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.
Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook. Please reply to at least two classmates. Replies to classmates should be at least 200 words in length.
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Introduction:
As healthcare shifts towards a more patient-centered approach, evidence-based practice has become an integral part of medical decision-making. Patient-centeredness involves engaging patients in the decision-making process, basing care on their preferences and values, and prioritizing their well-being. However, implementing patient-centered evidence-based care can be challenging due to various barriers. This paper seeks to define patient-centeredness in the context of evidence-based practice, identify barriers to its implementation, and suggest potential solutions.
Patient-centeredness in the context of evidence-based practice:
Patient-centered care involves putting the patient at the center of healthcare decision-making. This approach recognizes that patients have unique values, preferences, and needs that should inform their care. Evidence-based practice, on the other hand, involves the integration of the best available scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences in decision-making. Therefore, patient-centered evidence-based practice involves using the best available scientific evidence to inform shared decision-making with patients.
Barriers to the implementation of patient-centered evidence-based care in my practice environment:
Several barriers inhibit the implementation of patient-centered evidence-based care in my practice environment. Firstly, time constraints limit the amount of time that clinicians can spend with patients, reducing the opportunity to engage in shared decision-making. Secondly, the lack of training and skills among clinicians in patient-centered communication and shared decision-making skills limit their ability to practice patient-centered care effectively. Thirdly, the lack of reimbursement for patient-centered care by health insurance providers presents a financial barrier to practice.
Actions that might be taken to alleviate these barriers:
Several actions can be taken to alleviate the barriers to the implementation of patient-centered evidence-based care in my practice environment. Firstly, clinicians can prioritize time management and engagement with patients by incorporating brief, patient-centered discussions with patients during consultations. Secondly, training and education in patient-centered communication and shared decision-making skills can be provided to clinicians to enhance their skills. Thirdly, healthcare policy changes can be implemented to ensure that health insurance providers reimburse patient-centered care provided by clinicians.
Conclusion:
Patient-centered evidence-based care is essential to improve patient outcomes and experiences. Although several barriers pose significant challenges in implementing this approach in practice, solutions can be devised to alleviate these challenges. Adequate training and education, financial incentives and prioritizing time management in patient-centered care could help mitigate barriers and increase the implementation of patient-centered evidence-based care.
