EBP: An Essential Component of Practice
In the contemporary nursing world, there is much emphasis on all healthcare organizations to institutionalize Evidence-Based Practice (EBP). That is the case given the potential benefits offered by such a practice. For instance, many studies have revealed that through EBP, patient outcomes will improve significantly (Stevens, 2013). Going by this emphasis, this paper aims at establishing why the EBP is an essential component of the BSN-prepared RN. Moreover, it focuses on bringing to light the ways individuals can carry on with this practice in their work environment. Lastly, the discussion will conclude with stating the anticipated barriers to the practice and their solutions.
Primarily, EBP is a crucial component of the practice of a BSN-prepared RN because of various reasons that are worth noting. Firstly, through EBP the BSN-prepared RNs can demonstrate the high level of knowledge and skills they have obtained from the BSN curriculum. Besides, EBP enables the BSN-prepared RNs to effect change in their areas of influence, which is vital in this evolving nursing era where creativity and critical thinking are integral to the improvement of patient outcomes (Stevens, 2013). Based on these reasons, EBP is thus essential to the BSN-prepared RNs’ practice.
That said one ought to have a strategic plan for the promotion of the EBP culture in the work environment. A case in point of a strategy is the utilization of a change champion in the organization to spearhead the proposed change by circumventing the organizational barriers that may stifle the proposition at its infancy. Such an action will reduce resistance among other persons given the authority that this change champion possesses in the organization. Another strategy is to pilot the proposal in a small area before rolling it out to a big area. An intervention of this kind will ensure that change takes effect in a gradual manner, which reduces the chances of resistance following appreciation of what it offers when implemented in a small area (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2014). With such strategies in place, it is beyond doubt that there is the promotion of EBP culture in the work environment.
Concerning the implementation of the personal EBP action plan, which champions for the use of a transitional care model in elderly patients for the reduction of hospital readmission, foreseeing of barriers is of the essence. A befitting example of an anticipated hindrance for this action plan is the language barrier. Among the elderly persons that are of non-American origin, the language barrier is a challenge because of their inability to comprehend the English language mostly used by healthcare professionals in the USA. Notwithstanding, unwavering organizational support is another foreseen challenge to this proposal. That is the case given that most organizations may not be willing to devote more resources to the discharged elderly patient especially because of the burden they are experiencing, for instance, nurses’ shortages (Hirschman et al., 2015).
Lastly, highlighting the solutions to the identified barriers is also crucial to the successful implementation of the EBP action plan. Central to the addressing of the issue of the language barrier, one can seek the services of a translator who understands both the English language and the preferred language of the patient. Such an intervention will ultimately bypass this challenge. On the other hand, the nurse can circumvent the barrier of low organizational support via explaining to the organization the importance transitional care model bears in reducing the overall cost of the healthcare. According to Hirschman and colleagues (2015), transitional care model results in the reduction of readmissions to hospitals and thereby decreasing the cost incurred on healthcare. By stating such facts, the organizations will come to terms with the need to support the plan and thus devote resources to the same.
In closure, indeed, the EBP is a central component of the practice of a BSN-prepared RN as highlighted in this discussion. As such, going forward, the BSN-prepared RNs shouldthus have ready action plans in place for the successful fulfillment of this expectation.
References
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality,. (2014). 4. How Do We Implement Best Practices in Our Organization? (continued) | Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality. Ahrq.gov. Retrieved 30April 2017, from https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/systems/hospital/pressureulcertoolkit/putool4a.html
Hirschman, K., Shaid, E., McCauley, K., Pauly, M., Naylor, M. (2015). Continuity of care: the
transitional care model. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 20(3). DOI: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol20No03Man01
Stevens, K. (2013). The impact of evidence-based practice in nursing and the next big ideas. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 18(2).
