Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a potent tool that can advance healthcare in many ways, but it cannot bring success on its own. The application of EBP implies knowledge, understanding, skills, and relevant strategies from the staff. According to Melnyk et al. (2009), “EBP is a problem-solving approach to the delivery of health care that integrates the best evidence from studies and patient care data with clinician expertise and patient preferences and values.” The authors claim that the most important step in the successful implementation of EBP is creating a culture supportive of this process that ignites a spirit of inquiry (Melnyk et al., 2009). Thus, the first strategy for any person should include support, promotion, and embrace of such EBP-friendly culture. This implies questioning the existing standards, looking for evidence for employed practices, and creating a system of constant measuring and comparing the results.
Secondly, regarding the inquiries, they are supposed to follow specific formats to achieve the highest possible levels of effectiveness. Therefore, the second strategy to be mentioned will imply utilizing the PICOT format to conduct research. Asking clinical questions in PICOT format is identified as the second step critical for implementing and supporting EBP (Melnyk et al., 2009). Finally, while asking questions and searching for data is vital, EBP also requires the utilization of rapid critical appraisal (RCA) to assess the data and its quality (Fineout-Overholt et al., 2010). Thus, the third strategy to be referred to in this essay considers the steps necessary for RCA (Fineout-Overholt et al., 2010). These steps include evaluating the levels of evidence of studies, their quality, and their usefulness; after that, evaluation and synthesis of the results are necessary to make relevant conclusions.
Overall, while EBP plays a crucial role in improving healthcare services and experience, it requires various actions and attitudes to be appropriately implemented. I identified three main strategies, which include supporting EBP-friendly culture and using PICOT and RCA tools. These steps are critical in implementing and supporting the EBP processes in the organization.
References
Fineout-Overholt, E., Stillwell, S.B., & Williamson, K.M. (2010). Evidence-based practice: Step by step: Critical appraisal of the evidence: Part I. American Journal of Nursing, 110(7), 47-52. Web.
Melnyk, B.M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Stillwell, S.B., & Williamson, K.M. (2009). Evidence-based practice: Step by step: Igniting a spirit of inquiry. American Journal of Nursing, 109(11), 49-52. Web.