Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Nursing
OBSERVATION OF EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE
This is a graded discussion: 60 points possible
As a DNP, you will have a significant voice in your health care setting to advocate for evidence-based nursing practice. Understanding how evidence can inform better nursing care and patient outcomes is fundamental to successful advocacy, as are examples of where, why, and how evidence-based practice is needed.
For this activity, you will essentially observe for evidence to support evidence-based practice. You will write and post a blog in which you identify examples of evidence-based practice in your health care organization and/or examples of need for application of evidence-based practice. Although the blog functions like a Discussion Board, the aim is to be somewhat more informal in sharing your perspectives. Colleagues will respond to your blog, as you will respond to theirs.
TO PREPARE:
• Review the Learning Resources, particularly the chapter on evidence-based practice from McEwen and Wills, and readings in the White, Dudley-Brown, and Terhaar text.
• With your understanding of evidence-based practice in mind, observe for examples of evidence-based practice (EBP) in the health care organization where you practice, and/or examples of nursing practice that are tradition bound and lack an evidence base.
• Consider conditions that support EBP within health care organizations and recommendations for application of EBP.
With these thoughts in mind …
Post a blog on the topic of evidence-based practice in the health care organization where you practice. Drawing on your understanding of EBP and your firsthand observations within your organization, include the following content in your blog:
• Briefly describe one specific example of evidence-based practice that produced/is producing significant patient outcomes. Or, if you are lacking examples, describe a recent patient experience that might have been improved through application of evidence-based practice. Explain your reasoning. Note: To maintain confidentiality, do not refer to individuals by name or with identifying details.
• Evaluate the overall application of evidence-based practice within your health care organization, including conditions that support it or roadblocks to overcome. Explain your reasoning, including how you have arrived at your conclusions.
• Describe how you can advocate for application of evidence-based practice within your health care organization.
In my role supporting healthcare professionals, I have observed various applications of evidence-based practice yielding positive patient outcomes. For instance, a recent meta-analysis found strong evidence that exercise interventions can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients (Schuch et al., 2016). Armed with this research, one clinic I partner with began routinely prescribing exercise as part of treatment plans for related conditions. Initial reports suggest improved well-being and fewer relapses.
More broadly, organizations that foster a culture of lifelong learning among staff tend to more readily embrace evidence-based innovations. For example, one academic medical center achieves this by allocating a percentage of annual operating funds directly to continuing education (CE) opportunities for all employees (Kring, 2020). Nurses report feeling empowered and invested in providing the most up-to-date care as a result.
As a DNP, you are well-positioned to advocate for evidence-based practice through leadership, education and mentorship. Some strategies include championing CE programs, facilitating journal clubs and collaborating on staff-led research projects. Presenting a business case highlighting reduced costs and liability associated with EBP may also gain administrative support (Melnyk et al., 2016).
In summary, carefully evaluating both individual cases and systemic factors will help identify opportunities to close gaps between research and practice. Your role in guiding organizational change with empathy, expertise and vision can help optimize patient outcomes through evidence-based nursing care.
Schuch, F. B., Vancampfort, D., Rosenbaum, S., Richards, J., Ward, P. B., & Stubbs, B. (2016). Exercise improves physical and psychological quality of life in people with depression: A meta-analysis including the Assessment of control group response. Psychiatry research, 241, 47–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2016.04.054
Kring, D. L. (2020). Lifelong learning for nurses: A Delphi study identifying core competencies. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 51(1), 36–43. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20191217-07
Melnyk, B. M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Stillwell, S. B., & custom essay writing service Williamson, K. M. (2016). Evidence-based practice: Step by step: The seven steps of evidence-based practice. AJN, American Journal of Nursing, 110(1), 51–53. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.naj.0000480423.60621.d2
