The strategies and techniques discussed below are designed to help you build the knowledge and skills to integrate evidence-based practice (EBP) into your daily work. They are also intended to help you develop confidence in your ability to use EBP in practice.
Preferences drive the adoption of new practice
In healthcare organizations, evidence-based practice (EBP) is a vital tool to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and safety risks, and increase the quality of care. EBP is a process that draws on scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to optimize patient care. During EBP, nurses integrate the best available science work with a holistic, patient-centered approach.
As EBP is integrated into practice, there is a need for organizational governance that supports EBP practices. These governance mechanisms include various committees, councils, and staff education groups. It is essential to ensure that leadership support is available and ongoing.
The IOM defines patient-centered care (PCC) as providing care that is responsive to the individual needs of patients. PCC emphasizes patient values and preferences and incorporates patients as a part of the decision-making process.
Improves quality of care
Evidence based practice in nursing and healthcare is crucial for improving patient care and ensuring safe and high-quality services. It is a process of drawing on the most recent research and clinical experience and then applying that knowledge to the practice of nursing. The goal of evidence-based practices is to improve patients’ health and wellness, reduce treatment complications, and decrease overall healthcare costs.
Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare requires continuing education. As new medical conditions emerge, healthcare providers must stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. This is why nurses need to continue training to ensure they have the latest knowledge and skills.
Building the knowledge to integrate EBP can give RNs confidence
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a way to guide healthcare management decisions with a wealth of scientific evidence. It has many benefits for both patients and healthcare providers.
Despite its widespread use, EBP has its share of misconceptions. Many nurses still need to work on applying evidence-based practices and techniques. However, there are opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Nurses have a large role to play in the EBP movement.
The ACE Star model of knowledge transformation is a helpful tool for understanding the EBP movement comprehensively. Developed by Stevens (2004), this model identifies the key stages of knowledge transformation and describes the main elements of a sound knowledge transformation.
Using computer labs
If you teach undergraduate nursing students, you probably know the importance of using evidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice is vital to patient safety and maintaining care quality. As a result, students are often expected to conduct critical analysis research. However, they often need more background to do so.
The key to successfully implementing EBP is to teach students how to evaluate evidence critically. This requires educators to implement several strategies. These include using literature-based models, interactive teaching techniques, and clinically integrated systems.
Literature-based models are an excellent way to encourage students to read about EBP. They improve student skills in literature retrieval and academic writing. Interactive and clinically integrated strategies help students learn how to link EBP to their clinical practices.
Translating evidence into practice
Research translation is the process of translating good-quality evidence into practice. This includes planning and conducting the research, identifying the appropriate audience, and tailoring messages via proper mediums. It also provides monitoring and evaluation of the translation.
Research translation is a growing area of interest among major health funders. The concept of research translation is often used interchangeably with knowledge translation. Both are necessary but not necessarily the same.
Research translation frameworks indicate key challenges to effective research translation. Frameworks usually apply to multiple theories and applications and help inform the decision-making processes related to research translation. They are also helpful in developing health programs and policies.
Small group learning is a practical learning-teaching approach
Small group learning is a great way to promote student participation, collaboration, and leadership. It also offers opportunities for students to develop new skills. While small group learning can have challenges, it can be an empowering experience for both faculty and students.
There are two main types of small group work. The first involves brainstorming and paired discussion, and the latter involves simulations. They help students practice the skills necessary to become a healthcare professional. Typically, small groups are formed around manikins or real-life patients.
These exercises allow students to learn and practice clinical skills in a safe environment. Using the proper simulation method, students can increase their investment and build stronger relationships with their manikins.
