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. Purchase the answer to view it
The goal of having 90% of practice be evidence-based by 2020, as stated by the Institute of Medicine, is a laudable one. However, the current status of evidence-based practice in nursing in the United States, which stands at approximately 15% according to HealthyPeople.gov, suggests that there are significant barriers preventing the achievement of this goal. This essay will discuss two barriers that might hold nursing practice from achieving the 90% evidence-based goal, and will propose potential strategies for addressing these barriers.
One significant barrier that hinders nursing practice from achieving the goal of evidence-based care is the lack of access to up-to-date and relevant research evidence. In order for nurses to deliver evidence-based care, they must have access to the latest research findings and be able to critically appraise and apply this knowledge to their practice. However, the sheer volume of research published and the complex and time-consuming process of conducting systematic reviews can make it challenging for nurses to stay updated with the current evidence. Furthermore, many nurses may not have access to scholarly databases or may lack the skills and confidence to effectively search and appraise research literature.
To address this barrier, it is crucial to improve nurses’ access to research evidence and provide them with the necessary resources and support for evidence-based practice. This can be achieved through various strategies. For instance, healthcare institutions and organizations can invest in subscriptions to academic journals and databases, ensuring that nurses have access to the latest research findings. Additionally, mentoring programs or workshops can be implemented to enhance nurses’ skills in searching, critically appraising, and integrating research evidence into their practice. Furthermore, healthcare organizations can establish partnerships with academic institutions to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration between researchers and clinicians, facilitating the translation of research evidence into practice.
Another barrier to achieving the 90% evidence-based practice goal in nursing is the resistance to change and the reliance on tradition and personal experience in clinical decision-making. Nurses, like any professionals, develop routines and habits over time. These routines and habits may involve clinical practices that have been passed down from previous generations or are based on personal experiences rather than evidence. This can result in a resistance to adopting new approaches or incorporating the latest evidence into practice. Additionally, nurses may feel overwhelmed by the volume of research evidence and lack the confidence or support to challenge established practices.
To address this barrier, it is necessary to foster a culture of research and evidence-based practice within healthcare institutions. This can be achieved through various strategies. Firstly, leadership and management should prioritize and promote evidence-based practice, providing clear expectations and support for nurses to incorporate research evidence into their decision-making. Secondly, educational programs and continuing professional development opportunities should emphasize the importance of evidence-based practice and provide nurses with the skills and knowledge to critically appraise and apply research evidence. Additionally, creating opportunities for nurses to engage in research, participate in quality improvement initiatives, and share their experiences and successes can help to build confidence and encourage the adoption of evidence-based practices.
In conclusion, achieving the goal of 90% evidence-based practice in nursing by 2020 requires addressing significant barriers. The lack of access to up-to-date and relevant research evidence and the resistance to change and reliance on tradition and personal experience are two barriers that hinder the achievement of this goal. However, by improving nurses’ access to research evidence and providing them with the necessary resources and support, as well as fostering a culture of research and evidence-based practice, it is possible to overcome these barriers and move closer to the 90% evidence-based practice goal.