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How evidence-based practices (EBP) influence the current healthcare practices
Evidence-based practice stands for one of the crucial ways through which modern
healthcare treats the ultimate aim to integrate the best-available research with clinical expertise
and patient preference to optimize patient outcomes. The impact of EBP on current healthcare
practices is enormous and multifaceted.
First, EBP involves evidence-based practice, i.e. use of research papers and scientific
evidence in making decisions about health care. Clinical conditions are often changing based on
clinical studies and health professionals need to be abreast of these frequent changes. Health
workers are very confident that they will make some decisions that will benefit their clients in
terms of health treatments and reducing the possible adverse events when they use the most
recent medical evidence.
Secondly, EBP stresses the role of clinical experience and judgment. While the research
evidence is the basis for decision-making, healthcare professionals should use their clinical
knowledge, skills, and experience to interpret and contextualize the evidence in specific cases.
This approach is based on the principle that each person's individual circumstances, tastes, and
values are different and hence they must be taken into account when selecting the right course of
action.
Furthermore, EBP encourages shared decision-making between health providers and
patients. Active participation by the patient will enable the professional to be aware of the
preferences, concerns, and values of the patient (Hall & Roussel, 2020). This more likely will
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enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes through increased patient autonomy, empowerment,
and adherence to treatment plans.
Additionally, EBP is a culture that signifies continuous quality assurance and
professional development for healthcare providers. Healthcare organizations have been
equipping their staff with the required skills and resources through training programs and
mentorships to enable them to critically appraise and apply the research evidence. This steady
progress in developing professional competence ensures that care is being given in an up-to-date
form and line with the most recent scientific discoveries.
Moreover, EBP has consequently resulted in the development of evidence-based clinical
practice guidelines and protocols. These guidelines are, therefore, standardized recommendations
based on rigorous systematic reviews and expert consensus to reduce the variation in practice
and thereby foster consistency in high-quality care across divergent health settings (Engle et al.,
2021). Healthcare providers who adhere to these guidelines can ensure that they are delivering
care that meets or exceeds established standards.
The Challenges to EBP
Although EBP has widely benefited the clinical atmosphere in healthcare, there exist
many challenges in implementing and adopting it in the wider healthcare practice. Herein are the
major challenges facing EBP:
Limited Access to Research Evidence: One major challenge that confronts health
professionals, especially in countries with resource-constrained settings or in remote parts of the
world, is access to relevant good-quality research evidence. The subscriptions to academic
journals and databases are expensive; hence it is noted that most health facilities cannot afford
access to new research findings.
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Time Constraints: Healthcare professionals are frequently confronted with work pressure
and time limitations, which hinder them from dedicating adequate time to the process of looking
for, appraising, and applying research evidence (Sinsky et al., 2020). The requirements of patient
care, administrative tasks, and other duties often leave no time for engaging in EBP-related
activities, like critical literature review or sessions of education.
Lack of Research Literacy and Critical Appraisal Skills: The majority of the healthcare
workforce will be ill-equipped to critically appraise and interpret the findings from research
studies with much sophistication. This calls for very detailed knowledge and training in the
methodology of research, statistics, and techniques of critical appraisal to assess the quality,
relevance, and applicability of research studies. Probably, this is not catered for in some health
education courses.
Organizational and Cultural Barriers: The application of EBP is often accompanied by
organizational support, special resources, and a culture that is ready to use research evidence.
Some healthcare organizations can miss the required infrastructure, leadership support, or
financial resources to facilitate and encourage EBP implementation.
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References
Engle, R. L., Mohr, D. C., Holmes, S. K., Seibert, M. N., Afable, M., Leyson, J., & Meterko, M.
(2021). Evidence-based practice and patient-centered care: doing both well. Health care
management review, 46(3), 174-
184.https://doi.org/10.1097%2FHMR.0000000000000254
Hall, H. R., & Roussel, L. A. (2020). Evidence-Based Practice: An Integrative Approach to
Research, Administration, and Practice (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett
Learning.https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781284229356
Sinsky, C. A., Biddison, L. D., Mallick, A., Dopp, A. L., Perlo, J., Lynn, L., & Smith, C. D.
(2020). Organizational evidence-based and promising practices for improving clinician
well-being. NAM perspectives, 2020.https://doi.org/10.31478%2F202011a
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