Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim
To Prepare:
Read the articles by Sikka, Morath, & Leape (2015); Crabtree, Brennan, Davis, & Coyle (2016); and Kim et al. (2016) provided in the Resources.
Reflect on how EBP might impact (or not impact) the Quadruple Aim in healthcare.
Consider the impact that EBP may have on factors impacting these quadruple aim elements, such as preventable medical errors or healthcare delivery.
To Complete:
Write a brief analysis (no longer than 2 pages) of the connection between EBP and the Quadruple Aim.
Your analysis should address how EBP might (or might not) help reach the Quadruple Aim, including each of the four measures of:
Patient experience
Population health
Costs
Work life of healthcare providers
Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim
Introduction
Evidence-based practice (EBP) improves the achievement of quality patient experience, reducing the cost of care, improving population health, and promoting work-life balance. Studies show that when clinicians use EBP, patient outcomes improve (Sikka et al., 2015). EBP acts as a compass to guide the decision-making process of healthcare workers in addressing the diverse needs of the patients and improve the wellbeing of practitioners. EBP is a systematic method to achieve the quadruple aim that promotes the interests of both patients and healthcare workers.
EBP and Quadruple Aim
Patient Experience
EBP is essential in achieving a quality patient experience. Healthcare workers use EBP to apply the findings in clinical practice. Healthcare workers rely on EBP to improve patient outcomes and prevent adverse patient outcomes (Jeffs, 2018). EBP acts as a compass to guide the decision-making process of healthcare workers in addressing the diverse needs of the patients. The scientific findings help nurses to evaluate the risks and effectiveness of diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and drugs (Sikka et al., 2015). EBP helps healthcare workers to improve the efficiency of delivering quality care including timely appointments and enhancing access to information that promotes positive outcomes.
Population Health
EBP teaches people and people who work in health care about what they can do to improve public health. Science has shown the steps that can be taken to prevent diseases like asthma (Lavenberg et al., 2019). For instance, fixing up a house can lower the risk of asthma and other lung diseases. Another example is using a free-of-charge system to help people who don’t have health insurance (Lavenberg et al., 2019). EBP shows how important it is to use resources in a fair and efficient way to deal with health problems in society. By putting people at risk of diseases into groups, health care workers can better help them.
Costs
One of the challenges in healthcare costs is giving patients care that is safe, good, and on time at a low cost. EBP helps healthcare facilities track, measure, and index real costs. Sikka et al. (2015) show that lowering the cost of care makes it easier for more people to get good care. The latest technology needs to be used to help patients and cut costs, according to research (Lavenberg et al., 2019). For example, studies show that the cost of treatment goes down when efficiency is improved, the latest technology is used, and treatment methods are updated.
Work-Life of Healthcare Providers
EBP demonstrates that work-life balance is crucial in promoting the welfare of healthcare workers and improves patient outcomes. Scientific findings show that poor work-life balance can lead to turnover, burnout, and low staff productivity. Sikka et al. (2015), demonstrate that 60 percent of the physicians are considering leaving the workforce while another 70 percent know someone who left due to low morale (Jeffs, 2018). EBP acts as a compass to show the direction that healthcare workers and facilities should take to improve the wellbeing of practitioners.
Conclusion
EBP acts as a compass to show the direction that healthcare workers and facilities should take to improve the wellbeing of practitioners and promote quality patient outcomes. Healthcare workers rely on EBP to improve patient outcomes, reduce the cost of care, and prevent adverse patient outcomes. EBP helps healthcare workers to improve the efficiency of delivering quality care to reduce cost and improve accessibility to achieve positive population health outcomes. Scientific findings show the role of work-life balance in achieving quality outcomes in healthcare.
References
Jeffs, L. (2018). Achieving the Quadruple Aim in Healthcare: The Essential Role of Authentic, Complex and Resilient Nurse Leaders. Nursing Leadership (Toronto, Ont.), 31(2), 8-19. DOI: 10.12927/cjnl.2018.25607
Lavenberg, J. G., Cacchione, P. Z., Jayakumar, K. L., Leas, B. F., Mitchell, M. D., Mull, N. K., & Umscheid, C. A. (2019). Impact of a Hospital Evidence‐Based Practice Center (EPC) on Nursing Policy and Practice. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 16(1), 4-11. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12346
Sikka, R., Morath, J. M., & Leape, L. (2015). The Quadruple Aim: Care, Health, Cost and Meaning in Work. BMJ Quality & Safety, 24, 608-610. DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004160
