The Institute of Medicine has stated a goal that 90% of practice be evidence-based by 2020. According to HealthyPeople.gov, the United States is currently at approximately 15%. Discuss two barriers that might hold nursing practice from achieving this goal, and suggest ways in which identified barriers may be addressed. APA styles. At least 1 reference. 200-300 words.
Title: Barriers and Strategies to Achieving Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
Introduction
Evidence-based practice (EBP) refers to the integration of best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences into clinical decision-making. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has set an ambitious goal of achieving 90% evidence-based practice by 2020. However, the current level of evidence-based nursing practice in the United States is only around 15%. This indicates the existence of significant barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of EBP in nursing. This paper aims to identify and discuss two barriers to achieving the IOM’s goal, as well as propose strategies to address them.
Barrier 1: Lack of Access to Current Research
One major barrier to evidence-based nursing practice is the limited access to current research. Nurses may face challenges in locating timely and relevant research articles or struggle with accessing expensive journal subscriptions. Furthermore, the fast-paced nature of nursing practice and limited time for continuing education can further impede nurses’ ability to stay updated with the latest evidence. This barrier prevents nurses from implementing evidence-based interventions, resulting in suboptimal patient outcomes.
Addressing Barrier 1: Promoting Open Access and Collaboration
To address the barrier of limited access to current research, it is imperative to promote open access to scholarly literature. Nurse leaders and organizations can advocate for open access publishing models, encouraging researchers and journal publishers to make their work freely available to the public. Additionally, collaboration between academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and professional nursing associations can facilitate the sharing of research findings and resources. This can include initiatives such as hosting research databases, providing online platforms for collaboration, and creating partnerships to ensure access to up-to-date research.
Barrier 2: Resistance to Change and Limited Research Literacy
Another crucial barrier to evidence-based nursing practice is resistance to change and limited research literacy among nurses. Some nurses may be reluctant to change their practice based on new evidence, especially if it contradicts their prior experience or beliefs. This resistance may stem from a lack of awareness regarding the benefits or advantages of EBP, or a lack of confidence in interpreting and understanding research findings. Insufficient research literacy skills can hinder nurses’ ability to critically appraise, synthesize, and apply research findings to their clinical practice, limiting the integration of evidence-based interventions.
Addressing Barrier 2: Enhancing Research Education and Support
To address the barrier of resistance to change and limited research literacy, it is crucial to enhance research education and support among nurses. Nursing education programs should prioritize the development of research and critical appraisal skills, enabling nurses to effectively evaluate research studies and translate evidence into practice. Healthcare organizations can provide ongoing education and training opportunities, such as workshops and seminars, to enhance research literacy among their nursing staff. Furthermore, mentorship programs can be established to support nurses in applying research findings to their practice and provide guidance for working through barriers and challenges.
Conclusion
Achieving the IOM’s goal of 90% evidence-based practice in nursing by 2020 is hindered by various barriers. Limited access to current research and resistance to change and limited research literacy among nurses are significant obstacles that must be effectively addressed. By promoting open access to research and fostering collaboration, as well as enhancing research education and support, nurses can be empowered to bridge the gap between research evidence and clinical practice. This will lead to improved patient outcomes and the advancement of the nursing profession as a whole.