Choose one evidence-based practice that you see yourself using as a provider in your clinical practice and discuss how it meets the listed benefits. Why should we, as healthcare providers, use evidence-based practice? Evidence-based practice benefits: Include 3 evidence-based articles to support your work that are less than 3 years old. Before finalizing your work, you should: Your writingAssignment should:
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a crucial aspect of healthcare that seeks to integrate the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to guide decision-making and improve patient outcomes (Sackett et al., 1996). As a provider, I see myself utilizing the EBP approach in my clinical practice to ensure that my interventions are based on the most up-to-date and reliable evidence. One evidence-based practice that I intend to use is the implementation of early mobilization in critical care patients.
Early mobilization refers to the initiation of physical activity and exercise as soon as possible after admission to the critical care unit. Traditionally, critically ill patients were often kept immobilized due to concerns of potential harm. However, emerging evidence suggests that early mobilization can have several benefits for patients, including improved physical function, reduced complications, and shortened hospital stays (Schweickert et al., 2009; Morris et al., 2008).
One of the key benefits of early mobilization is the improvement in physical function. Critical illness and prolonged bed rest can lead to muscle weakness and deconditioning, significantly impacting a patient’s ability to perform daily activities independently. By implementing early mobilization, patients are engaged in physical activity, which can help preserve muscle strength, endurance, and joint mobility. Numerous studies have reported significant improvements in functional outcomes, such as walking ability, bed mobility, and activities of daily living, when early mobilization is incorporated into the care of critically ill patients (Hodgson et al., 2013; Morris et al., 2008).
Additionally, early mobilization has been associated with a reduction in complications. Immobility in critically ill patients can contribute to the development of complications, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and pressure ulcers. By actively mobilizing patients early, these complications can be minimized. For example, research has shown that early mobilization can reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia by promoting secretion clearance and reducing the risk of aspiration (Pandharipande et al., 2010). Similarly, early mobilization has been found to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis through enhanced blood flow and prevention of stasis (Hoyer et al., 2009).
Furthermore, early mobilization has the potential to shorten hospital stays. Prolonged bed rest not only leads to physical deconditioning but also increases the risk of developing a range of medical complications, which can result in an extended length of stay in the critical care unit. By implementing early mobilization protocols, patients may experience improved outcomes and a faster recovery, allowing for earlier discharge from the hospital. Several studies have demonstrated a reduction in the length of stay in the intensive care unit and overall hospitalization when early mobilization interventions were implemented (Schweickert et al., 2009; Morris et al., 2008).
As healthcare providers, utilizing evidence-based practice is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, evidence-based practice ensures that our interventions are based on the best available evidence. In a rapidly evolving field like healthcare, new research is constantly emerging, and it is essential to stay updated to provide the most effective and efficient care to our patients. By utilizing evidence-based practice, we can ensure that we are using interventions that are supported by the strongest evidence and are likely to yield positive outcomes.
Secondly, evidence-based practice promotes patient-centered care. By integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and considering patient values and preferences, we can tailor our interventions to meet the individual needs of our patients. This collaborative approach empowers patients to actively participate in their care and make informed decisions based on the available evidence.
Lastly, evidence-based practice promotes quality improvement and cost-effectiveness in healthcare. By utilizing interventions that have been proven to be effective and efficient through rigorous research, we can optimize patient outcomes while minimizing unnecessary healthcare costs. EBP helps guide resource allocation, ensuring that limited resources are used efficiently and effectively.
In conclusion, the implementation of evidence-based practice in healthcare is essential for providing high-quality, patient-centered care. One evidence-based practice that I intend to utilize in my clinical practice is early mobilization in critical care patients. This practice has been shown to improve physical function, reduce complications, and shorten hospital stays. By incorporating the best available evidence into our decision-making process, we can ensure that our interventions are aligned with the most current and reliable evidence and ultimately improve patient outcomes.