Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Summary

What is Evidence-Based Practice?

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a significant strategy applied in order to attain the best quality care to patients and families. Studies have shown that the practices based on evidences reduces drastically the uncertainty and challenges witnessed in both healthcare professional and patients. Additionally, evidence-based practice enhances the outcome of the patients as compared to the customary practice(Benner, et al., 2009).Research indicate that patients who receives treatments grounded on the evidences from well-made studies experience nearly 30 percent improved outcomes. The definition of evidence-based practice indicates that two distinct factors must be factored in; research application, evidence-based practice and research conduct. Research application is defined as “the use of investigation information, frequently grounded on single research in clinical practice.” However, the term “research utilization” frequently is used inter-changeably with evidence-based practice, research application is but a portion of evidence-based practice.

Evidence-based practice is therefore define as “problem-solving method to practice that includes the careful use of up-to-date best evidence in making choices about patient care.” One viewpoint is to reason basing on one’s practice on current evidence, or investigation that has been directed to applying present literature or evidence on which to base one’s practice. For example, to create a practice modification founded on the best evidence, one would carry out a literature exploration and judgmentally evaluate the literature(Rogers, J. L., 2009).As soon as the best practices are identify, the practice modification can take place. Nevertheless, in the occasion that evidence does not occur or is harshly limited, a logical research study is necessary. Carrying out a research can deliver the essential evidence on which to base nursing practice.

The History of Evidence-Based practice

Archie Cochrane, a British epidemiologist, established the evidence-based practice program in which his inspiration and devotion were important in assisting individuals make informed choices about healthcare. Cochrane’s effort is utmost apparent in the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews, printed a number of years after his death in 1988(Ridenour, J., 2009). The database comprises of greatly designed and systematic reviews on a gathering of importance healthcare topics. In addition, Sigma Theta Tau international offers systematic assessments, known as worldwide on Evidence-Based Nursing, to monitor nursing practice athwart many importance topic.

Key Facilitators

In an attempt to overcome obstacles, Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt have recognized initiators to evidence-based practice: managerial sustenance and time to seriously evaluate literature for pertinent and best evidence, in addition to the executing and appraising findings. In addition to these approaches, it is important for the federal agencies, health insurers, healthcare organizations, program creators and governing bodies’ supporter for and necessitate the use of evidence-based practices(Newhouse, et al., 2011). The American Nurses Credentialing Center has recognized important features of Magnet-recognized hospitals, comprising integration of evidence-based practice all over the organization. The Magnet Recognition Program, established by the center, identifies healthcare organizations that offer the greatest in nursing care and support the convention of proficient nursing practice. The program also delivers a mechanism for distributing fruitful practices and approaches among nursing structure.

Key Steps

Evidence-based practice follows six steps in the systematic review. The six step are applicable to various fields of nursing in the healthcare practice.

Step one: formulating the question: The investigator transforms the requirement for information about a monitoring problem into a responsible query. For example, instructors might desire to recognize why they cannot substitute 100 percent of learners’ clinical practices with imitation. Thus, investigator might cultivate the subsequent accountable question: in prelicensure programs are clinical practices with authentic patients important for public safeguard.
Step two: identifying and collecting evidence: The investigator explorations and recover sprinted outcomes of educations. This step necessitates an inclusive appraisal of databanks and websites to safeguard that all pertinent primary research have been gathered.
Step three: Appraising quality of the evidence: The investigator analytically examines the evidence for its rationality and influence, or consequence size and for significance to the question.
Step four: Processing data: The investigator excerpts and synthesizes the data, assimilating them with supervisory know-how and the tenets of public safeguard.
Step five: Disseminating Findings: Outcomes are conveyed to a broader policy public, and best practices are recognized
Step six: Evaluating effectiveness and efficiency: Continuous excellence enhancement is accompanied in an exertion to pursue ways to expand.

How is Evidence-based Practice Different From Research?

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and research are related concepts in the healthcare field, but they serve different purposes and processes. Here’s how they differ:

Purpose

Research: The primary purpose of research is to generate new knowledge or validate existing knowledge within a specific field. It involves systematic investigation and experimentation to answer specific questions, test hypotheses, or explore new areas of inquiry. Research is about discovering what is not yet known.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): The purpose of EBP is to apply the best available evidence to clinical decision-making to improve patient outcomes. EBP involves integrating clinical expertise, patient preferences, and the best research evidence available. It’s about using what is already known to guide practice.

