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.
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Introduction:
As healthcare professionals, it is imperative that we strive towards evidence-based practice to ensure delivery of safe and effective care to our patients. However, achieving the goal of 90% evidence-based practice by 2020 as stated by the Institute of Medicine may be challenging. In this essay, we will discuss two barriers that might hinder nursing practice from achieving this goal and suggest ways to overcome them.
Answer:
The first barrier to evidence-based nursing practice is the lack of access to current and reliable sources of evidence. In some settings, nurses may not have access to digital libraries and databases such as Pubmed, CINAHL, or Cochrane. An absence of these resources might lead to reliance on outdated or anecdotal information, which can hinder the provision of high-quality care. Moreover, many nurses face time constraints and workload pressures, which may prevent them from conducting thorough research on best practice.
To address the first barrier, healthcare organizations can invest in library access to provide nurses with the most current and reliable sources of evidence. Additionally, organizations can educate their nursing staff on how to use these resources to ensure they are utilized effectively. Managers can also adjust nurse workloads to make time for research by conducting periodic audits on nursing practices.
The second barrier to evidence-based nursing practice is resistance to change. Some nurses may not accept new evidence because they believe it contradicts what they have always known and practiced. Resistance to change might stem from a lack of awareness, fear of malpractice, or refusal to embrace change. Nurses and other healthcare professionals might see a change in practice as a threat and might, therefore, resist it.
To overcome resistance to change, healthcare leaders can educate nursing staff on the importance of evidence-based practice. They can also encourage staff to become part of relevant committees and to participate in research and audit programs. Healthcare leaders can also develop positive feedback mechanisms that offer feedback on implementation and use it to reinforce the importance of evidence in practice.
In conclusion, achieving the goal of 90% evidence-based practice by 2020 may be challenging, but not impossible. Lack of access to current and reliable sources of evidence and resistance to change are among the hurdles that nurses might face while implementing evidence-based practice. Healthcare organizations can provide library access and conduct periodic audits on nursing practice to improve information availability for nurses. Education, feedback, and encouragement are essential in overcoming resistance to change.
