Creating A Culture Of Evidence-Based Practice 339318

Creating a Culture of Evidence Based Practice Evidence based practice EBP in its most simplistic form is using the evidence whether from clinical experiences or patient preferences to make decisions that affect patient care positively Polit Beck 2017

Creating a Culture of Evidence-Based Practice Evidence-based practice (EBP) in its most simplistic form is using the evidence, whether from clinical experiences or patient preferences, to make decisions that affect patient care positively (Polit & Beck, 2017).

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is fundamental to ensuring high-quality, safe patient care and involves integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. In healthcare settings, nurses play a pivotal role as frontline providers who are uniquely positioned to recognize the need for practice changes based on emerging research and patient needs. Consequently, fostering a culture of EBP within healthcare organizations is critical for continuous improvement and optimal patient outcomes.

To effectively implement EBP, a structured dissemination plan is necessary. In many institutions, such as the facility described, a dedicated EBP committee educates nursing staff about new practices. These committees evaluate the evidence, develop protocols, and then present findings to emergency department leadership for endorsement. Once approved, information is disseminated through multiple channels: department meetings, bulletin boards, and online learning modules. This approach aligns with the ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation, which emphasizes the movement of research findings into practice to enhance patient care (Polit & Beck, 2017). The model underscores the importance of transforming knowledge through synthesis, dissemination, and implementation to produce meaningful clinical outcomes.

Despite structured strategies, a variety of barriers hinder the widespread adoption of EBP. Prejudice against research findings, lack of leadership support, and nurses' attitudes toward research are common obstacles. Moore & Tierney (2019) identified themes highlighting the disconnection between research and practice, including perceptions that research is "other people's business" and that research involvement is a task only conducted during formal education, not part of daily practice. Additionally, the pressures of a patient satisfaction culture and time constraints contribute to resistance, making it challenging for nurses to prioritize EBP activities (Henderson & Fletcher, 2015).

Overcoming these barriers requires courageous leadership committed to fostering a supportive environment for EBP. Leaders must actively address organizational culture, provide resources, and emphasize the benefits of evidence-based changes. Building a research culture includes promoting curiosity, critical reflection, and continuous learning among nurses (Berthelsen & Holge-Hazelton, 2018). When nurses are aware of ongoing research and its relevance to their practice, they are more likely to engage in EBP, contributing to improved patient outcomes and professional growth.

Creating awareness about research activities and involving nurses at all levels can mitigate feelings of incompetence and foster a sense of ownership in practice improvements. Leadership should encourage a community of sharing, self-reflection, and staying current with emerging evidence. When nurses find meaning and relevance in their work through evidence-based inquiry, it enhances motivation and aligns daily practice with the latest standards and knowledge. Ultimately, developing a robust research culture within nursing is a vital step toward advancing effective, safe, and patient-centered care (Berthelsen & Holge-Hazelton, 2018).

References

  • Berthelsen, C., & Holge-Hazelton, B. (2018). Caught between a rock and a hard place: An intrinsic single case study of nurse researchers’ experiences of the presence of a nursing research culture in clinical practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14209
  • Henderson, E., & Fletcher, M. (2015). Nursing culture: An enemy of evidence-based practice? A focus group exploration. Journal of Child Health Care, 19(4). https://doi.org/10.1177
  • Moore, F., & Tierney, S. (2019). What and how...but where does the why fit in? The disconnection between practice and research evidence from the perspective of UK nurses involved in a qualitative study. Nurse Education in Practice, 34, 90-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2018.11.008
  • Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Related Assignments