Lately, nurses have been encouraged to integrate and utilize evidence-based practice (EBP) in their everyday nursing care. EBP refers to using scientific evidence in determining best practice. Scientific evidence plays an important role in clinical decision-making. EBP is immensely critical and relevant in today’s nursing and clinical practice, and it can easily be seen in quality care. Through the practice, best clinical outcomes can be attained (Butterwick, 2013). For these reasons, the process has to be carefully observed using continuous monitoring and improvement.
The application of evidence practice in the workplace involves six steps. First, the problem faced in the workplace has to be identified. This can be done by holding a staff meeting and asking the workers to weigh the problems experienced in the workplace. By incorporating workers in the process, they will be open to change later on. Secondly, the research available is studied to identify possible solutions to the problem (Butterwick, 2013). Through studying the available research, one can find multiple approaches to solving the problem since the quantity of research published in academic sites like PubMed is overwhelming.
Thirdly, assemble the body of research together with the best practices uncovered into a presentation that can be presented to the staff or the management team. If there are multiple approaches to be considered, a "pros and cons" list can be created for each solution enabling the staff members to understand each option. One then decides the best solution after considering the preferences and opinions of the staff members involved.
The next phase involves the creation of an action plan for the implementation of the new solution. To ensure that this is done effectively, critical thinking skills applied in the original best-practice research should also be used at this stage. Lastly, the action plan that has been formulated is presented in a way that will be easily understandable for everyone (Butterwick, 2013). The changes are detailed, and the reason for implementation is indicated through creating poster diagrams, sending out descriptive emails and holding staff meetings.
References
Butterwick, S. (2013). Supporting workplace learning – towards evidence-based practice. Educational Review, 65(4), 508–509.
