Evidence-Based Practice

1 Evidence-Based Practice Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an invaluable process in which the current best practices are used by clinicians to solve problems and make decisions that align with the health needs and preferences of individual patients (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). The decisions made at different levels of practice are backed by data, current research, and clinical expertise.

The use of EBP in nursing involves collecting, processing, translating, and implementing research findings to enhance patient care processes. EBP helps create a base from which nurses deliver high-quality care to patients (Skela‐Savič, Hvalič‐Touzery & Pesjak, 2017). Nurses use EBP to identify knowledge gaps in practice and formulating relevant research questions (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). These questions guide researchers on generating findings to resolve the knowledge gaps. EBP can also carry out an efficient literature search

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2 (Ostrow et al., 2017). Further, EBP is used to determine the validity of research findings.

In most cases, nurses only apply to practice findings that do not contradict the principles of evidence-based practice. This implies that EBP is utilized in the application of literature findings in different care processes.

EBP can potentially influence healthcare quality improvement processes in several ways.

Nurses use the current best evidence in their efforts to make changes geared towards improving patient care outcomes. It is also irrefutable that EBP strengthens the base for improved system performance, professional development, and prevention of medical errors (Melnyk & FineoutOverholt, 2015). Since the healthcare practices that typify EBP are based on scientific research and best evidence, they can produce better health outcomes (Ostrow et al., 2017). For instance, evidence shows that immediate discontinuation of psychiatric medications may generate severe symptoms. EBP, therefore, requires nurses to slowly reduce the dosage of psychiatric medications before total discontinuation (Ostrow et al., 2017).

3 References Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. (3rd ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health, Ostrow, L., Jessell, L., Hurd, M., Darrow, S. M., & Cohen, D. (2017). Discontinuing psychiatric medications: A survey of long-term users. Psychiatric Services, 68(12), 1232-1238. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201700070 Skela‐Savič, B., Hvalič‐Touzery, S., & Pesjak, K. (2017). Professional values and competencies as explanatory factors for the use of the evidence‐based practice in nursing. Journal of advanced nursing, 73(8), 1910-1923. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13280