IBCLC - Certification Research and Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards

When conducting a chart review to assess breastfeeding outcomes, what type of study design is being used?

Answer: Retrospective study

Retrospective studies analyze previously collected data such as medical records to investigate outcomes or associations after the fact.

An IBCLC implements a new skin-to-skin protocol based on a Cochrane review. The Cochrane review is an example of:

Answer: Secondary research and systematic review

Cochrane reviews are systematic reviews that synthesize multiple primary studies, making them secondary research and high-level evidence.

What is the appropriate IBCLC response when current evidence on a clinical question is limited or conflicting?

Answer: Defer to client preference while acknowledging uncertainty

When evidence is limited, IBCLCs should acknowledge the uncertainty, integrate available evidence with clinical judgment, and honor client preferences through shared decision-making.

Which outcome measure is most relevant when evaluating the effectiveness of a hospital breastfeeding support program?

Answer: Exclusive breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge

Exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge directly measure the program's impact on the primary goal of supporting breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity.

What is the main advantage of a cohort study over a cross-sectional study when researching breastfeeding duration?

Answer: It can establish temporal relationships and track changes over time

Cohort studies follow participants prospectively over time, allowing researchers to establish temporal relationships between exposures and outcomes.

Peer-reviewed journals are preferred for evidence in IBCLC practice because:

Answer: The research has undergone independent expert evaluation for quality

Peer review involves independent expert evaluation of methodology, analysis, and conclusions before publication, helping ensure research quality and validity.