Week one DQ response # 4

Alyssa Ridao posted May 5, 2020 8:31 PM

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Week 1 Discussion 1
What is Evidence-Based Practice?
Dr. Ruth Obregon
May 5, 2020
Alyssa Ridao
Alexander Pope quoted “To err is human” this saying can be applied in various ways in every aspect of life. In reference to nursing, a lot of our current practices and ways care is delivered has been explained to “because that’s the way it’s always been done” In the mid-20th century, Archibald Cochrane, a Scottish physician, firmly rallied for research based healthcare practices – thus the seed of Evidence-based practice (EBP).
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) has a broad definition that covers either nursing or medicine or other specialties; the only difference is the approach to implementation by each subspecialty. Evidence-based practice is the consolidation of the best research evidence partnered with clinical expertise needed by the patient in their plan of care that will result to the best possible outcome. According to Melnyk, Fineout-Overholt, Stillwell & Williamson (2010) evidence-based practice in nursing is “a problem-solving approach to the delivery of health care that integrates best evidence from studies and patient care data with clinician expertise and patient preferences and values.” (p.51-53)
In my own opinion the two biggest barriers to EBP is time and learned knowledge or behavior, it is not uncommon to hear healthcare providers to focus on other matters instead of devoting time to ensure proper implementation of EBPs. Change is always an uphill battle, often when we start changing practices that have been passed on from generations, we meet a lot of resistance and critique from our peers. One individual is not enough to change practice therefore it is important that we foster a culture of evidence-based approach and inquiry as this should be the norm of every care. Engaging the stakeholders and administration created a huge impact in ensuring EBP implementation and success. It takes dedication, persistence and perseverance to change and implement EBP’s and it starts with ourselves. As far as my experience in nursing goes a compelling clinical question on my mind is “In an intensive care unit for hospitalized adults, how does a Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Protocol compared with No Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Protocol affect the number of infection rates and length of hospital stay during a three-month period?”
Reference:
Melnyk, B. M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Stillwell, S. B., & Williamson, K. M. (2010). Evidence-based practice: Step by step. The seven steps of evidence-based practice: Following this progressive, sequential approach will lead to improved health care and patient outcomes. American Journal of Nursing, 110(1), 51-53.
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