Describe how the research process is used to communicate findings relevant to problems or issues within health care. Provide an example of how you have seen or used the research process in the health care field or in your education. Explain how using the research approach allows us to ensure evidence-based practice and helps guide resolutions for the improvement of care.

Example 1 Maria

The research process is of the utmost importance in health care since it provides evidence-based solutions for improving patient care and the development of policies. This includes identifying the problem, a literature review, study design, data collection, data analysis, and dissemination of findings. These help health professionals establish interventions to enhance patient safety, treatment efficacy, and efficiency within the system.

In other words, research would enable healthcare professionals to make informed decisions on treatment options, policies on patient safety, or modification of health policies. For instance, during my education,  encountered several studies regarding various infection control strategies within a hospital environment (Jonathan, 2025). These studies explained that strict adherence to hand hygiene policy decreases the rate of nosocomial infections, improving patient outcomes and decreasing mortality rates.

Research ensures clinical practice is informed by scientific evidence rather than the experiences or assumptions of the practitioner (Neuman, 2017). Integrating research into healthcare practices will enable healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes and make the best use of available resources at high levels of quality (Jonathan, 2025). It also helps these organizations respond to new health challenges such as antibiotic resistance, pandemics, and chronic diseases. Evidence-based practice yields innovative solutions that pave the way for public health, consolidating the emergent scenarios and future healthcare challenges.

Example 2 Paulina

The research process allows healthcare findings to be communicated effectively and guide evidence-based practice (EBP). According to an article titled “Understanding the Research Process” by Fisher and Bloomfield (2019), the research process follows ten key steps, the last of which is Disseminating Research Findings. In this final step of the research process, findings are communicated through journals, conferences, or clinical guidelines so that EBP is implemented. To address a health care issue, a health care provider can use available research to solve it or perform their own research, following the appropriate steps.
As a private-duty nurse,  used medical databases to research complicated medical issues that my client has experienced. Examples of reputable databases are Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PubMed (Xavier University, n.d.). As a parent,  have presented evidence-based research to guide the care of my daughter who has epilepsy. On one such occasion, she was being seen for absence status epilepticus in the ER. The typical treatments weren’t working to correct it.  found evidence-based research in a reputable medical database for an alternative treatment that presented to the ER doctor. He communicated the information to the neurologist. They agreed to try the treatment, although they never had before, because it came from a reputable source and was evidence-based (having gone through the appropriate research process). The treatment was successful. This experience showed me that the research process can guide healthcare decisions and improve outcomes.

 

Example 3 Jonah

The research process is essential in healthcare for identifying, analyzing, and addressing problems while ensuring evidence-based practice. Research follows a structured process, including identifying a problem, conducting a literature review, formulating research questions, selecting a methodology, collecting data, analyzing findings, and disseminating results (Capili, 2020). These findings help to improve evidence-based practice and patient care as well as guide clinical decisions and shape policies.

One example of research application I have seen in the emergency department (ED) is the study of boarding patients and its impact on patient outcomes and nurse workload. Research has shown that extended ED stays due to limited inpatient beds increase wait times, stress among healthcare providers, and risks to patient safety (Schneider et al., 2019). By analyzing data on patient flow and nurse staffing, hospitals have implemented strategies such as fast-track protocols, enhanced triage systems, and improved care coordination, leading to better patient outcomes and efficiency. Fast track protocols is the perfect example of positive outcomes that comes from research, with studies showing that fast tracks are a useful and safe strategy to improve the management of patients admitted to the ER, bringing wait times down from 55 minutes to 20 minutes (Alboreo et al., 2024).
Using research ensures that healthcare decisions are based on credible evidence rather than tradition or personal experience. Evidence-based practice (EBP) allows providers to adopt proven interventions, reduce medical errors, and improve patient safety (Titler, 2008). By integrating research findings into daily practice, healthcare professionals can develop solutions that enhance patient care, optimize resources, and improve overall system effectiveness.

 

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