1. : https://sigmapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/wvn.12021 2. After reading both studies discuss: 1. What is evidence based practice and what are some of the barriers encountered by nursing to evidence based practice? 2. How has the SBAR positively influenced interdisciplinary communication and collaboration? 3. After reading the article on EBP did you find that the competencies improve the delivery of care and patient outcomes?
1. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an approach to healthcare in which decisions and interventions are based on the best available evidence from research, coupled with the clinician’s expertise and the patient’s values and preferences. It involves the incorporation of current research findings, clinical expertise, and patient input to guide clinical decision making and improve patient outcomes. EBP aims to bridge the gap between research evidence and clinical practice to ensure that interventions are effective, safe, and tailored to individual patients.
However, there are several barriers encountered by nursing in implementing evidence-based practice. One key barrier is the lack of access to and availability of high-quality research evidence. Nurses often face difficulties in finding appropriate, up-to-date, and relevant research studies that address their specific clinical questions. This can be attributed to limited access to scholarly journals and databases, lack of research literacy and critical appraisal skills, and time constraints in searching and reviewing literature.
Another barrier is the resistance to change and traditional practices. Many healthcare professionals, including nurses, may be reluctant to adopt new evidence-based interventions due to ingrained habits, personal beliefs, fear of change, or skepticism about the relevance and applicability of research findings to their specific patient population. This resistance can hinder the implementation and uptake of evidence-based practice in nursing.
Lack of organizational support and resources also pose significant barriers. Nurses require adequate time, resources, and administrative support to search, appraise, and integrate research evidence into their practice. However, heavy workloads, time constraints, and competing demands often impede nurses’ ability to engage in evidence-based practice. Limited funding for research, lack of leadership support, and absence of organizational structures and processes for promoting evidence-based practice further exacerbate these barriers.
2. The SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) communication tool has positively influenced interdisciplinary communication and collaboration in healthcare settings. SBAR provides a structured framework for communication, particularly in scenarios that require concise and accurate information exchange, such as handoffs, reporting critical clinical situations, or seeking consultation.
By following the SBAR format, healthcare professionals, including nurses, can effectively communicate essential information in a standardized manner. The use of concise and structured communication ensures that critical details are not overlooked and that all relevant parties are informed appropriately. This promotes patient safety and minimizes errors caused by miscommunication or incomplete information transfer.
The SBAR tool also enhances interdisciplinary collaboration by facilitating efficient and effective teamwork. When healthcare professionals use a standardized communication format, misunderstandings and assumptions are reduced, and all team members can have a shared understanding of the patient’s condition and the recommended actions. This promotes collaborative decision making, reduces conflicts, and enhances the overall coordination of care across different disciplines.
Moreover, the SBAR tool contributes to the development of a culture of safety and interdisciplinary collaboration within healthcare organizations. By providing a standardized approach to communication, it helps to establish clear expectations and norms for communication among healthcare professionals. This fosters mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to patient-centered care, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
3. After reading the article on evidence-based practice, it was evident that competent nursing practice based on evidence improves the delivery of care and patient outcomes. The article provided insights into the essential competencies required by nurses to engage in evidence-based practice successfully. These competencies included skills in research appraisal, critical thinking, knowledge translation, clinical expertise, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
The integration of evidence into nursing practice was shown to enhance the quality and safety of care. Evidence-based interventions, derived from rigorous research, have been found to lead to improved patient outcomes, such as reduced mortality rates, decreased complications, increased patient satisfaction, and enhanced adherence to best practices. Additionally, implementing evidence-based guidelines and protocols can promote consistency and standardization of care, thereby reducing unwarranted variations in practice.
The article emphasized the importance of the nurse’s role as a knowledge broker, actively seeking and applying the best available evidence in clinical decision making. Nurses equipped with the competencies to interpret and apply research findings can contribute to the advancement of nursing practice, improve patient care, and drive innovation within the healthcare system.
However, it is important to recognize that implementing evidence-based practice requires a multifaceted approach, addressing not only individual nurse competencies but also organizational culture, supportive policies, and resource allocation. Nurses must be empowered with the necessary skills and resources, and healthcare organizations should prioritize the integration of evidence-based practice into their systems and structures to fully realize its potential in improving patient outcomes.