Topic 1 Discussion Question 1
The Institute of Medicine has stated a goal that 90% of practice be evidence-based by 2020. According to HealthyPeople.gov, the United States is currently at approximately 15%. Discuss two barriers that might hold nursing practice from achieving this goal and suggest ways in which identified barriers may be addressed.
Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice
Implementation of evidence-based practices within the healthcare setting is an aspiration of many. This is because evidence-based practices are associated with improved health outcomes and quality of healthcare. However, gaps and inconsistencies in translating sound research evidence into clinical practice still exist with the potential benefits not being experienced. The implementation process is demanding and requires collaborative efforts and adequate engagement of various healthcare stakeholders such as healthcare professionals, healthcare organization management, and health policymakers among others (Mathieson et al., 2018). This together with other barriers impede the successful adoption of evidence-based practices in patient care.
The adoption of evidence-based practices is hindered by several factors. These include inadequate time and resources, inadequate skills, and insufficient support from healthcare organizations and management (Li et al., 2019). Inadequate knowledge and skills may be attributed to the nursing education curriculum that is not fully tailored to fostering the implementation of evidence-based practices. Training and professional development on approaches to improve the application of evidence-based practice are not adequately offered to healthcare professionals. The organizational structure can also negatively impact the implementation of this practice. Healthcare organizations allocate inadequate resources and do not offer adequate training and education to their staff. The hiring of inadequate staff leads to a high workload which leaves limited time and motivation for the implementation of best practices.
Strategies can be adopted to effectively address these barriers. The provision of adequate education and training of healthcare professionals and continuity of support after training greatly improve the application of acquired knowledge and skills in the adoption of innovative evidence-based practices (Mathieson et al., 2018). This can be achieved through approaches such as case studies and simulations. Fostering of organizational culture of embracing evidence-based practices with resultant adequate allocation of resources and support can also enhance the adoption of evidence-based practices (Li et al., 2019). This will ensure that the benefits of evidence-based quality care and better health outcomes are achieved.
References
Li, S., Cao, M., & Zhu, X. (2019). Evidence-based practice. Medicine, 98(39). https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000017209
Mathieson, A., Grande, G., & Luker, K. (2018). Strategies, facilitators, and barriers to implementation of evidence-based practice in Community Nursing: A systematic mixed-studies review and qualitative synthesis. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 20. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1463423618000488
Topic 1 Discussion Question 2
What is the main issue for your organization in addressing a solution to evidence-based nursing practice? Discuss what might be the first step in addressing and resolving this issue.
Identification Of Issues Significant To Nursing Practice Discussion
Evidence-based practice entails the use of the safest and the best available scientific evidence in the provision of care to patients (Li et al., 2019). It aims at providing the best available quality of care. The actualization of evidence-based practice is marred with a myriad of challenges. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the main hindrance to providing evidence-based nursing care and to discuss the steps to address the challenge.
In my organization, the most significant barrier is the organization’s policies. My organization already has spelled out interventions in almost every clinical scenario. This does not give nurses room to expand their knowledge of current practices and updates to procedures. This demotivates the nurses’ quest for updated knowledge. The decision to adopt new knowledge and inventions into the daily clinical routine rests in the highest hierarchy. These policies put nurses in difficult situations in decision making, especially in the sight of ethical dilemmas. They also put nurses in a situation where they do not feel empowered to critically think and apply current guidelines.
Addressing this challenge requires a step-wise approach. It is critical to maintaining the highest quality of care and patient safety even as the barriers to evidence-based nursing practice are sorted. Communication and involvement of the nursing staff in the formulation and update of hospital policies is a crucial step in the building of a team spirit (Mathieson et al., 2018). Continuous medical education for nurses within the organization is important to make sure nurses are kept abreast of the current practices. Encouraging nurses to enroll in higher studies may spur the nurses’ quest for knowledge on current practice (Mathieson et al., 2018). Generally, availing opportunities for the growth of knowledge gives nurses the confidence to apply the required skill.
References
Li, S., Cao, M., & Zhu, X. (2019). Evidence-based practice. Medicine, 98(39), e17209. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000017209
Mathieson, A., Grande, G., & Luker, K. (2018). Strategies, facilitators, and barriers to implementation of evidence-based practice in community nursing: a systematic mixed-studies review and qualitative synthesis. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 20(20). https://doi.org/10.1017/s1463423618000488