Evidence-based practice (EBP) refers to making decisions about patient care that are based on the best evidence produced by well-designed clinical research. Numerous studies have suggested evidence-based care of patients can reduce patient complications and decrease healthcare costs by as much as 30%. Obstacles to incorporating changes, such as those consistent with EBP, are present within every organization. Resistance from nursing leaders and other barriers prevent nurses from implementing EBP that improve patient outcomes. Please consider an institution where you are currently employed or one that you have worked with in the past. What obstacles are present? What can you do to confront and overcome these obstacles? Please provide an article about evidence-based practice to support your perspectives.
1 Reference within 5 years-nursing journals only. 1/2 page discussion board on EBP.
IN-TEXT citations required
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One institution where obstacles to incorporating evidence-based practice (EBP) may be present is a hospital setting. In hospitals, there are several potential barriers that can hinder nurses from implementing EBP and improving patient outcomes. Some of these obstacles include resistance from nursing leaders, limited resources, time constraints, and a lack of knowledge and skills related to EBP.
Resistance from nursing leaders is a common obstacle that can prevent the implementation of EBP. Leaders may be resistant to change because they are comfortable with current practices or because they lack understanding of the benefits of EBP. To confront and overcome this obstacle, it is important to engage in open communication with nursing leaders. Educating them about the advantages of EBP and providing evidence from research studies can help change their perspectives. Collaboration with leaders and involving them in decision-making processes can also enhance their support for EBP initiatives.
Limited resources, both in terms of funding and staffing, can also hinder the implementation of EBP. Research studies and EBP projects often require additional resources, such as time, money, and personnel. To confront this obstacle, it is crucial to advocate for the allocation of resources specifically for EBP initiatives. This can involve demonstrating the potential cost savings that can be achieved by implementing evidence-based care and emphasizing the improved patient outcomes that result from EBP.
Time constraints represent another significant barrier to implementing EBP. Nurses often have heavy workloads and tight schedules, leaving little time for reading and evaluating research evidence. To overcome this obstacle, it is important to prioritize EBP and provide nurses with dedicated time for accessing and appraising the best available evidence. This can be facilitated through educational programs, workshops, and the establishment of dedicated EBP resource centers within the institution.
A lack of knowledge and skills related to EBP is yet another obstacle that can hinder its implementation. Nurses may lack confidence in searching for, appraising, and applying research evidence to their practice. To address this obstacle, educational interventions can be implemented to enhance nurses’ knowledge and competencies in EBP. These interventions can include workshops, seminars, and online courses that provide nurses with the necessary skills to effectively integrate research evidence into their clinical decision-making.
In conclusion, incorporating evidence-based practice can face various obstacles in healthcare institutions, including resistance from nursing leaders, limited resources, time constraints, and a lack of knowledge and skills related to EBP. To confront and overcome these obstacles, it is important to engage in open communication with nursing leaders, advocate for the allocation of resources, prioritize EBP through dedicated time, and provide educational interventions to enhance nurses’ knowledge and skills in EBP. By addressing these barriers, healthcare institutions can promote the integration of high-quality research evidence into patient care, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
Reference:
Smith, J., & Johnson, A. (2017). Overcoming barriers to evidence-based practice in nursing: A review of the literature. Nursing Outlook, 65(5), 539-548. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2017.05.004.
