The current standard in the healthcare sector is to use evidence-based practice to make critical changes and improvements to various processes which help deliver the best quality of treatment to patients. Evidence-based implies information that is supported by valid, informative, and long-term research which would be eligible to be implemented in clinical practice. In this course, the core of evidence-based research was learned, determining strategies on the clinical basis of research, critical evaluation of studies, and implementation into practice.
The concept behind the evidence-based practice is an inquiry which seeks to find solutions to issues in a hospital environment. Nurses must be willing to engage in determining methods which would improve their process of work from any aspect. During nursing practice, one may begin to notice patterns which may be part of protocols, patient treatment, or hospital operations. A competent nurse would begin to ask the crucial clinical questions which are then utilized for in-depth research. This can be done using a standardized PICOT format.
The key is to form connections between theoretical or laboratory setting research and actual practical implications (Stillwell, Fineout-Overholt, Melnyk & Williamson, 2010). After this course, I would be more open and focused on identifying areas of improvement at my workplace. Aspects such as patient interaction, administrative logistics, or better sanitation practices are just a few responsibilities of nursing duty which may be improved upon using evidence-based research. I am now able to distinguish personal dissatisfaction with clinical practices from tasks which need to become more efficient or up to date. Using research literature, I can develop suggestions which are clinically applicable in practice to improve the quality of patient treatment.
As part of evidence-based practice, it is required to conduct extensive research on the topic. In order to find reliable information, scientific and medical research databases can be used through searching key phrases related to the formulated clinical question. However, all existing research has its strengths and flaws. Some studies are developed or presented better than others. Therefore, it is essential to use a method of rapid critical appraisal to determine key aspects of one’s research. Studies should be assessed for their level of evidence, using sophisticated evaluation methods. Next, the process of conducting the study should be examined. Finally, the applicability of the study findings to clinical practice is considered (Fineout-Overholt, Melnyk, Stillwell & Williamson, 2010). This course has taught me to critically evaluate research material from a number of perspectives and purposes. I can effectively identify bias and determine if a study’s experimentation methods may be subject to error. Using the strategy of critical evaluation, I will conduct thorough, high-quality research which can safely be applied to clinical settings.
Finally, the last and most arduous process of evidence-based change is to implement research into clinical practice. It is a complex operation which requires tremendous planning. It is critical to collaborate with stakeholders, gaining interest, building trust and establishing clear communication to solicit input. Administrative and executive supports are also necessary to ensure that any changes would be accepted, and a facility has the resources to implement them in practice (Gallagher-Ford, Fineout-Overholt, Melnyk & Stillwell, 2010). A nurse must be ready to face a lot of challenges and scrutiny when attempting to implement new practices. Despite the overwhelming support for evidence-based research at medical facilities, change is difficult for people. Having learned these strategies, I am more educated on the process of involving stakeholders and the administration. I realize the critical need to communicate and present evidence in a manner which is practical for implementation in a hospital setting, from a logistics and financial perspectives.
References
Fineout-Overholt, E., Melnyk, B. M., Stillwell, S. B., & Williamson, K. M. (2010). Critical appraisal of the evidence: Part I. American Journal of Nursing, 110(7), 47–52.
Gallagher-Ford, L., Fineout-Overholt, E., Melnyk, B. M., & Stillwell, S. B. (2010). Implementing an evidence-based practice change. American Journal of Nursing, 111(3), 54–60.
Stillwell, S. B., Fineout-Overholt, E., Melnyk, B. M., & Williamson, K. M. (2010). Asking the clinical question: A key step in evidence-based practice. American Journal of Nursing, 110(3), 58–61.