The thing that I found interesting in the article, Tools for Implementing an Evidence Based Approach in Public Health Practice, was the description of domains that influence evidence based decision making (Jacobs, Jones, Gabella, Spring, & Brownson, 2012). The environment and the organizational contexts in which these domains interact is important and I agree with it. For example, every year, research comes out with better ways to treat neurodegenerative diseases. A particular study found immunoablation and bone marrow transplant, to be particularly beneficial in curing Multiple Sclerosis forever (Radowitz, 2016). The most common drugs that are prescribed to patients with this disease, are replete with side effects and need to be administered lifelong, to prevent aggravation of disease. In addition, these drugs are costly. Immunoablation and bone marrow transplant, though used for many other diseases, is still in the clinical trial stage for MS. One of the domains that affects evidence based decision making, is the limitation on access to resources. If research evidences helped the practitioner to identify the best treatment, but the difficulties and inhibitions in adopting the practice, can compel the practitioner to choose the second best option in consultation with the client.
It is important that the patient knows the best treatment for the disease, though it may be difficult for them to access the best treatment. So the limitations in accessing resources, can hinder the uniformity or standardization of a treatment protocol. In addition to the limitation of resources, the population characteristics and needs, can also influence the implementation of the best options identified through research. There is no doubt that evidence based practice will improve the quality and safety of care. It will help to reduce error and improve efficiency. Nevertheless, the challenges of implementing evidence based decision making need to be addressed. The article also identifies the need to train the workforce in practicing evidence based decision making.
References
Jacobs, J., Jones, E., Gabella, B., Spring, B., & Brownson, R. (2012). Tools for Implementing an Evidence-Based Approach in Public Health Practice. Preventing Chronic Disease, 9, 110324. http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd9.110324
Radowitz, J. (2016). Patients with MS are walking, working and even downhill skiing again after breakthrough treatment. The Independent. Retrieved 17 June 2016, from http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/multiple- sclerosis-breakthrough-treatment-found-to-reverse-symptoms-a7073706.html
