Background
Evidence-based practice means to heighten the effectiveness of the nurse practicing. By gathering and analyzing evidence, an RN is enabled to define a customized care plan. Horntvedt emphasizes the idea in question, stating that EBP redesigns medical care to minimize possible risks. If RNs are allowed to access and analyze current medical reports, they will enhance and customize a care plan.
What does research suggest?
The researcher further stresses that despite the importance of the practice, it faces significant hardships in implementation. Horntvedt has researched RNs’ awareness of EBP and their readiness to put the method into practice (2018). The analysis has made it evident that currently, RNs possess “limited awareness” of EBP, as they lack a proper introduction and further education on the method (Horntvedt, 2018). For EBP implementation into nursing practice, the education system must be accordingly reshaped.
How Will I Encourage the Method Myself?
As a future RN, I set the following plan for myself:
- I have to gather as much evidence as possible and evaluate it while increasing my awareness of the current care reports and the development of the practice.
- I have to converse with my patient to identify their needs actively.
Implementing EBP even in personal practice may face obstacles, as it is impossible in some cases, slight evidence may be provided, especially nowadays. As Weissman rightfully observes, during the pandemic, health institutions cannot deliver some clinical services (2020). Thus, a lack of digital servicing may pose a significant obstacle to introducing EBP. The psychological state of patients may alter the course as well, as they may be reluctant to cooperate or provide unbiased narration of their physical conditions. Still, I find these obstacles minor compared to the significance of EBP and its practical value.
References
Horntvedt MT, Nordsteien A, Fermann T, Severinsson E. (2018). Strategies for teaching evidence-based practice in nursing education: a thematic literature review. BMC Med Educ., 18(1), 172. doi: 10.1186/s12909-018-1278-z.
Weissman RS, Bauer S, Thomas JJ (2020). Access to evidence-based care for eating disorders during the COVID-19 crisis. Int J Eat Disord, 53(5), 369 – 376. doi: 10.1002/eat.23279.