Answer the following questions in 450 words. Utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook in 7th edition APA format. The article has to be dated from the year 2018 up to today’s date. Define patient-centeredness in the context of evidence-based practice. Describe barriers to the implementation of patient-centered evidence-based care in your practice environment and share actions that might be taken to alleviate these barriers.
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Introduction:
Patient-centeredness has been defined as a healthcare approach that places patients at the center of their care. It involves understanding and addressing the individual needs, values, and preferences of patients while ensuring their participation in the decision-making process. Evidence-based practice refers to the integration of best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed healthcare decisions. In this essay, we will discuss patient-centeredness in the context of evidence-based practice, barriers to implementing patient-centered evidence-based care and possible solutions.
Patient-Centeredness in the Context of Evidence-Based Practice:
Patient-centeredness is a crucial component of evidence-based practice. The integration of patient-centered care into evidence-based practice ensures that patients’ needs, preferences, and values are reflected in the decision-making process. The patient-centered approach recognizes the importance of the patient’s perspective and actively involves patients in the decision-making process, encourages shared decision-making and improves patient satisfaction.
Barriers to Implementation of Patient-Centered Evidence-Based Care:
Despite its importance, several barriers prevent the implementation of patient-centered evidence-based care. Some of these barriers include:
1. Time constraints:
Healthcare providers are often dealing with multiple patients with complex needs. As a result, they may not have adequate time to provide patient-centered care.
2. Limited resources:
Healthcare settings may not provide enough resources to implement patient-centered evidence-based care (PEBC).
3. Lack of training:
Healthcare providers may not have adequate training and skills to practice PEBC.
4. Resistance to change:
Resistance to change may make it difficult for healthcare providers to adopt new practices or approaches.
Actions to Alleviate These Barriers:
1. Improve communication:
Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients, including active listening, can help healthcare providers understand patients’ preferences and values better.
2. Training and education:
Educational programs that focus on the integration of PEBC, including communication and shared decision-making, can be included in training curricula.
3. Allocate resources:
Ensure resources are allocated appropriately, allowing for the implementation of PEBC.
4. Patient and family engagement:
Patients and their families have critical roles to play in their health care. Encouraging their involvement can help improve the patient-centered approach.
Conclusion:
Patient-centeredness in evidence-based practice is crucial in ensuring that patients’ needs and preferences are addressed in their care. Implementing PEBC can be challenging due to several obstacles such as time constraints, limited resources, lack of training, and resistance to change. By improving communication, training and education, allocating resources appropriately and encouraging patient and family engagement, address these barriers. Healthcare providers will make one step further to the integration of patient-centered evidence-based care by incorporating these strategies.
