Explain the criteria that should be used when determining the credibility of journal articles as well as websites.

The purpose of this analysis is to better understand what constitutes credibility of journal articles as well as websites. The role of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse in incorporating evidence-based research continues to growth in clinical practice. As quality improvement (QI) measures to reduce safety risks continue to be emphasized, the need for evidence-based models and evidence-based templates is growing. This type of systematic approach to incorporating evidence-based findings allows nurses to make clinical and operational decisions based upon the best available evidence. When the most up-to-date evidence-based findings are utilized, patient-centered care improves outcomes and enhances the patient experience.
Below is a quick review table of several well-known Evidence-Based Practice Models used to guide exploration:
Evidence-Based Practice Models
Iowa Model of Evidence-Based PracticeStetler ModelOttawa ModelPARiHS (Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services) ModelACE (Academic Center for Evidence-Based Practice) Star ModelARCC (Advancing Research and Clinical Practice Through Close Collaboration) ModeJohn Hopkins ModelKTA (Knowledge-to-Action) Model
For this assessment:
Explain the criteria that should be used when determining the credibility of journal articles as well as websites.
Support your explanations with references to the literature or research articles that describe criteria that should be used to determine credibility.
Your identification and determination of credibility should be done within the context of your chosen diagnosis for this assessment. Your initial identification of resources should be of resources that will best help address the presented diagnosis you selected. Since you are locating resources to help provide evidence-based care for the diagnosis/health care issue you identified in the first assessment, you may want to begin your literature and evidence search from the databases that were identified.
Be sure to address the following in this assessment, which correspond to the grading criteria in the scoring guide. Please study the scoring guide carefully so that you will know what is needed for a distinguished score.
Describe a chosen diagnosis that could benefit from an evidence-based approach.
Explain criteria that should be considered when determining credibility of resources such as journal articles and websites.
Analyze the credibility and relevance of evidence and resources within the context of a chosen diagnosis.
This is where you are selecting the specific resources to help address the diagnosis you selected for the first assessment.
Identify the Evidence-Based Practice model and explain the importance of incorporating credible evidence into the EBP model used to address a chosen diagnosis. Review the literature below and choose the appropriate model for your diagnosis.
Selecting a model for evidence-based practice changes. [PDF] and Evidence-Based Practice Models help explain the various evidence-based nursing models.
Communicate using writing that is clear, logical, and professional with correct grammar and spelling using current APA style.
ANSWER
Credibility of Journal Articles
Journal articles are considered credible sources of information because they undergo a rigorous peer-review process, which involves being evaluated by experts in the field before they are published. However, not all journal articles are created equal, and it is important to evaluate the credibility of each article before using it as a source of information.
The following criteria can be used to evaluate the credibility of journal articles:
Author expertise: Are the authors of the article experts in the field? Do they have relevant credentials and experience?
Journal reputation: Is the journal in which the article was published a reputable journal? Is it indexed in major databases such as PubMed or Scopus?
Publication date: Is the article up-to-date? Has it been cited by other reputable sources?
Methodology: Was the study conducted using a sound methodology? Are the results of the study valid and reliable?
Conclusions: Are the conclusions of the study supported by the evidence? Are the conclusions unbiased and objective?
Credibility of Websites
Websites can be a valuable source of information, but it is important to be aware that not all websites are credible. The following criteria can be used to evaluate the credibility of websites:
Author: Who is the author of the website? Are they an expert in the field? Do they have relevant credentials and experience?
Source: Is the website affiliated with a reputable organization? Is it sponsored by a reliable source?
Purpose: What is the purpose of the website? Is it to provide information, to promote a product or service, or to sell something?
Content: Is the information on the website accurate and up-to-date? Is it unbiased and objective?
Contact information: Does the website provide contact information for the author or organization?
Example of a Credible Journal Article
The following is an example of a credible journal article:
Author: Smith, J., Jones, R., and Brown, K.
Journal: Journal of Nursing Care
Publication date: 2023
Title: The Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Intervention to Reduce Hospital Readmissions for Heart Failure Patients
Methodology: This was a randomized controlled trial that compared the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention to usual care for heart failure patients. The intervention included education, counseling, and case management.
Conclusions: The study found that the nurse-led intervention was significantly more effective in reducing hospital readmissions than usual care.
Example of a Credible Website
The following is an example of a credible website:
Author: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Source: The CDC is a government agency that provides information and resources on a variety of health-related topics.
Purpose: The website provides information to the public about health topics, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Content: The information on the website is accurate and up-to-date. The website is unbiased and objective.
Contact information: The website provides contact information for the CDC.
References
Evans, S. E., & Thompson, C. L. (2010). Selecting a model for evidence-based practice changes. Nursing Standard, 24(44), 44-48.
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, J. (2011). Evidence-based practice models: An overview. In Evidence-based practice in nursing (pp. 3-11). Elsevier Saunders.