Implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP)

Implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP)

 Evidence-based practices have been made available for medical conditions, including diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and cardiac failure. According to Dang & Dearholt (2017), evidence-based practice refers to a vigilant and practical use of current best evidence, while combining it with clinician’s expertise and patient values in making healthcare decisions. The nursing profession is known for utilizing research founded by Florence Nightingale. However, the application of evidence-based interventions in care delivery is not habitually done, and inconsistencies in practices abound (Li et al. 2018). Besides, discrepancies in nursing interventions lead to difficulties in the definition of quality nursing care. It is, therefore, significant to note the strategies to promote the implementation of evidence-based practice and the use of outcome nursing indicators in patient care.

Strategies to support the implementation of EBP and the use of nursing outcome indicators

A multidimensional approach is required in putting into practice evidence-based practice. According to Li et al. (2018), the perspectives of researchers, healthcare practitioners, and healthcare consumers need to be considered in the implementation of EBP. For instance, in knowledge creation, researchers should involve end-users in healthcare, which comprise of healthcare organizations and clinicians. Therefore, feasibility is ascertained, and the implementation of evidence-based practice in the real-world becomes easier. Additionally, the creation of a supportive hospital culture by leaders improves implementation of EBP (Li et al. 2018). This can be done by nurse managers educating unit leaders in a collaborative atmosphere where creation and operationalization of processes lead to change. Involving nurses in the decision-making process, this ensures that every staff participates in the implementation of EBP interventions.

Nursing care aims to offer quality and safe patient care to patients, families, and communities. However, empirical evidence to support the contributions of nursing in patient care is lacking (Moorhead et al. 2018). The nursing profession has long been criticized as a profession relying on traditions instead of evidence. Thus, it is crucial to support strategies that utilize the use of nursing outcome indicators, including supporting nursing documentation and patient outcomes (Moorhead et al. 2018).

Evidence-based practice is crucial to the implementation of best practice from research findings and integrating it with patient values and clinician expertise. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, who are at the frontline of patient care delivery, should be supported in the implementation of evidence-based practice. Also, for the nursing actions to be visible, strategies to strengthen the use of nursing outcome indicators, including patient care documentation, should be supported.

References

Dang, D., & Dearholt, S. L. (2017). Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practise model and guidelines. Sigma Theta Tau.

Li, S. A., Jeffs, L., Barwick, M., & Stevens, B. (2018). Organizational contextual features that influence the implementation of evidence-based practices across healthcare settings: a systematic integrative review. Systematic reviews, 7(1), 72.

Moorhead, S., Johnson, M., Maas, M. L., & Swanson, E. (2018). Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC)-E-Book: Measurement of Health Outcomes. Elsevier Health Sciences.