Nowadays, Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a crucial skill that all healthcare professionals, including nurses, are expected to possess. It involves combining the best research findings with clinical expertise and patient values to achieve optimal health outcomes (Winters & Echeverri, 2012). This essay provides a brief overview of Evidence-Based Practice and highlights its importance in nursing practice for enhancing the quality of care. Additionally, it explores the potential role of EBP in nursing and identifies barriers that nurses should be mindful of during practice. Nonetheless, further research and evaluation are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of EBP.
Evidence Based Practice (EBP) is the conscious and clear utilization of the most current and reliable evidence for making informed decisions regarding the care of individual patients (Sackett, 1997). Nurses hold responsibility for providing comprehensive care to patients, including managing common symptoms. To effectively carry out this care, nurses must possess confidence and comfort in their understanding of fundamental principles, enabling them to administer appropriate treatment and implement effective interventions in response to patients’ reactions (Chlan, Tracy, & Grossbach, 2011). It is crucial that all healthcare professionals have access to the most up-to-date evidence in order to maintain the highest standard of practice (Chlan, et al., 2011). EBP has been introduced in the nursing field as a substitute for relying solely on practitioners’ expertise and knowledge (Chlan, et al., 2011).
The structure of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a systematic process consisting of seven scientific steps. Prior to implementing evidence into practice, nurses must analyze these steps in order to confirm their usefulness. The first step in EBP for nurses is conducting a community assessment, which involves gathering information about the patients’ existing socio-economic and physical environment conditions (Brownson et al., 2011).
According to Brownson, Baker, Left, Gillespie & True (2011), it is important to consider the currently used resources for ongoing programs. Nurses must then identify the issue that suggests appropriate treatment for a particular patient [Stating the Issue]. To quantify the stated issue, descriptive data should be utilized. This data can be obtained from sources such as special surveys, national studies, and vital statistical data. It can aid in quantifying diseases and understanding the behavior and characteristics of patients at a specific time [Issue Quantification] (Brownson, et al., 2011).
The first step for nurses in evidence-based practice is to search for clarification by finding ongoing research and comparing it with other available resources and literature research in order to find the appropriate option for the patient. This is known as evidence-based intervention search and comparison and critical appraisal of evidence-based interventions. The next step is for nurses to consider the necessary resources and personnel responsible for achieving the goal and objective before implementing the intervention, which is referred to as intervention implementation. Finally, nurses must evaluate which intervention or treatment will successfully achieve the stated objectives and goals and apply it. This is the evaluation step. (Brownson, et al., 2011).
The approach of EBP is beneficial for nurses as it allows them to use the best available evidence in clinical practice, taking into account individual patient preferences and circumstances (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011). Research has shown that using the best evidence in patient care leads to significant improvement in outcomes (Makic, Martin, Burns, Philbrick, & Rauen, 2013). Evidence collected from research studies, clinical experiments, and patient care data is valuable in guiding treatment decisions and assessing patient results (Fisher & Happell, 2009). EBP helps nurses select appropriate treatment options for patients with the same illness (Fisher & Happell, 2009), emphasizing the importance of considering patient characteristics and preferences.
This paragraph discusses the significance of using evidence-based practice (EBP) in making decisions about individual care and treatment. Fisher and Happell (2009) suggest that utilizing EBP strengthens clinical judgment based on patient information. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses acknowledges the importance of evidence in patient care and recommends its beneficial use (Winters & Echeverri, 2012).
Implementing and disseminating interventions that integrate with different practice contexts is challenging without evidence-based practice (EBP) (Leeman & Sandelowski, 2012). This creates difficulties for nurses to assess patient outcomes, leading to increased costs and time burdens for public and private healthcare sectors in managing patients. Thus, EBP has clinical as well as social, economic, and psychological benefits.
Despite ongoing debate, the introduction of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing and its impact on patient care is still subject to scrutiny due to insufficient research. To improve the effectiveness and usefulness of EBP, various aspects require additional investigation, such as selecting a framework model, identifying clinical questions, evaluating existing evidence, and assessing present practices (Makic et al., 2013). By conducting further research in this field, nurses will be better equipped to practice more efficiently and continuously enhance patient care through EBP.
In summary, this essay demonstrates that EBP (evidence-based practice) is a research-based approach to providing care based on the best scientific knowledge available. However, it is crucial to also consider the preferences and resources of the patient. The nurse bears the responsibility of delivering high-quality care. Incorporating evidence into practice can save time, money, and prevent complications in patients. Although more research is needed to enhance the quality and effectiveness of EBP, it remains essential in nursing for achieving optimal health outcomes.
References:
Brownson, R. C., Baker, E. A., Left, T. L., Gillespie, K. N., & True, W. R. (2011). Evidence-based public health: OUP USA.
Chlan, L., Tracy, M.F., and Grossbach, I. (2011). Achieving quality patient-ventilator management: advancing evidence-based nursing care.
Critical Care Nurse, 31(6), 46-50.
The article “Implications of evidence-based practice for mental health nursing” by Fisher, J.E., and Happell, B. (2009) is published in the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. It discusses how evidence-based practice affects mental health nursing. The article is 18(3) pages long and it can be accessed through the following doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0349.2009.00607.x
Leeman, J., & Sandelowski, M. (2012). Practice-Based Evidence and Qualitative Inquiry. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 44(2), 171-179.
Makic, M. B. F., Martin, S. A., Burns, S., Philbrick, D., & Rauen, C. (2013). Putting Evidence Into Nursing Practice: Four Traditional Practices Not Supported by the Evidence. [Article]. Critical Care Nurse, 33(2), 28-44. doi: 10.4037/ccn2013787
The title of the book is “Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare” written by Melnyk, B. M. and Fineout-Overholt, E. The publisher of the book is Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Sackett, D. L. (1997). Evidence-based medicine. Paper presented at the Seminars in perinatology.
The article “Teaching Strategies to Support Evidence-Based Practice” by Winters, C. A., and Echeverri, R. (2012) provides insights on effective teaching strategies for promoting evidence-based practice in critical care nursing (Critical Care Nurse, 32(3), 49-54).
