EBP107A – Evidence-Based Practice (Nursing)

Torrens University Australia 

This assessment brief reflects contemporary expectations for undergraduate nursing education at Torrens University Australia. It aligns with current accreditation standards, evidence-based practice competencies, and nursing graduate outcomes for 2025. The task develops students’ capacity to locate, appraise, and apply research evidence to clinical decision-making in real nursing contexts.

Assessment Title

Applying Evidence-Based Practice to a Clinical Nursing Question

Assessment Type

Written Evidence-Based Practice Paper

Weighting

40%

Length

1,500 words ±10% (excluding references)

Due

As per unit outline

Unit Learning Outcomes Assessed

• Explain the principles and purpose of evidence-based practice in nursing.
• Formulate a focused clinical question using a structured framework.
• Locate, appraise, and synthesise relevant research evidence.
• Apply evidence to nursing practice while considering patient context and professional standards.
• Communicate evidence-based recommendations clearly and logically.

Assessment Overview

In this assessment, you will demonstrate your ability to apply evidence-based practice to a nursing-related clinical issue. You are required to develop a focused clinical question, search for relevant research, critically appraise selected studies, and discuss how the evidence informs nursing practice. The task emphasises accuracy, clinical relevance, and clear reasoning rather than volume of literature.

Assessment Instructions

i. Select a Clinical Issue

Identify a common nursing practice issue relevant to acute, community, or aged-care settings. The issue should be specific, clinically meaningful, and supported by existing research.

ii. Develop a Clinical Question

Formulate a clear, focused question using the PICO framework:

• P – Patient or population
• I – Intervention or exposure
• C – Comparison (if applicable)
• O – Outcome

iii. Search for Evidence

Conduct a structured literature search using at least two academic databases (e.g. CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library). Clearly describe your search strategy, including key terms, inclusion criteria, and publication date limits.

iv. Appraise the Evidence

Select a minimum of three peer-reviewed research articles published within the last seven years. Critically appraise the quality, relevance, and limitations of each study. Use an appropriate appraisal approach consistent with evidence-based practice principles.

v. Apply Evidence to Practice

Discuss how the findings inform nursing practice. Consider patient preferences, clinical context, professional guidelines, and potential barriers to implementation.

vi. Conclusion

Summarise key findings and clearly state evidence-based recommendations for nursing practice.

Required Structure

1. Introduction
2. Clinical Question (PICO)
3. Search Strategy
4. Critical Appraisal of Evidence
5. Application to Nursing Practice
6. Conclusion
7. Reference List

Formatting Requirements

• APA 7th edition referencing
• 12-point font, double-spaced
• Academic tone with clear, direct language
• Headings used consistently

Marking Criteria

i. Clinical Question and Relevance (20%)

Clarity, focus, and relevance of the PICO question to nursing practice.

ii. Literature Search and Evidence Selection (20%)

Appropriateness of databases, search strategy, and justification for selected studies.

iii. Critical Appraisal (25%)

Depth of analysis, understanding of research quality, and identification of strengths and limitations.

iv. Application to Practice (25%)

Integration of evidence into nursing practice, consideration of patient context, and clinical reasoning.

v. Academic Writing and Referencing (10%)

Structure, clarity, grammar, and accurate APA referencing.

Academic Integrity

All work must comply with Torrens University academic integrity standards. Plagiarism, fabrication of sources, or inappropriate use of AI tools will result in penalties as outlined in university policy.

This assessment develops core evidence-based practice skills required for safe, effective nursing care. Mastery of these skills supports clinical decision-making, professional accountability, and improved patient outcomes in contemporary healthcare environments.

 Peer-Reviewed References

• Melnyk, B.M. & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019) Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare: A guide to best practice. 4th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. https://doi.org/10.1097/9781975110659
• Polit, D.F. & Beck, C.T. (2021) Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. 11th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. https://books.google.com/books?id=9cVQEAAAQBAJ
• Dang, D. & Dearholt, S.L. (2018) Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice: Model and guidelines. 3rd edn. Indianapolis: Sigma Theta Tau International. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826135474
• Hoffmann, T., Bennett, S. & Del Mar, C. (2019) Evidence-based practice across the health professions. 3rd edn. Sydney: Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2016-0-04333-3