Questions: "What is the length of stay for ICU patients after receiving end of life communication?" Which inquiry method would be appropriate for the question above? Quality Improvement Research Evidence-Based Practice

The answer is Research.

Explanation for each option:

1. Research: This method is appropriate for the question because it involves systematically investigating and studying materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. The question about the length of stay for ICU patients after receiving end-of-life communication seeks to gather new data or insights, which is typically the goal of research. Research would involve collecting data, analyzing it, and drawing conclusions about the relationship between end-of-life communication and ICU length of stay.

2. Quality Improvement: This method focuses on enhancing processes and outcomes within a specific healthcare setting. While quality improvement might involve examining ICU stays, it is more about implementing changes to improve care rather than investigating a specific question to generate new knowledge. Therefore, it is not the most appropriate method for answering the question posed.

3. Evidence-Based Practice: This approach involves integrating clinical expertise with the best available research evidence and patient values to make decisions about patient care. While evidence-based practice might use existing research to inform decisions about end-of-life communication, it does not typically involve conducting new research to answer a specific question, making it less suitable for the inquiry at hand.