Evidence based practice (EBP)

Marcia Stapleton    2 posts   Re: Topic 10 DQ 2  Evidence based practice (EBP) is a large key to improving patient outcomes and therefore is an essential component of the BSN prepared nurse.As nurses, if we strive for improving the capacity for evidence based care in our facilities, we will make significant strides in achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.We must, continue to look outside our current practice to seek better practices for our patients (Halm, 2010).  In continuing to integrate EBP into my personal work environment, two ways would be through my role as a clinical nurse leader and through exemplifying a culture of learning and valuing applied research to the everyday routines of practice.Working as a nurse supervisor, I have a role as a clinical nurse leader.This role includes working with policies, workflows and new ways of doing things.Clinical nurse leaders support EBP in all of these roles by always asking the question “What is best practice?” Clinical nurse leaders also can assist in directing other nurses to data bases available to look into EBP research.In our facility, we have Up to Date embedded into our electronic medical record, which gives us quick access to EBP. Asking the “What is best practice?” question leads nursing into looking for EBP research to support the practices they are working with and exemplifies EBP as a culture.  Two obstacles that challenge the ability to integrate EBP into a work environment include time to read and implement new research and support from other staff (Halm, 2010). Reading and implementing EBP research takes time. Some ideas for overcoming this barrier are allowing BSN staff to have a certain number of hours allotted each month to EBP. The concept of EBP teams is awesome and seems like a great idea to overcome both of these barriers (Halm, 2010). If a facility could give these EBP teams allotted time each month to pursue a EBP project relevant to their practice this would overcome the barrier of time. Maybe we could have EBP committees a requirement for all nursing. EBP teams also can help overcome the barrier of support, as there will be support from the team for EBP which will build a culture the upholds the value of EBP.  Reference  Halm, MA., (2010). “Inside looking in” or “inside looking out?” How leaders shape cultures equipped for  evidence-based practice. American Journal of Critical Care. 19(4), 375-378. Doi:10.4037/ajcc2010627