Evidence Based Practice Essay

Evidence Based Practice: Nursing Implications
Evidence based practice contributes to the on-going knowledge base of nursing which leads to credibility and accountability of the profession. The Institute of Medicine (2010) stated that “Research and evidence based practice is a competency nurses need to attain to ensure the delivery of safe, patient-centered care” (para 5). The implications of Evidence Based Practice are, therefore, of the highest importance to the nursing profession.
The purpose of this paper is to define Evidence Based Practice and to examine its importance in nursing. To that end, a consideration of an example of a qualitative research and one of quantitative research will show that the evidence provided by these can be

successfully implemented in an acute care setting. Lastly, the identification of selected barriers that prevent nurses from participating in Evidence Based Practice will be explored.
Evidence Based Practice Defined and Importance of Using Research Evidence
Evidence Based Practice in the nursing profession can be defined as the utilization of current best evidence obtained from research studies, credible clinical practice knowledge, quality improvement data, patient preferences and observations rather than opinions, traditions, or outdated training.

Evidence Based Practice is innovative and important as it utilizes new knowledge or validates existing knowledge. It keeps practice current and relevant. Subsequent implementation of research evidence can lead to improved quality care and better patient outcomes. The examination of the following qualitative and quantitative research examples will demonstrate influence of research evidence in the hospital-based acute care setting.
Research Examples
Included below are examples of two research studies. One exemplifies qualitative research and the other is a quantitative example. Implementation of both studies could support Evidence Based Practice in the acute care setting. The following study shows an example of qualitative research.
Qualitative

Research
Exploring patients’ experiences and perceptions of the nursing handover at the patient’s bedside through a qualitative research study might impact nursing practice in the acute care setting. A study by Jeffs et al. (2014) conducted patient interviews, which focused on the patients’ experiences of the nurse-to-nurse bedside handover. The conclusions from this study showed that bedside nurse handover could improve the patients’ perceptions of being more informed of their plans of care. Moreover, the researchers found that patients became involved and empowered as active participants in their own care. Development of an improved relationship between the patients and the nurses was a further finding of the study. Having such a partnering relationship with the patient is also essential to a reduction of anxiety and stress.
The positive evidence from the study of the nurse handover at bedside could be relatively smooth to implement on a 30 bed Internal Medicine unit.

Some patients, however, expressed concerns about such matters as repetition or privacy. These concerns could be calmed with education and reassurance. Concerned patients should be able to opt out of participating in the nurse handover conference. Providing insight to patients’ perceptions of the bedside handover process along with ongoing education and support might help nurses to recognize any positive impact on improved patient care. This could contribute to staff commitment to performing bedside reporting and to aiding in embedding the process in patient care. Further studies to explore ways to engage patient participation during bedside handover could be conducted as needed. Evidence from Quantitative Research can also yield improvement in positive patient

outcomes.
Quantitative Research
A quantitative research study which could improve nursing practice in the acute care setting focused on interdisciplinary rounds to improve patient safety by decreasing adverse events. A study conducted by O’ Leary et al. (2011) consisted of the use of structured interdisciplinary rounds that included a team of nurses, residents, physicians, a pharmacist, social workers and case managers. The team discussed all components of the patient’s plan of care. The researchers concluded that a reduction of preventable adverse events was a result of structured interdisciplinary rounds.
The interdisciplinary rounding model could be effectively implemented on a busy 30-bed Internal Medicine unit. Further exploration to meet the challenge of getting team members together at a specific time would possibly be necessary. Any improvement in communication and collaboration to reduce preventable adverse events should be a plus. There often is a lack of opportunity for face-to-face interaction with other team professionals to share patient information or to seek clarification. Still, that interaction is important. Nurses recognize that decreasing adverse safety events might be accomplished by better communication from an interdisciplinary team rounding. In the long run, the patient might enjoy better safety, recovery, and satisfaction. Even so, there can be possible barriers to utilization of such Evidence Based