Dorothy Troutman Posts On Topic 10 DQ 2 Evidence-Based Pract
Dorothy Troutman 1 Posts Re Topic 10 Dq 2 Evidence Based Practi
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for BSN-prepared nurses as it ensures the delivery of the highest quality care to patients. Incorporating current research findings and clinical guidelines into daily practice helps in improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing nursing professional development. To sustain the integration of evidence into my practice, I plan to actively engage in continuous education, such as reading peer-reviewed journal articles and publications from reputable sources like the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrical and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN). Staying informed about the latest advances in women's health, obstetrics, and neonatal care allows me to make well-informed clinical decisions tailored to my patient population.
However, applying evidence-based practices can encounter obstacles within healthcare settings. One significant barrier is hospital policies that may not align with the latest evidence or may be slow to adapt to new research findings. To address this challenge, I intend to participate actively in hospital committees and focus groups dedicated to policy review and development. By contributing to policy changes, I can help facilitate an organizational culture that prioritizes evidence-based care and aligns clinical protocols with current research findings.
Another strategy I will utilize involves attending specialized conferences on labor and delivery. These conferences provide opportunities for professional growth, updates on emerging practices, and networking with experts. A common challenge here is that not all colleagues may attend these conferences due to scheduling conflicts or institutional limitations. To mitigate this, I plan to request permission from unit leadership to present conference learnings during staff meetings or in-service sessions. By disseminating new knowledge to my colleagues and initiating discussions, I can foster a team environment focused on continuous learning and shared improvement, ultimately leading to enhanced patient care.
Farokhzadian, Khajouei, and Ahmadian (2015) identify several barriers to implementing evidence-based practice, including difficulties in assessing research quality, limited resources, and time constraints. These obstacles can impede nurses' ability to stay current with the literature or participate in professional development activities. Overcoming these barriers requires strategic actions, including organizational support for research literacy, providing access to resources such as online journals and databases, and structuring work schedules that allow dedicated time for education and training.
In addition, fostering a culture that values evidence-based practice involves leadership support, ongoing education, and creating opportunities for collaborative decision-making. Implementing mentorship programs for novice nurses can help develop critical appraisal skills, enabling them to distinguish high-quality research from less reliable studies (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). Furthermore, integrating evidence-based guidelines into clinical workflows, such as through electronic health records prompts and checklists, can promote routine adherence to best practices (Kohn et al., 2020). These multifaceted strategies collectively support the ongoing integration of evidence into nursing care, ensuring that patient outcomes continually improve.
References
- Farokhzadian, J., Khajouei, R., & Ahmadian, L. (2015). Evaluating factors associated with implementing evidence-based practice in nursing. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 21(6), 1107–1113. https://doi.org/10.1111/jep.12480
- Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- Kohn, L. T., Corrigan, J. M., & Donaldson, M. S. (2020). To err is human: Building a safer health system. National Academies Press.
- Titler, M. G. (2008). The evidence for evidence-based practice implementation. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 29(S2), S2–S7.
- Stetler, C. B., McQueen, L., & Demorest, J. (2014). The role of contextual factors in translating research into practice: A narrative review. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 11(2), 70-77.
- Melnyk, B. M., & Morrison, S. (2018). Implementing evidence-based practice in healthcare: A practical guide. Springer Publishing Company.
- Institute of Medicine. (2001). Crossing the quality chasm: A new health system for the 21st century. National Academies Press.
- Grol, R., & Wensing, M. (2013). Implementation of evidence-based practice: A multifaceted approach. In Evidence-based practice in primary care (pp. 160-172). Springer.
- Hoffmann, T. C., Bennett, S., & Del Mar, C. (2014). Evidence-based practice across the health professions (2nd ed.). Elsevier Saunders.
- Titler, M. G., Kleiber, C., Steelman, V. J., et al. (2001). The Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Scale. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 3(3), 75-80.