Assignment Instructions
Describe the seven "levels of evidence" and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from each.
Sample Answer
Describe the seven "levels of evidence" and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from each.
Evidence-Based approach in healthcare practice accounts for high-quality research that considers the patient's values, beliefs, and preferences. The seven levels of evidence are systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies, well-designed Randomized Controlled Trials, quasi-experimental studies, case-control or cohort studies, meta-synthesis, single descriptive or qualitative studies, and expert opinions.
In Level I, a Systematic review consists of summaries of the existing literature on a research topic. A systematic review delivers an evaluation and critical assessment of the exiting literature on a topic. Meta-analysis utilizes quantitative methods to synthesize the combination of the results from the different independent studies.
Level II consists of a Randomized Controlled Trial which is a clinical trial where respondents and participants in research are randomly placed into groups.
Level III consists of quasi-experimental studies that aim to evaluate the interventions in research without using any forms of randomization (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2023).
Level IV of the study consists of case-control and cohort studies. Cohort studies utilize the longitudinal study design where individuals are exposed to a condition and are monitored continuously at the defined time intervals. The case-control study selects respondents with an outcome of interest and examines the exposure factors.
Level V of evidence is meta-synthesis studies. This method of research integrates the findings of qualitative studies and it is an emerging technique in medical research (Elsevier, 2023).
Level VI of evidence consists of qualitative and descriptive studies. Qualitative research study involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data such as audio, video, and text to enhance an understanding of the experiences, opinions, and concepts of research.
In Level VII, expert opinion also referred to as background information is found in handbooks, textbooks, and encyclopedias (Elsevier, 2023). This research is low quality and it only acts as an excellent foundation for clinical practice or research as it is generalized.
References
Elsevier. (2023). Levels of evidence in research. Elsevier Author Services. https://scientific-publishing.webshop.elsevier.com/research-process/levels-of-evidence-in-research/
Melnyk, & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (Fifth edition.). Wolters Kluwer. https://www.nursingcenter.com/upload/journals/documents/b01694356.htm