Describe the seven levels of evidence and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from each

Describe the seven levels of evidence and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from each

Describe the seven levels of evidence and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from each

In the course of doing research, it is important for researchers to understand the levels of evidence in qualitative research so they can accurately assess the validity and credibility of the findings. The levels of evidence range from weakest to strongest, with level I being the weakest and level VII being the strongest (Baixinho et al., 2020). Some of the factors that help determine the strength of evidence include how well the research was conducted, how representative the sample was, how much data was collected, and how well it was analyzed. The level of evidence is also based on how well each study measures up against these factors. So overall, it is important for researchers to be aware of the different levels of evidence so they can make informed decisions about which studies to trust and which ones to discard. The purpose of this assignment is to describe the seven levels of evidence and to provide an example of the type of practice change associated with each.

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Level of Evidence in the Research Process

The term “levels of evidence” refers to the hierarchy of studies that are used to examine a particular research question. The highest level of evidence, LEVEL I, is generated by large, well- designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In other words, level I evidence is associated with the evidence from the meta-analysis of the entire relevant randomized controlled trials or the evidence from the systematic review of the RCTs (Baixinho et al., 2020). There are many different types of practice changes that can be associated with level I evidence in the research process. Perhaps the most obvious is changing the way that research is conducted. For example, if a new method of data collection is found to be more effective, researchers may begin using this new method instead of the old one. Similarly, if a new type of analysis is found to be more reliable, researchers may begin using it instead of less reliable methods. These changes can occur at any stage in the research process, from design to data collection to analysis and interpretation.

LEVEL II evidence comes from small RCTs. In other words, level II evidence consists of evidence obtained from at least one well-controlled randomized control trial (Baixinho et al., 2020). The practice change associated with level II evidence is the implementation of case control study or well-designed cohort study.

Level III evidence comprises “well-designed controlled trials without randomization” (including quasiexperimental and observational studies). The practice change that is associated with level III evidence in the research process is the incorporation of expert opinions in the research or nursing practices.

LEVEL IV evidence includes “well-designed case-control and cohort studies” The type of practice change associated with level IV evidence can be seen in the research process itself. Level IV evidence is generated from observational studies, which means that researchers must take into account potential confounding factors that could impact the results of the study. This requires a more sophisticated research design and data analysis, as well as a greater understanding of the variables at play (Wright et al., 2018). By taking these extra steps, level IV evidence provides a stronger foundation for clinical decision-making.

LEVEL V evidence consists of evidence from systematic reviews of descriptive and qualitative studies (meta-synthesis). Example of practice change that is associated with level V evidence include the implementation of expert opinion without explicit critical review or Evidence based medicine”.

LEVEL VI Evidence consists of evidence from a single descriptive or qualitative study. Example of practice change that is associated with the level VI evidence is the implementation of case-control studies or historical cohort in the clinical research process in determining effectiveness of medication (Wright et al., 2018).

LEVEL VII Evidence consists of evidence from the opinion of authorities and/or reports of expert committees. One example of a practice change associated with level VII evidence in the research process is the use of proton pump inhibitors to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (Wright et al., 2018). A recent study found that proton pump inhibitors are no more effective than H2 receptor antagonists in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease and may cause adverse effects, such as pneumonia. As a result of this study, doctors may begin to prescribe H2 receptor antagonists more often than proton pump inhibitors to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Conclusion

These levels are important because they help guide clinicians in making treatment decisions. The levels of evidence range from weakest to strongest, with level I being the weakest and level VII being the strongest. Some of the factors that help determine the strength of evidence include how well the research was conducted, how representative the sample was, how much data was collected, and how well it was analyzed.

References

Baixinho, C. L., Presado, M. H. C. V., & Oliveira, E. S. F. D. (2020). The place of qualitative research in Evidence-Based Practice. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 73. https://www.scielo.br/j/reben/a/hQ4TrRd3LrLSLBYZZPXzMvq/?lang=en

Wright, J. G., Swiontkowski, M. F., & Heckman, J. D. (2018). Introducing levels of evidence to the journal. JBJS, 85(1), 1-3. https://journals.lww.com/jbjsjournal/Fulltext/2003/01000/INTRODUCING_LEVELS_OF_EVIDENCE_TO_THE_JOURNAL.1.aspx

 

Assessment Description
Describe the seven “levels of evidence” and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from each.