Introduction
Evidence-based healthcare refers to the use of standards that are based on concrete research inferences. In contemporary systems, scientific research is used to establish medical practices that are used to facilitate independence amongst disabled individuals. Evidence-based healthcare is usually achieved by formulation of precise information that is obtained from scientific facts. Methods such as controlled random sampling and direct observations are used to obtain evidences that guide the process of healthcare delivery. This plan is aimed at improving the conditions of incapacitated individuals in the society. In addition, evidence based healthcare is characterised by robust assessment procedures that are backed by professional and administrative interests. Test theories are used to determine the likelihood of successful implementation of the care plans. They encompass counterfactual results, measurement, and accountability of both direct and indirect effects that can occur during execution of the policies. Disabled individuals require support from other individuals to conduct their activities. As a result, there is a need to provide them with specialised healthcare to promote independent living. This essay examines the types, domains, benefits, shortcomings, and challenges of evidence-based healthcare practices in disability management.
Types of Proofs that make Evidence-Based Healthcare Effective
In policymaking that pertains to disability management, relevant evidences that are obtained from both quantitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data includes epidemiological information that has been scientifically proven. On the other hand, qualitative data entails narration of various occurrences of past events (Shaw, Larkin, & Flowers 2014). Quantifiable evidence assumes various forms that include scientific information, public health data, and evaluations of various homeopathic programmes. Nonetheless, the most reliable proofs are based on established scientific knowledge. More finite information to provide guidance on decision-making approaches on specific health issues can be obtained from policymakers. For example, many researchers attest that most people prefer easy-to-digest data. According to Shaw, Larkin, and Flowers (2014), evidences that are obtained from policymakers provide useful information about the priorities, attitudes, and perceptions of various categories of people who influence health programmes.
On the other hand, qualitative evidence encompasses non-numerical observations that are gathered from surveillance, interviews, and/or focus groups. It uses narrative techniques to influence policy implementation, setting of objectives, and formulating solutions to health-related problems. This method underpins statistical evidence that offers a means to influence the impact of the law on large numbers of people. Evaluations of evidences that address health disparities indicate that qualitative information has been used to determine different disability levels amongst individuals (Shaw, Larkin, & Flowers 2014). Studies that have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of using statistical data versus narrations for persuasion have indicated that blending both techniques provides a sturdier result than when the two techniques are used separately. According to Shaw, Larkin, and Flowers (2014), this situation significantly improves the probability of offering quality treatment to patients since medication is based on concrete procedures that are verified.
The Domains of Evidence-Based Healthcare for the Disabled
Evidence-based healthcare encompasses three main domains namely process, content, and outcome (Shaw, Larkin, & Flowers 2014).
Policy Process
Identification of the factors that inform policy processes is essential to enable proper implementation of evidence-based standards. The first phase of formulating these policies is categorised into scheduling and methods of seeking solutions to established problems. The second stage entails setting of alternative policy approaches that can be applied to address the various health problems in question.
Lastly, politics significantly influence health policies. This field encompasses factors that occur within and/or outside the government, which influence the process of policymaking (Shaw, Larkin, & Flowers 2014). Other factors such advocacy on evidence-based approaches also influence policy decisions. As a result, there is a need to establish partnerships between researchers and advocates to ensure that evidence-based disability management is based on science. This strategy ensures that information that pertains to the welfare of incapacitated individuals is passed to the public persuasively.
Policy Content
This domain focuses on identification of policy elements that are effective. A better understanding of evidence-based elements is required within the existing context of the health policies. This situation ensures that only the relevant content is integrated in the process of formulating medical guidelines (Shaw, Larkin, & Flowers 2014).
Policy Outcome
This stage requires documentation of the effects of the implemented policy to provide further support evidences. An evaluation of the policy also enables understanding of its effects on disabled individuals in an attempt to explain various behavioural patterns (Shaw, Larkin, & Flowers 2014).
Importance of Evidence-Based Healthcare
Evidence-based healthcare can be used to initiate health projects by soliciting funds from financiers. According to Shaw, Larkin, and Flowers (2014), funders require healthcare plans to be based on solid evidences. This strategy can from a framework for providing education and other services to disabled individuals in an attempt to enable them to lead independent lives. Similarly, many agencies are currently concentrating their resources on proven programmes. Implementing evidence-based healthcare ensures use of limited resources to better the society by empowering disabled members. Shaw, Larkin, and Flowers (2014) reveal that there is also an aspect of timeliness since healthcare services are offered based on facts rather than mere theoretical models.
Barriers of Evidence-Based Healthcare
Most of the barriers of evidence-based approaches arise from the nature of policy processes. These limitations include the complexity of evidences, various disputes over methodologies, and attempts to balance competing stakeholder interests. The influence of politics in the implementation of the evidence-based healthcare and lack of consensus amongst various interest parties significantly influences the time taken to generate evidence pertaining to disability management. In this case, the practicability of the evidence and methodology can deter implementation of the policy (Shaw, Larkin, & Flowers 2014)
Challenges Facing Evidence-Based Healthcare
In spite of various achievements, some challenges that accompany the implementation of evidence-based policies need further research to establish the relationship between theoretical knowledge and science (Shaw, Larkin, & Flowers 2014).
- One of the greatest drawbacks of evidence-based policies is their incapability of to account for the experience of practitioners.
- Secondly, they address the needs of all the members of a population. Moreover, evidence-based healthcare for the disable is expensive. As a result, many people rely on theoretical aspects that offer a cheaper position to implement the programmes.
- Lastly, successful implementation requires strategies that are aimed at assimilation of the standards in healthcare facilities.
Conclusion
Evidence-based healthcare is always based on proof that is obtained from both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Although many professionals have criticized the policy technique, more researches are underway to shade more light on its effectiveness. There is a need to amalgamate evidence-based healthcare approaches with other policy techniques. This strategy will give rise to an approach that is more robust to provide wide-ranging solutions to disability management. Therefore, leaders should champion for implementation of evidence-based healthcare to improve delivery of medical services.
Reference
Shaw, R, Larkin, M & Flowers, P 2014, ‘Expanding the evidence within evidence-based healthcare: thinking about the context, acceptability and feasibility of interventions’, Evidence Based Medicine, vol. 19 no. 6, pp. 201-3.