Comment On Evidence-Based Practice And Conscientious Integra

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Evidence-based practice (EBP) is defined as the conscientious integration of the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patients’ values and needs to deliver high-quality, cost-effective healthcare (University of Illinois at Chicago, 2015). This approach promotes safe, effective, and affordable health outcomes for patients, their families, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system at large. EBP evolves through the continuous incorporation of the best available research findings with clinicians’ expertise and patient preferences, ensuring that care remains personalized and scientifically grounded (Grove, Gray & Burns, 2015).

Additionally, EBP has significantly influenced clinical protocols across various disciplines, such as the treatment of acute muscle strains. Historically, management of muscle injuries involved ice application during the initial 24 hours to reduce swelling, followed by heat therapy to promote blood flow. However, recent evidence-based guidelines suggest that heat application alone can be more beneficial in promoting healing and reducing pain (The University of New Mexico, 2016, Nov. 30). This change highlights the importance of integrating current research findings into practice to enhance patient outcomes.

Infection control is another critical area where EBP has made strides, especially concerning preventable complications like bloodstream infections associated with intravascular devices. The I-Care model, emphasizing: I—IV device management, C—Cleaning of hands, A—Access protocols (such as using alcoholic chlorhexidine for insertion site preparation and sterile alcohol swabs before access), R—Reviewing daily necessity of devices, and E—Education about device care, exemplifies EBP implementation to reduce infection rates (The Joint Commission, 2013, Nov. 20). By applying these research-supported interventions, healthcare workers can drastically lower infection rates and improve patient safety.

In my work at a correctional facility, EBP was utilized during a flu outbreak. Implementing hand hygiene practices, specifically hand washing with soap and water combined with contact precautions, was supported by research as the most effective method to prevent viral transmission (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Additionally, screening and testing individuals within the same dormitory were vital measures supported by evidence to prevent further spread of infection, demonstrating the proactive role of EBP in outbreak management.

Paper For Above instruction

Evidence-based practice (EBP) represents a cornerstone of modern healthcare, emphasizing the integration of the best available research, clinical expertise, and patient values to optimize health outcomes. The importance and application of EBP are multidimensional, impacting diverse areas such as injury management, infection control, and patient assessment strategies, which collectively advance the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Fundamentally, EBP calls for clinicians to stay informed of current research and incorporate findings into everyday practice. For example, in the management of acute muscle strains, traditional intervention relied heavily on icing within the first 24 hours, aimed at reducing swelling. However, recent research has challenged this approach, indicating that heat therapy may be more effective for promoting blood flow and healing without the adverse effects associated with ice (The University of New Mexico, 2016). This change underscores the necessity for healthcare providers to evaluate and adapt practices continually based on emerging evidence, thus ensuring interventions are both current and effective.

Infection prevention strategies in healthcare settings also exemplify the value of EBP. The implementation of the I-Care bundle—comprising proper device management, hand hygiene, sterile technique, regular review of device necessity, and staff/patient education—relies on evidence supplied by research indicating these measures significantly reduce bloodstream infections (The Joint Commission, 2013). Practical application of such evidence-supported protocols in real-world settings, including hospitals and correctional facilities, demonstrates a commitment to safety and quality improvement efforts.

In correctional facilities specifically, the outbreak of influenza highlighted how adherence to evidence-based practices can effective mitigate disease transmission. Hand hygiene, including proper handwashing techniques using soap and water, along with contact precautions such as wearing gloves and masks, form the fundamental preventable measures supported by extensive research (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Screening and testing contacts within the same environment further reinforce outbreak containment based on evidence that early detection and isolation of cases help control spread.

Beyond infection control, EBP is crucial in clinical assessments like blood pressure measurement and pain management. Accurate blood pressure readings depend on correct cuff sizing, proper positioning of the arm, and the selection of appropriate devices—findings supported by research demonstrating that these factors significantly influence measurement accuracy (Rauen et al., 2008). Using validated and reliable tools such as automatic cuffs or manual sphygmomanometers ensures consistency and precision in patient evaluations.

Similarly, pain assessment in non-verbal or cognitively impaired patients illustrates the importance of evidence-based approaches. Validated pain scales such as the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Wong-Baker Faces are widely used and supported by research for their reliability and practicality in diverse patient populations (Wells, Pasero & McCaffery, n.d.). For patients with advanced dementia, behavioral observation remains critical, guiding appropriate pain management strategies based on documented evidence (Flynn Makic, n.d.).

Overall, the continual integration of research findings into clinical practice supports the advancement of healthcare quality while ensuring patient safety and efficacy of care. As healthcare evolves, so must the practices of clinicians, making EBP an essential element for delivering patient-centered, evidence-based, and cost-effective care.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Infection Prevention & Control. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/index.html
• Flynn Makic, M. B. (n.d.). Pain assessment in cognitively impaired patients. Nursing and Healthcare Journals.
• Grove, S. K., Gray, J., & Burns, N. (2015). Understanding Nursing Research: Building an Evidence-Based Practice (6th ed.). Saunders.
• Rauen, C. A., Chulay, M., Bridges, C., Vollman, K., & Arbour, M. (2008). Validity of automatic vs manual blood pressure measurement in atrial fibrillation patients. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 23(2), 134–139.
• The Joint Commission. (2013). Prevention of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections. TJC Publication.
• The University of New Mexico. (2016). Evidence-Based Approaches to Muscle Injury. UNM Health Sciences.
• University of Illinois at Chicago. (2015). Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare. UIC School of Nursing.
• Wells, N., Pasero, C., & McCaffery, M. (n.d.). Pain assessment and management. In Pain: Clinical manual (Chapter 17). Elsevier.