Comment On Reading That Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Is Cur

Comment1reading That Evidence Based Practice Ebp Is Currently Only A

Reading that Evidence Based Practice (EBP) is currently only at 15% in the United States is concerning. EBP is defined as “integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. … EBP is aimed at hardwiring current knowledge into common care decisions to improve care processes and patient outcomes” (The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 2013). If asked, most nurses would express a desire to provide the best possible care for their patients. Yet, the adoption rate of EBP remains low at 15%. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2013) highlights several barriers contributing to this limited implementation, notably lack of time to locate and synthesize knowledge and negative attitudes towards research and EBP.

Time constraints are a significant obstacle, given the demanding schedules of nursing professionals who often have little free time outside work to engage in research activities. Many nurses are overwhelmed with their responsibilities, leaving minimal opportunity to seek out new evidence or updates in clinical practice. Additionally, negative attitudes toward EBP can hinder its integration. For example, veteran nurses may resist changes such as bedside shift reports, despite evidence supporting their benefits, due to a preference for established routines and skepticism of new methods.

To address these barriers, one proposal involves assigning mandatory learning activities related to EBP. By integrating structured educational modules into nurses’ regular schedule, healthcare institutions can ensure that staff members are exposed to and engaged with current evidence-based practices. Leadership accountability is essential here to guarantee compliance and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Regular assessments and oversight can verify that nurses are applying their knowledge to clinical practice effectively.

Supporting Evidence and Additional Perspectives on Barriers to EBP

A review published in the American Journal of Nursing (2012) supports these observations, identifying lack of time and organizational culture as primary impediments to EBP adoption (p. 1). Increasing nurse-to-patient ratios exacerbate time limitations, making it difficult for nurses to deviate from routine practices while managing their workloads. The increased workload and the need to maintain established routines often result in resistance to change, especially among older nurses approaching retirement who may be less receptive to adopting new practices.

Furthermore, organizational culture plays a crucial role in facilitating or hindering EBP. Organizations that lack a supportive environment for innovation and change may foster resistance among staff, especially if leadership does not promote or incentivize evidence-based initiatives. The cultural inertia within some healthcare settings can be challenging to overcome, particularly when staff members are accustomed to traditional practices and skeptical of new evidence.

To foster a more supportive environment, healthcare organizations should implement mandatory educational activities focused on EBP. These initiatives can include online modules, workshops, and journal clubs designed to promote engagement and understanding of current research. Such education not only increases knowledge but also helps shift organizational culture towards valuing innovation and continuous learning. Additionally, leadership should actively champion EBP, providing resources, incentives, and recognition to staff members who demonstrate commitment to evidence-based care.

In my current workplace, for instance, engaging in EBP is encouraged through mandatory completion of online modules after attending relevant courses. This approach helps reinforce learning, ensuring that staff members integrate evidence-based changes into their routine practice. When institutions create a culture that values and supports EBP, nurses are more likely to embrace and sustain these practices, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and care quality.

Conclusion

Implementing EBP is crucial for advancing healthcare quality but faces significant barriers, chiefly time constraints and organizational culture. Overcoming these obstacles requires systematic approaches, including mandatory education, leadership support, and cultural change initiatives. By prioritizing these strategies, healthcare institutions can increase EBP adoption, ensuring that clinical practices are grounded in the best available evidence, thereby improving patient outcomes and professional satisfaction among nurses.

References

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2013). Barriers to Evidence-Based Nursing Practice. AACN Publications.
  • The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. (2013). Defining Evidence-Based Practice. 18(2), 1-3.
  • American Journal of Nursing. (2012). Barriers to Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice. 112(4), 1-2.
  • Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
  • Turner, K., & Barker, R. (2019). Cultivating a Culture of Evidence-Based Practice in Hospitals. Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(3), 127-132.
  • Greenhalgh, T., Wherton, J., Papoutsi, C., Lynch, J., & Hughes, G. (2017). Beyond Adoption: A New Framework for Theorizing and Evaluating Nonadoption, Abandonment, and Challenges to the Scale-Up, Spread, and Sustainability of Health and Care Technologies. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(11), e367.
  • Prochaska, J. O., & Velicer, W. F. (1997). The Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change. American Journal of Health Promotion, 12(1), 38-48.
  • Shaw, R. L., & Seidman, A. (2018). Organizational Culture and Its Impact on Evidence-Based Practice Implementation. Journal of Nursing Management, 26(4), 500-508.
  • Yongwen, T. (2020). Strategies to Promote Evidence-Based Practice among Nurses. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 10(5), 45-52.
  • Johnson, M., & Wilson, K. (2021). Leadership’s Role in Promoting Evidence-Based Practice. Nursing Leadership, 34(2), 56-65.

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