Evidence-Based Practices in Nursing

Evidence-based practices (EBP) in nursing are forms of healthcare which place focus on research studies and systematic reviews to provide patients with clinical expertise, resulting in positive outcomes leading to a high-quality of life. Evidence-based care involves critical thinking and engaging in up-to-date nursing research findings to implement in a clinical setting.

What Is Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing?

Evidence-based nursing practices are utilized by implementing the best available evidence for quality improvement as determined by healthcare professionals and recent academic research. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), evidence-based interventions in nursing rely on clinical decision-making based on research evidence.

This type of nursing practice aims to improve patient safety and overall well-being. Applying EBP with nursing care allows patients to enjoy a healthcare environment in which expert opinion is taken seriously and positive healthcare outcomes are more likely to take place.

Key Principles of Implementing Evidence-Based Practice

Before implementing EBP, there are key principles you should know. For instance, healthcare providers incorporating EBP follow these practices in their daily routine:

• reviewing and analyzing the latest academic research to gain competency within in the field of nursing
• applying EBP within the healthcare system such as forming a quality patient care plan
• accessing peer-reviewed studies, clinical practice guidelines, and identifying reliable sources of information
• learning more about EBP for their professional development in a healthcare setting
• incorporating organized care decisions for patients based on research studies for nursing education
• providing EBP in the nursing profession by discussing patient values, preferences, and expectations

There are seven steps of evidence-based practices, as stated by StatPearls, which include:

• encouraging and supporting a spirit of inquiry
• asking questions
• searching for evidence
• appraising the evidence
• integrating evidence into practice
• evaluating outcomes
• sharing results

Examples of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing

There are several examples of EBP in nursing including:

• measuring blood pressure in children non-evasively
• implementing an effective pain management strategy
• reducing the risk of falls in patients
• managing angina
• washing hands frequently

EBPs such as washing hands first began with Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing research and data. Florence Nightingale determined the connection between unsanitary conditions surrounding the birth of babies.

Nightingale determined that nurses who sanitized their hands before helping women give birth saw a more successful birth rate compared to those who did not wash their hands.

The Impact of Evidence-Based Practice on Healthcare

EBPs in healthcare offer a number of benefits including the following:

• contributions to science via medical research and new interventions
• less complications from health issues
• healthcare workers gaining critical thinking skills and receiving continued learning
• maintained knowledge of new technology
• increased positive outcomes with patients
• allows for more knowledgeable decision-making by clinicians and those in healthcare organizations

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can allow registered nurses to better understand EBP.

How Does Evidence-Based Practice Improve Patient Outcomes?

By understanding and acknowledging EBPs, you may discover medical options which coincide with patient preferences. This can improve the nurse-patient relationships, allowing patients to become more comfortable in their healthcare environment.

Those who take part in EBPs can examine the evidence of positive patient outcomes, learning of improvements such as effective pain management for those with chronic conditions. Maintaining healthy collaborations with patients and doctors through mutual understanding of medical research may also occur.

Additionally, positive patient outcomes are improved by EBP via the use of updated technology which can be learned and implemented in a healthcare setting.

How Does Evidence-Based Practice Reduce Healthcare Costs?

EBPs reduce healthcare costs in various ways. For instance, by putting EBPs into practice, patients may experience less complications, leading to fewer hospital visits and reduced healthcare costs.

With a better understanding of EBPs, medical professionals such as nurses and nurse practitioners can lower healthcare costs for patients. Identifying cost-effective procedures, and medications may provide financial relief for many patients.