Statistics
Improving patient outcomes while decreasing costs has been a major goal in the healthcare sector. Various evidence-based programs have been implemented to achieve the goal. However, evidence-based practices rely on research and quality improvement. Numerous similarities exist between research and quality improvement. Research is used to guide the implementation of new evidence-based practices, while quality improvement is used to evaluate the changes in patient outcomes brought by the new practice.
Research is a systematic study aimed at the application of new knowledge to improve the production of the existing systems. On the other hand, quality improvement is a systematic process of using collected data to bring a positive change in the delivery of healthcare services (Katherine, 2015). Qualitative and quantitative methods are two broad categories of research methods. The quantitative research method involves the collection of data that is later mathematically analyzed to explain a particular phenomenon. For instance, a quantitative research method can be used in an education system to describe the increase in the number of females holding management degrees. Qualitative research tends to explain human behavior without relying on numerical data. Qualitative research can be used to explain why more youth are at risk of substance abuse.
Qualitative and quantitative research methods are useful in the healthcare sector. Through quantitative research, the effectiveness of the use of a particular intervention procedure can be accessed. The data collected on the patient’s outcome is analyzed, and conclusions are drawn based on the quantitative research findings. Qualitative research can be used in healthcare to explain why depression disorder is common among unemployed individuals.
In conclusion, research and quality improvement play a critical role in improving patient outcomes. Evidence-based practices are used to improve the quality of services offered to patients. The implementation of new evidence-based practices is guided by research. Quality improvement is used to evaluate the effects of a newly implemented evidence-based practices. Research is broadly classified in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
References
Katherine, G. (2015). Differentiating Between Research and Quality Improvement. Prinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 100-102.