Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare, Essay Example

Introduction

Evidence-based practice solutions require an ongoing effort to promote the effective utilization of evidence generated in practice settings to achieve greater progress in the healthcare environment. Most importantly, an examination of specific evidence-based practice models is required to ensure that patient outcomes are effective and timely to ensure that quality of care is optimized under a variety of conditions. For this discussion, the Stetler Model of Evidence-Based Practice offers an opportunity to examine the different constructs of evidence that support patient care quality and related outcomes, and by examining research, the potential exists to alter or modify practice settings to support a successful practice environment (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2010).

Analysis

In my organization, there has been an increased interest in evidence-based practice to improve current protocols regarding a number of recurrent health concerns such as pressure ulcers and the risk of MRSA infections. These issues have become increasingly significant over the past few years and have had a tremendous impact on patient care outcomes, particularly for older adults with lower immunity. Therefore, recognizing the impact of existing evidence may be an effective contributor in modifying current practice methods to ensure that patients receive the best possible care, including protocols to prevent pressure ulcers effectively (Padula et.al, 2014). From this perspective, it is likely that there will be new perspectives to consider that will positively impact patient care by using evidence as a guide in expanding nursing-based protocols to support improvements in the practice setting that will enhance pressure ulcer prevention using proven techniques that will have a positive impact on patient care outcomes over time (Padula et.al, 2014).

One evidence-based tool that has been examined is screening for MRSA infection in the hospital environment, and based upon the analysis of Glick et.al (2013), screening does not have any real impact on patient outcomes. This evidence demonstrates the importance of evaluating specific evidence directly prior to making any protocol-related changes that will not have a true impact on patient care quality. In addition, this evidence supports the belief that traditional infection control practices are likely to remain instrumental in preventing the infection for patients over time (Glick et.al, 2013). There are significant opportunities for nurses to act as successful promoters of infection control through routine and direct contact with patients, and this also reflects prior evidence that has been incorporated into the practice setting to alter patient outcomes in a positive manner (Glick et.al, 2013). It is anticipated that as future research evidence is revealed, additional changes or updates to existing protocols may occur to improve patient care quality on the nursing unit.

Conclusion

The implementation of an evidence-based practice approach in the healthcare environment requires an evaluation of different protocols that will positively impact outcomes and enable nurses to expand or alter the care that they provide to patients to minimize complications. For conditions such as MRSA infection or pressure ulcers, there is a continuous need to evaluate current and future evidence to facilitate positive results and to provide a basis for integrating research evidence into the daily routine. It is expected that this strategy, particularly the Stetler Model, will encourage nurses to explore research as a viable alternative to existing protocols and to also empower them to examine ideas that are unconventional that will enable patients to be provided with a continuum of care that will improve quality of life and promote effective outcomes.

References

Glick, S. B., Samson, D. J., Huang, E., Vats, V., Weber, S., & Aronson, N. (2013). Screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Melnyk, B.M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2010). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: a guide to best practice. LWW.

Padula, W. V., Mishra, M. K., Makic, M. B. F., & Valuck, R. J. (2014). A Framework of Quality Improvement Interventions to Implement Evidence-Based Practices for Pressure Ulcer Prevention. Advances in skin & wound care, 27(6), 280-284.