complexity of healthcare
With the growing complexity of healthcare, practice problems are bound to rise. Such a situation will demand enhanced research into clinical issues and consistent changes in practice to alleviate the problem areas. Consequently, a large cadre of nursing practice and research scholars would be necessary. This group of individuals plays an integral role in influencing change.
The cadre of scholars impacts practice changes in various ways. Firstly, they utilize their knowledge of population health and clinical medicine to identify areas that require change. It is imperative to note that implementing change without having a conception of the underlying problem is improbable; thus, problem identification is the first step in the change-in-practice process. Secondly, they help to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of changes in practice through evidence-based research like pre- and post-test intervention mechanisms (Saunders & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, 2016). Through this act, the researchers may influence change by acting as a means of quality control.
The work of the cadre is critical in translating evidence into practice. According to Trautman et al. (2018), the identification of practice problems is not a challenge for healthcare practitioners. Nonetheless, the authors argue that gaps exist regarding the translation of knowledge into practice. The scholars can help in sealing these gaps by developing practice guidelines for each recommendation made in research work. Essentially, it requires the scholars to incorporate knowledge translation plans into evidence-based research. Such plans should provide clear information on the activities necessary to ensure that the practical application of the suggestions given is possible within a healthcare setting.
The cadre may lead to clinical innovation by structuring their recommendations in a simple manner that clinicians can comprehend. Changes in practice seek to overcome the status quo; hence, in a hospital setting, resistance should be anticipated. The scholars should engage all providers in the entire process to obtain their buy-in.
References
Saunders, H., & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K. (2016). The state of readiness for evidence-based practice among nurses: An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 56, 128-140.
Trautman, D. E., Idzik, S., Hammersla, M., & Rosseter, R. (2018). Advancing scholarship through translational research: The role of PhD and DNP prepared nurses. Online Journal of Issues In Nursing, 23(2), 1. https://doi.org.10.3912/OJIN.Vol23No02Man02.