The Quadruple Aim is a framework based on the Triple Aim approach, which was, in turn, developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to create a more efficient system of health care delivery. The Quadruple Aim framework includes four major domains: “reducing costs, improving population health and patient experience, and healthcare team well-being” (Arnetz et al., 2020, p. 362). Evidence-based practice (EBP) is closely linked to the Quadruple Aim, as it is commonly used as a strategy that assists healthcare professionals and providers in achieving the goals of the Aim.
The first goal of the Quadruple Aim is highly impacted by EBP, since the latter acts as a basis for all important aspects of efficient and productive patient care. These aspects include validated research evidence, profound clinical expertise, and the integration of patients’ preferences. The application of EBP also helps nurses stay informed about the recent research and medical protocols (Kim et al., 2019). In addition, it allows involving patients in their care plans, which ultimately increases the quality of patient care and improves the patient experience.
Evidence-based practice is also an essential element of the second goal of the Quadruple Aim: improving population health. Procedures, practices, and policies that are considered as parts of the evidence-based approach make a broader concept of evidence-based public health (EBPH) (Allen et al., 2018). Therefore, there is a direct connection between EBP and population health.
It can be argued that EBP improves population health, as the EBPH framework involves making decisions based on well-researched methods and credible data collection tools. Since health professionals have access to more and higher-quality information on the most efficient medical practice, they are able to provide improved services to the population, which is a major benefit (Brownson et al., 2018). The quality of prevention programs and policies is also increased with the application of EBP, and the use of public health resources is optimized.
In addition to improving patient experience and population health, EBP takes account of the issue of costs in healthcare, which is the third goal of the Quadruple Aim. To analyze and evaluate all the costs required to implement EBP, it is important to calculate its Return on Investment (ROI) (Cullen & Hanrahan, 2018). This evaluation consists of three steps: determining the cost avoided, determining the cost of implementing, and evaluating the ROI, which is followed by linking the outcomes to organizational values and mission.
While implementing EBP may cause certain expenses, it can be argued that maintaining evidence-based care eventually costs less. First, this approach helps to optimize the use of drugs, as the personnel will be trained to utilize less expensive medication without compromising patient outcomes or increasing the toxicity (Walewska-Zielecka et al., 2021). In turn, less toxic regimens will result in fewer cases of severe adverse reactions. This will also lead to cost reduction as a result of fewer hospital visits.
The fourth aspect of the Quadruple Aim, is the work and life of healthcare providers can also benefit from evidence-based practice. One of the issues EBP focuses on is empowering nurses and doctors, which is essential to prevent a number of negative outcomes. Studies have shown that health professionals’ experience of stress, burnout, and depression leads to reduced job satisfaction and poorer performance (Chen et al., 2021). Therefore, it is crucial to empower doctors and nurses and engage them in the decision-making process regarding the ways to facilitate organizational processes and reduce the workload.
To improve health professionals’ working experience, the evidence-based practice includes developing a flexible schedule. In addition, doctors and nurses are encouraged to participate in personal health, wellness, and stress management programs to decrease burnout (Armstrong, 2019). As a result, hospital employees feel empowered, experience significantly less stress, have higher job satisfaction levels, are more motivated to engage with patients, and are more considerate about patient outcomes.
References
Allen, P., Jacob, R. R., Lakshman, M., Best, L. A., Bass, K., & Brownson, R. C. (2018). Lessons learned in promoting evidence-based public health: Perspectives from managers in state public health departments. Journal of Community Health, 43(5), 856-863. Web.
Armstrong, G. (2019). Quality and Safety Education for Nurses teamwork and collaboration competency: Empowering nurses. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 50(6), 252-255. Web.
Arnetz, B. B., Goetz, C. M., Arnetz, J. E., Sudan, S., VanSchagen, J., Piersma, K., & Reyelts, F. (2020). Enhancing healthcare efficiency to achieve the quadruple aim: An exploratory study. BMC Research Notes, 13(1), 362. Web.
Brownson, R. C., Fielding, J. E., & Green, L. W. (2018). Building capacity for evidence-based public health: Reconciling the pulls of practice and the push of research. Annual Review of Public Health, 39(1), 27-53. Web.
Chen, M., Ran, B., Gao, X., Yu, G., Wang, J., & Jagannathan, J. (2021). Evaluation of occupational stress management for improving performance and productivity at workplaces by monitoring the health, well-being of workers. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 12(2), 101713. Web.
Cullen, L., & Hanrahan, K. (2018). Evidence-based practice and the bottom line: An issue of cost. Healthcare Financial Management Association. Web.
Kim, J. S., Gu, M. O., & Chang, H. (2019). Effects of an evidence-based practice education program using multifaceted interventions: A quasi-experimental study with undergraduate nursing students. BMC Medical Education, 19(1), 71. Web.
Walewska-Zielecka, B., Religioni, U., Soszyński, P., & Wojtkowski, K. (2021). Evidence-based care reduces unnecessary medical procedures and healthcare costs in the outpatient setting. Value in Health Regional Issues, 25(2), 23-28. Web.