Issues in Synthesizing Educational Program Evaluations, Essay Example

Evidence-based practice is largely dependent on a variety of research-based studies that provide different variables and critical elements in order to achieve the necessary outcomes for the practice environment. The strength of evidence that is available is an essential component of the research process and requires a number of key characteristics, including but not limited to sample size, research design, and number of available studies (Slavin, 2008). Under these conditions, it is important for nurses to gain sufficient knowledge and resources to ensure that the synthesis of evidence is effective on all levels (Slavin, 2008). This will also ensure that nurses are able to apply key principles in order to promote an effective evaluation and to conduct a systematic review in a sufficient manner (Polit & Beck, 2012).

In order to accomplish the intended research objectives, it is important to evaluate levels of evidence in accordance with the ability to recognize where bias exists and to minimize bias whenever possible (Polit & Beck, 2012). This process will also provide a basis for examining specific criteria, as this is often difficult to accomplish when a number of limitations exist (Polit & Beck, 2012). The ability to balance the necessary criteria and the type of research design is often difficult; therefore, evidence may be challenging to identify and to quantify for further consideration (Polit & Beck, 2012). It is important to evaluate evidence on the basis of its value and significance to the research question(s); however, this also requires a level of understanding and acknowledgement that will positively impact evidence-based practice so that it offers benefits to the nursing community (Polit & Beck, 2012). This process will demonstrate the value of understanding how to synthesize evidence in a manner that is consistent with recommendations and that will impact the practice environment on the basis of strength within the evidence base (Polit & Beck, 2012).

References

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2012). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (9thed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Slavin, E. S. (2008). Perspectives on evidence-based research in education – what works: Issues in synthesizing educational program evaluations. Educational Researcher, 37(1), 5-14. doi:10.3102/0013189X08314117