetheless, on closer analysis, it appears that at the crux of the EBP movement is the promotion of research findings as the most (if not only) justifiable form of evidence. A series of authors have argued (either dissenting or consenting) that RCTs and systematic reviews are in essence the corner stone or the crown prince or the golden standard for the EBP movement (Walker 2003, Franks 2004, Mistiaen et al. 2004, Berwick 2005, Rycroft‐Malone 2006).…”

“…2000, Morse 2006b). Lastly, the introduction of guidelines that are based on the most updated RCTs, the development of RCT databases, the creation of evidence based journals that contain primarily RCT abstracts and the experimentation with computerized decision supporting systems that are based on RCT reviews, further reinforce the dominance of RCTs as the most valid source of evidence (Mistiaen et al. 2004, Brocklehurst & McGuire 2005, Haynes 2005, Walker‐Dilks 2005).…”

Patient Self‐Assessment of Surgical Site Infection is Inaccurate

“…As we commented with regard to CLABSI surveillance [24], methodology can lead to improvement disincentives, especially when inter‐institution comparisons and public reporting are competitive considerations. A systematic review of various post‐discharge telephone follow‐up interventions, not limited to infection surveillance, concluded with similar findings [25].…”

An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol for Ambulatory Anorectal Surgery Reduced Postoperative Pain and Unplanned Returns to Care After Discharge

“…Southern California Kaiser Permanente (SCAL‐KP) comprises 14 medical centers across five counties (Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego). A comprehensive perioperative care protocol for general surgery (including anorectal procedures) was developed in 2011 at SCAL‐KP to standardize best practices both from local patterns of care and from the literature describing effective techniques to improve outcomes in anorectal and ambulatory surgery [14–21]. By mid‐2015, this protocol had been disseminated to all 14 medical centers, and prospective measurement of adherence and outcomes was undertaken.…”