Complete all your lesson content and assigned readings. Make sure that you are focusing on: Instructions: · Answer the questions listed below using complete sentences. · Use correct grammar, spelling and APA format. · Support your answers using credible sources such as textbooks, course materials, and evidence-based articles ( Resources: 1. Describe an example of evidence-based practice (EBP) change or guidelines. 2. Explain how EBP improves patient care.
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a fundamental aspect of healthcare that involves incorporating the best available evidence into clinical decision-making. It is a systematic and explicit approach to clinical practice that aims to improve patient outcomes by integrating research evidence, patient preferences, and clinical expertise. In this assignment, we will explore an example of EBP change or guidelines and discuss how it improves patient care.
One example of EBP change or guidelines is the use of thrombolytic therapy in the management of acute ischemic stroke. Thrombolytic therapy involves the administration of drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow in the brain. Guidelines for the use of thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke are based on rigorous research evidence and have been established by organizations such as the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA).
The AHA/ASA guidelines recommend the use of intravenous (IV) tPA within 4.5 hours of symptom onset in eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke. These guidelines are based on multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews that have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of thrombolytic therapy in improving outcomes for eligible patients. The guidelines also provide specific criteria for patient eligibility and exclusion to ensure appropriate use of thrombolytic therapy.
EBP improves patient care in several ways when it comes to the use of thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke. Firstly, the use of evidence-based guidelines ensures that eligible patients receive timely and appropriate treatment. Studies have shown that early administration of tPA within the recommended time frame significantly improves the chances of favorable outcomes, including reduced disability and improved functional independence.
Secondly, EBP helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions regarding the use of thrombolytic therapy. By considering the best available evidence, clinicians can effectively weigh the potential benefits and risks of treatment. This allows for shared decision-making with patients, taking into account their preferences and values. In the case of thrombolytic therapy, for example, some patients may have contraindications or higher risk factors that need to be carefully evaluated before administering the treatment.
Furthermore, EBP promotes standardized and consistent care across healthcare settings. By following evidence-based guidelines, healthcare professionals can ensure that treatments are delivered consistently and in accordance with the best available evidence. This reduces unwarranted variations in practice and improves the overall quality of care provided to patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Lastly, EBP helps identify gaps in knowledge and areas for further research. As new evidence emerges, guidelines can be updated to reflect the most current research findings. For example, recent studies have explored the use of endovascular therapy in combination with thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke, and these findings have led to the inclusion of endovascular therapy as an alternative treatment option in certain eligible patients in the updated guidelines.
In conclusion, evidence-based practice plays a crucial role in improving patient care, as exemplified by the use of thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke. The guidelines based on rigorous research evidence not only ensure timely and appropriate treatment for eligible patients but also facilitate informed decision-making, promote standardized care, and guide future research. By incorporating the best available evidence into clinical practice, healthcare professionals can optimize patient outcomes and contribute to the ongoing improvement of healthcare delivery.