Process

Research: Research follows a systematic process that typically includes identifying a problem or question, reviewing existing literature, formulating hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments or studies, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. The research process is often lengthy and rigorous, aimed at contributing to generalizable knowledge.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): EBP involves a more practical process where healthcare providers identify clinical questions, search for the best available evidence (often from existing research), critically appraise the evidence, and apply it to patient care. EBP is iterative and focused on improving practice based on current knowledge rather than generating new knowledge.

Output

Research: The output of research is typically a research study or series of studies, which contribute new findings to the scientific community. These findings are often published in academic journals and can take the form of quantitative data, qualitative insights, or theoretical developments.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): The output of EBP is improved patient care and clinical outcomes. EBP results in guidelines, protocols, or practices that are directly implemented in clinical settings. The emphasis is on practical application rather than the creation of new theories or data.

Focus

Research: Research is broad and can be theoretical, experimental, or observational. It may not always have immediate practical applications and can be conducted in various settings, including laboratories, universities, or clinical environments.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): EBP is specifically focused on clinical practice. It is driven by the goal of improving patient care and is usually conducted in healthcare settings. EBP is patient-centered and involves applying research findings in real-world clinical situations.

Examples

Research: Conducting a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a new drug.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): Reviewing the latest research on hypertension management and updating clinical guidelines to incorporate the most effective treatments based on that research.

In summary, research is about creating new knowledge, while Evidence-Based Practice is about applying that knowledge to improve patient care.

Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Example

One example of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in nursing is the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) for the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs).

Background

Central line-associated bloodstream infections are serious complications that can occur in patients who have central venous catheters (central lines). These infections are associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Preventing CLABSIs is a critical priority in healthcare settings, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs).

Evidence-Based Practice Example

Intervention: The use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) for daily bathing of patients with central lines has been identified as an effective measure to reduce the risk of CLABSIs.

Research Evidence: Multiple studies, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, have demonstrated that daily bathing with CHG significantly reduces the incidence of CLABSIs compared to traditional soap and water bathing. These studies provide strong evidence that CHG is effective in reducing microbial colonization on the skin, thereby lowering the risk of infection.

Clinical Expertise: Nurses, based on their clinical experience, recognized the importance of maintaining a sterile environment around central lines. However, the addition of daily CHG bathing was informed by research evidence, which guided the practice to prevent infections more effectively.

Patient Preferences: Patients and their families were informed about the benefits of CHG bathing and its role in preventing serious infections. Understanding the rationale behind the practice often led to greater acceptance and compliance with the intervention.

Implementation in Nursing Practice

In many healthcare facilities, the evidence supporting CHG bathing has led to the adoption of this practice as part of the standard care protocol for patients with central lines. Nursing staff are trained to perform CHG bathing on a daily basis for these patients, and compliance with this protocol is monitored to ensure adherence.

Outcome

The implementation of daily CHG bathing has resulted in a significant reduction in the rates of CLABSIs in units where this practice is used. This has led to improved patient outcomes, including lower infection rates, reduced hospital stays, and decreased healthcare costs.

This example illustrates how Evidence-Based Practice in nursing integrates research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to enhance patient care and outcomes. The use of CHG bathing for the prevention of CLABSIs is a clear demonstration of how EBP can lead to significant improvements in healthcare delivery.

Conclusion

Evidence-based practice, a problematic resolving method to using best evidence in making choice about patient treatment is no longer a choice for staff nurse. Patient treatment must be grounded on evidence for ideal result. Equally significant as applying evidence as the basis of superiority patient treatment is the carrying out an investigation to seal the breaches in present nurse literature. While nurse can be trained how to carry out evidence-based practices at the bedside, continuing sustenance is essential from nursing supervision. This provision is critical in enabling an evidence-based practice principles within the health care facility.

Get Your Custom Paper From Professional Writers. 100% Plagiarism Free, No AI Generated Content and Good Grade Guarantee. We Have Experts In All Subjects.

Place Your Order Now