Describe the significance of fostering a spirit of inquiry in clinical practice.
EXCELSIOR – NUR513 RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE Module 1 Discussion

A Spirit of Inquiry: Asking the Question

The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.

– Thomas Berger, American novelist (Brainyqoute.com, n.d.).

This activity will address the following module outcomes:

MO 1: Describe the significance of fostering a spirit of inquiry in clinical practice. (EPSLO 6; SLO3)

MO 2: Formulate a clinical question based on current practice using the PICOT format. (EPSLO 6; SLO 3)

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EXCELSIOR – NUR513 RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE Module 1 Discussion
EXCELSIOR – NUR513 RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE Module 1 Discussion

Developing a spirit of inquiry, one that questions how things are done, why, and its effectiveness is an important step in solving clinical problems or improving existing processes. Once a question has been identified, it is then necessary to develop a methodology to test and measure an alternative solution.

Based on your learning activities, respond to the following prompts. Be sure to support your answers with references when needed.

Formulate a clinical question from your own practice, using the PICOT formula. This question will be used as a basis for writing your Investigation of a Clinical Problem paper.

Explain why you think this topic is important. EXCELSIOR – NUR513 RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE Module 1 Discussion

Discuss the feasibility of investigating this topic in your practice environment. Are there “sacred cows” that may stand in the way of your investigation? Does the environment support and sustain a spirit of inquiry? Why or why not?

As step 0 of the EBP process, a spirit of inquiry refers to an ongoing curiosity about the best evidence to guide clinical decision making. Maybe you’ve read an article that causes reflection about a clinical procedure. Perhaps you’ve wondered if an intervention is really necessary, why you do it, what evidence supports it, if it benefits patients, or if another way to do it is better. When nurses ponder and collaboratively improve clinical problems using clinical reasoning and judgement, a spirit of inquiry exists and the first step of the EBP process can begin.

Step 1 of the EBP process takes a priority clinical problem and asks a searchable and answerable question about it. Remember, EBP does not seek to generate new knowledge through conducting research. Instead, EBP uses existing evidence to assess the need for practice change.

Formulating a solid researchable question equips the clinician with terms to search for the most relevant evidence. Many established EBP programs use the PICOT format to develop focused clinical questions (see sidebar).