Evidence, research and development pillar
Learning resources and training opportunities for advanced nurse practitioners under the evidence, research and development pillar.
Introduction
Welcome to the Evidence, Research and Development Pillar. 
Acknowledgements
The content of this pillar has been co-produced with academic colleagues at the University of Dundee and University of Edinburgh.
Within this section you will find an outline of the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support you to use evidence and research to inform your practice and improve services.
As an advanced level practitioner your knowledge and skills in relation to evidence, research and development should relate to these key areas:
- Acts as a role model for the wider team by promoting a positive research culture.
- Further enhance knowledge of research approaches including advanced evaluation methods to promote and embed evidence in practice.
- Identify and apply impact measures and use findings to enhance practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to search, critically appraise and synthesise evidence to inform practice and to underpin audit/research/quality improvement activity.
- Share good practice and the lessons learned from audit, research and quality improvement activity locally, and nationally through professional and peer reviewed processes.
- Utilise appropriate polices to ensure support for clinical research activity and adherence to research governance, including ethics, data protection and confidentiality.
- Demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of Quality Improvement/Clinical Audit/Research skills to improve practice and supports others to do so.
- Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex/professional problems and issues and help others do the same.
- Develop original and creative solutions to problems and support others to do so.
- Contribute to the wider research agenda through initiating or supporting NMAHP led research activity.
Overview
As advanced level practitioners you will be involved in, or lead, the development and delivery of evidence-based guidelines, service evaluation and/or research.
Evidence based practice requires that decisions about healthcare are based on the best available evidence, combined with clinical judgement and in collaboration with those receiving care, informed by knowledge of the available resources.
It is a requirement of professional standards that all professionals can measure and evaluate their practice. This contributes to improved patient outcomes and service improvement.
Advanced level practitioners should have a working knowledge of audit and quality improvement approaches as part of their everyday practice. Your role may also enable you to engage more widely in audit and, or quality improvement.
All advanced level practitioners should have a working knowledge of quality improvement methodology and apply it as a core part of their clinical practice. This includes supporting others to engage in improvement activity and sharing the results of that work locally and nationally.
In this section you will be encouraged to access the Knowledge Network, see http://www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/home/openathens.aspx for more information on Open Athens and NHS access.
Topics Section
The Evidence, Research and Development Pillar is presented under the following topic headings:
Audit and Quality Improvement
Overview of audit and quality improvement and how to support in practice.
Future Progression
Signposting to useful resources and information to support you to progress your interest in research.
