Historical Perspective Essay
NUR/518
August 11, 2012

Historical Perspective Essay
“Research is systematic inquiry that uses disciplined methods to answer questions or solve problems. The ultimate goal of research is to develop, refine, and expand knowledge (Burns & Grove, 2011) .” “Nursing research is systematic inquiry designed to develop trustworthy evidence about issues of importance to the nursing profession, including nursing practice, education, administration, and informatics (Polit & Tatano, 2012) .” Stetler’s Model of Research Utilization to Facilitate Evidence-Based Practice is a primary example of this. This model was developed by Stetler and Marram in 1976. Stetler then expanded the model in both 1994 and 2001 to promote evidence based practice in nursing. (Polit & Tatano, 2012) The model enhances the use of research evidence by nurses to promote evidence based practice. On a basic level this model can use the knowledge from the research to enhance or influence a nurse’s decisions or have an impact on educational programs and many other uses. Stetler’s 2001 model contains five phases. They are: preparation, validation, comparative evaluation/decision making, translation/application and evaluation.
Stetler’s intention with the 2001 model was “to make using research evidence in practice a conscious, critical thinking process that is initiated by the user. (Polit & Tatano, 2012) ” Preparation determines the purpose of potential outcomes that can make evidence based change in a clinical arena. Such research could be used to solve critical clinical problems. It could also be used as an educational program within a hospital environment. Validation refers to the research being scientifically sound. If the research is solid then its use can be prioritized as to the use of the evidence in practice (Polit & Tatano, 2012) . Comparative