Learning Resources Note: To Access This Module's Required ✓ Solved

Learning Resources Note: To access this module’s required

To access this module’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings: Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer. Chapter 7, “Patient Concerns, Choices and Clinical Judgement in Evidence-Based Practice” (pp. 219–232).

Hoffman, T. C., Montori, V. M., & Del Mar, C. (2014). The connection between evidence-based medicine and shared decision making. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1295–1296. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.10186.

Kon, A. A., Davidson, J. E., Morrison, W., Danis, M., & White, D. B. (2016). Shared decision making in intensive care units: An American College of Critical Care Medicine and American Thoracic Society policy statement. Critical Care Medicine, 44 (1), 188–201. doi:10.1097/CCM.

Opperman, C., Liebig, D., Bowling, J., Johnson, C. S., & Harper, M. (2016). Measuring return on investment for professional development activities: Implications for practice. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 32 (4), 176–184. doi:10.1097/NND.

Schroy, P. C., Mylvaganam, S., & Davidson, P. (2014). Provider perspectives on the utility of a colorectal cancer screening decision aid for facilitating shared decision making. Health Expectations, 17 (1), 27–35. doi:10.1111/j..2011.00730.x.

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. (2019). Patient decision aids. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Paper For Above Instructions

Evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing emphasizes the integration of the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences in healthcare decision-making (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). This essay discusses key concepts of patient concerns, choices, and clinical judgment in EBP, focusing on shared decision-making principles and their implications in clinical practice.

Understanding Patient Concerns

Patients bring a myriad of concerns into clinical settings, often influenced by personal, social, and cultural factors. Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2018) highlight that understanding these concerns is vital for providing patient-centered care. The acknowledgment of patients’ values and preferences fosters trust and engagement, essential for effective communication and adherence to treatment plans.

Shared Decision-Making in Healthcare

Shared decision-making (SDM) has emerged as a cornerstone of patient-centered care. According to Hoffman et al. (2014), SDM involves a process where healthcare professionals and patients collaboratively make decisions about treatment options. This approach considers the patient's values and preferences, aligning treatment plans with what matters most to them. Research by Kon et al. (2016) indicates that implementing SDM in intensive care units yields positive outcomes, including increased patient satisfaction and improved adherence to treatment.

Clinical Judgment in Evidence-Based Practice

Clinical judgment represents the ability of healthcare professionals to evaluate evidence, assess patient needs, and make informed decisions. Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2018) emphasize that clinical judgment is informed by a combination of empirical data and individual patient contexts. By integrating clinical judgment with patient concerns and preferences through SDM, practitioners can provide holistic and individualized care.

Implications for Practice

Incorporating EBP and SDM into nursing practice requires a shift in mindset and training. Opperman et al. (2016) discuss the importance of measuring the return on investment for professional development activities to enhance nursing competencies in EBP. This includes training programs focused on communication skills, critical thinking, and ethical considerations to enable nurses to facilitate effective shared decision-making processes.

The Role of Decision Aids

Decision aids serve as valuable tools in supporting patients and healthcare professionals during SDM. Schroy et al. (2014) demonstrate that decision aids can clarify treatment options and align them with patients’ values, enhancing understanding and retention of information. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (2019) provides various decision aids that can be integrated into clinical practice, helping clinicians navigate challenging conversations with patients regarding their healthcare choices.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the benefits of EBP and SDM, several challenges exist. Barriers such as time constraints, lack of training, and differing levels of health literacy among patients can hinder effective implementation. To address these issues, healthcare systems must prioritize training programs like workshops and simulations that empower professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, promoting a culture of shared decision-making within organizations can facilitate better patient engagement and interaction.

Conclusion

Implementing EBP through shared decision-making is essential to enhance patient care in nursing. By actively engaging patients in their healthcare decisions, nurses can provide care that respects individual preferences and fosters positive health outcomes. Continuous improvement in training and resource allocation is crucial to overcome existing challenges and promote a shared decision-making culture in clinical settings.

References

• Hoffman, T. C., Montori, V. M., & Del Mar, C. (2014). The connection between evidence-based medicine and shared decision making. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1295–1296. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.10186.
• Kon, A. A., Davidson, J. E., Morrison, W., Danis, M., & White, D. B. (2016). Shared decision making in intensive care units: An American College of Critical Care Medicine and American Thoracic Society policy statement. Critical Care Medicine, 44(1), 188–201. doi:10.1097/CCM.
• Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
• Opperman, C., Liebig, D., Bowling, J., Johnson, C. S., & Harper, M. (2016). Measuring return on investment for professional development activities: Implications for practice. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 32(4), 176–184. doi:10.1097/NND.
• Schroy, P. C., Mylvaganam, S., & Davidson, P. (2014). Provider perspectives on the utility of a colorectal cancer screening decision aid for facilitating shared decision making. Health Expectations, 17(1), 27–35. doi:10.1111/j..2011.00730.x.
• The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. (2019). Patient decision aids. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.