Develop a 2-4 page scholarly paper in which you describe a quality or safety issue or a chosen diagnosis, and then identify and analyze credible evidence that could be used as the basis for applying EBP to the issue. Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources Introduction The goal of using evidence-based research findings is to enhance the safety and quality of patient care and ensure optimal outcomes are achieved. It is not uncommon to hear a nurse say, “why change it as we’ve always done it this way.” However, this is no longer acceptable in today’s practice environment. The profession of nursing has evolved, and the expectation is that the professional nurse has a scientific foundation to support the care that is provided. As the profession of nursing continues to evolve and engage in healthcare transformation, baccalaureate-prepared nurses are expanding, taking on leadership roles that include incorporating EBPs. To

Determining the Credibility of Evidence and Resources

Evidence-based practice (EBP) optimizes the quality of care by allowing nurses to uphold current evidence. Healthcare providers should collaborate with patients to implement EBP. This paper describes a quality issue that necessitates EBP. Furthermore, it discusses the criteria for evaluating the credibility of resources and identifies an EBP model used to tackle the quality issue.

Quality or Safety Issue

The quality issue is the use of evidence-based practices to manage and prevent central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). CLABSI is a nosocomial infection that occurs within forty-eight hours (Haddadin et al., 2022). Gram-positive and negative bacteria and candida species have been implicated as the etiological agents for CLABSI (Haddadin et al., 2022). Notably, gram-positive bacteria account for more than forty percent of the cases, whereas gram-negative bacteria account for more than twenty percent of the cases (Haddadin et al., 2022). It is worth noting that the incidence of CLABSI is higher when non-tunneled catheters are used (Haddadin et al., 2022). Other factors that increase the risk of CLABSI include immunocompromised states, chronic illnesses, and malnutrition (Haddadin et al., 2022).

CLABSI increases morbidity rates, prolongs hospitalizations, and increases healthcare costs. CDC.gov (2023) reports that more than 30,000 cases of CLABSI are reported in the USA annually. CLABSI prolongs hospital stays and increases treatment costs; for instance, managing each case costs more than $45,000 (Haddadin et al., 2022). Furthermore, Larsen et al. (2019) report that the annual cost of managing CLABSI in the USA is more than $1.9 billion. Haddadin et al. (2022) report that CLABSI accounts for more than twenty-eight thousand deaths annually in the USA. As such, CLABSI is an issue of concern that should be addressed via concerted efforts among nurses and other clinicians.

Criteria Used to Determine the Credibility of Resources

Researchers can use various strategies to evaluate the credibility of resources. Notably, the CRAAP criteria provide an elaborate framework for evaluating five aspects of the resources. To begin with, it evaluates the currency of a resource. Currency checks whether or not the article is updated and reviewed and the functionality of external links (Esparrago-Kalidas, 2021). Secondly, relevance evaluates whether or not the resource addresses the research topic and the needs of the researcher (Esparrago-Kalidas, 2021). Thirdly, the authority evaluates the sources of the resource. This addresses aspects such as the credentials and affiliations of authors. Fourthly, accuracy evaluates the correctness of the information by focusing on aspects such as references, supporting evidence, and typographical errors (Esparrago-Kalidas, 2021). Finally, purpose checks whether or not the authors identified their objects and the presence of bias.

Credibility and Relevance of Evidence and Resources

In this context, the nurse seeks to manage and prevent future cases of CLABSI. As such, he should leverage peer-reviewed articles that discuss the aetiology, prevention, and management of CLABSI. Examples of relevant resources have been authored by  Awadh et al. (2021), Buetti et al. (2022), Park et al. (2020), and Selby et al. (2021). These resources fulfil the CRAAP test. To begin with, their currency is evidenced by the fact that they were published within the past four years. Furthermore, their relevance is evidenced by the fact that they discuss various aspects of CLABSI: the causes, risk factors, management, and prevention. Also, the authority of the resources is credible because the authors indicate their credentials and affiliations. The accuracy of the resources is evidenced by the presence of in-text citations, references, supporting evidence, and the absence of typographical errors. In addition, the authors identified the purpose of the articles. The articles aim to explore strategies for preventing and managing CLABSI.

Evidence-Based Practice Model

The nurse can embrace the Iowa Model of EBP to manage the patient and prevent future cases of CLABSI. This model acknowledges the role of patients, healthcare practitioners, the hospital’s management, and the infrastructure in implementing EBP (Cullen et al., 2022). As such, the model is an enabler for teamwork among the multidisciplinary team. The model requires the team to identify decision points and solve problems pragmatically. Researchers embrace sequential steps when using this model. Firstly, they should identify a problem that requires a change in practice (Cullen et al., 2022). Secondly, they should determine whether or not the problem is relevant to the healthcare facility (Cu