DETERMINING THE CREDIBILITY OF EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH
2
Running head: DETERMINING THE CREDIBILITY OF EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH 1
Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources in Advanced Care Planning
Amanda Thorne
Capella University
Making Evidence-Based Decisions
Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources
October, 2019
Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources
As chronically ill patients and older adults approach end-of-life (EOL), they are
challenged with complex decisions including whether to prolong their lives with medical
advances (Lewis et al., 2019). Treatments among these patients is often times invasive and can
prolong suffering. Advanced care planning (ACP) allows patients to consider future healthcare
decisions; and participating in EOL conversations can positively affect patient goals of care, and
reduce the stress and psychological trauma associated with making these choices (Booth &
Lehna, 2016). It is important nurses not only understand how to professionally engage in ACP
with patients, but also understand a family or patient’s perception of appropriate care (Lewis et
al., 2019). Actively engaging in evidence-based research about ACP can provide a sound
knowledge background to aid in presenting this information to, and guiding patients and families
in making decisions regarding care.
Criteria Considerations in Determining Credibility
, DETERMINING THE CREDIBILITY OF EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH
3
It is important nurses are confident about how much emphasis they should place on a
resource when making decisions regarding a patient’s care. Critically appraising resources
makes it easier to look at information and quickly determine its strengths, weaknesses, and use
for patient care (LoBiondo-Wood & Haber, 2017). Having a familiarity of the hierarchy of
research will allow nurses to understand the differing approaches and levels of evidence. These
seven levels of evidence range from the least reliable, such as opinion or editorials, to the most
reliable, such as systemic reviews and meta-analysis articles (Ingham-Broomfield, 2016).
Journal articles should be peer-reviewed, no older than 3-5 years, and include references used
(Capella University, 2007). Reviewing abstracts can quickly identify if the article pertains to the
information being sought.
2
Running head: DETERMINING THE CREDIBILITY OF EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH 1
Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources in Advanced Care Planning
Amanda Thorne
Capella University
Making Evidence-Based Decisions
Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources
October, 2019
Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources
As chronically ill patients and older adults approach end-of-life (EOL), they are
challenged with complex decisions including whether to prolong their lives with medical
advances (Lewis et al., 2019). Treatments among these patients is often times invasive and can
prolong suffering. Advanced care planning (ACP) allows patients to consider future healthcare
decisions; and participating in EOL conversations can positively affect patient goals of care, and
reduce the stress and psychological trauma associated with making these choices (Booth &
Lehna, 2016). It is important nurses not only understand how to professionally engage in ACP
with patients, but also understand a family or patient’s perception of appropriate care (Lewis et
al., 2019). Actively engaging in evidence-based research about ACP can provide a sound
knowledge background to aid in presenting this information to, and guiding patients and families
in making decisions regarding care.
Criteria Considerations in Determining Credibility
, DETERMINING THE CREDIBILITY OF EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH
3
It is important nurses are confident about how much emphasis they should place on a
resource when making decisions regarding a patient’s care. Critically appraising resources
makes it easier to look at information and quickly determine its strengths, weaknesses, and use
for patient care (LoBiondo-Wood & Haber, 2017). Having a familiarity of the hierarchy of
research will allow nurses to understand the differing approaches and levels of evidence. These
seven levels of evidence range from the least reliable, such as opinion or editorials, to the most
reliable, such as systemic reviews and meta-analysis articles (Ingham-Broomfield, 2016).
Journal articles should be peer-reviewed, no older than 3-5 years, and include references used
(Capella University, 2007). Reviewing abstracts can quickly identify if the article pertains to the
information being sought.
