Define Evidence-based practice According to the textbook, nurses in various settings are adopting a research-based (or evidence-based) practice that incorporates research findings into their decisions and interaction with clients. How do you see this being applied in your workplace? 350 WORDS, NO PLAGIARISM, MINIMUM OF 1 REFERENCE Purchase the answer to view it
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a fundamental concept in healthcare that emphasizes the integration of the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences to guide decision-making and improve the quality of care. According to the textbook, nurses in various settings are adopting EBP as a means to incorporate research findings into their decisions and interactions with clients (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2014). In this context, the application of EBP in my workplace can greatly enhance the delivery of care and patient outcomes.
One way that I see EBP being applied in my workplace is through the use of clinical practice guidelines. These guidelines are developed based on a rigorous analysis of the latest research evidence, and they provide healthcare professionals with recommendations for optimal care for specific health conditions or issues (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). By following these guidelines, nurses can ensure that their practice is aligned with the most up-to-date and effective interventions. For example, in the case of managing diabetes, our organization has adopted the American Diabetes Association’s clinical practice recommendations, which outline evidence-based strategies for screening, diagnostics, treatment, and education. By incorporating these recommendations into our practice, we can improve the quality and consistency of care provided to our diabetic patients.
Another way that EBP is applied in my workplace is through the regular review and appraisal of research evidence. Nurses are encouraged to keep up-to-date with the latest research literature and critically evaluate the evidence to inform their practice. This involves searching for and appraising relevant studies, synthesizing the findings, and translating them into practical recommendations for care. For instance, if a new study is published on the effectiveness of a particular intervention for reducing healthcare-associated infections, our infection control team will carefully evaluate the study and consider its implications for our infection prevention protocols. By incorporating the most recent evidence into our practice, we can ensure that our interventions are based on the best available information and are likely to yield positive outcomes for our patients.
Furthermore, EBP is applied in my workplace through the use of quality improvement projects. These projects involve the systematic evaluation of current practice through the collection and analysis of data, with the aim of identifying areas for improvement and implementing evidence-based strategies to enhance care delivery (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). For example, my unit recently conducted a quality improvement project to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in our patient population. We collected data on risk factors, current prevention strategies, and the occurrence of pressure ulcers. Based on the evidence gathered, we implemented new interventions, such as incorporating regular assessments of pressure ulcer risk and utilizing evidence-based support surfaces. Through the implementation of these interventions and the ongoing evaluation of outcomes, we were able to significantly reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in our unit.
In summary, the application of evidence-based practice in my workplace is crucial for providing high-quality, patient-centered care. By using clinical practice guidelines, staying up-to-date with research evidence, and conducting quality improvement projects, nurses can ensure that their practice is supported by the best available evidence. This not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system as a whole. Therefore, it is essential for nurses to embrace and integrate EBP into their daily practice.
References:
Burkhardt, M. A., & Nathaniel, A. (2014). Ethics and issues in contemporary nursing (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Wolters Kluwer.