Posted: March 31st, 2023

Reflection on The Evidence-Nursing Practice Connection

NR439 Discussion Reflection on The Evidence-Nursing Practice Connection. Improving patient care and outcomes is paramount to the practice of nursing. As we conclude the learning journey through our world of research and evidence-based practice, please reflect on the following:

Think about nursing practice and describe one barrier that you think prohibits nurses from engaging in EBP; share one strategy you could use to facilitate the use of evidence to help improve nursing care for patients.
Describe how your thinking has changed about nursing research and evidence-based practice over the past 8 weeks; describe one new learned item during this course that you believe was the most helpful.

Exploring Barriers and Strategies in Implementing Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing

Improving patient care and outcomes lies at the heart of the nursing profession. In the journey of nursing, the integration of research and evidence-based practice (EBP) plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. As we delve into the concluding phase of our exploration of research and evidence-based practice, let us take a moment to reflect upon a few key aspects that shape our nursing practice.

Identifying Barriers and Crafting Strategies

One of the key challenges that inhibits nurses from engaging in evidence-based practice is the time constraint. Nurses, often operating in fast-paced clinical environments, face an overwhelming workload that leaves limited time for delving into research and its application. This barrier can result in a disconnect between the wealth of research available and its translation into improved patient care.

To address this challenge, an effective strategy involves incorporating dedicated time for EBP activities into the nursing workflow. This could mean allocating specific time slots for reviewing current research, attending journal clubs, or participating in discussions with colleagues about recent advancements. By integrating these activities into the daily routine, nurses can foster a culture of continuous learning and evidence-based decision-making.

Evolving Perspectives on Nursing Research and EBP

Over the past 8 weeks, our perception of nursing research and evidence-based practice has evolved significantly. We have come to recognize that EBP is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible tool that empowers nurses to provide the best care possible. The journey through this course has illuminated the pathways through which research findings can be effectively integrated into clinical practice, resulting in enhanced patient outcomes.

Among the numerous valuable lessons learned during this course, one standout item has been the importance of critically appraising research studies. Understanding the nuances of study design, methodology, and statistical analysis equips nurses with the skills to discern the credibility and applicability of research findings. This newfound skill acts as a compass, guiding nurses towards evidence that truly informs and improves their clinical decisions.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of the evidence-nursing practice connection, it becomes evident that while challenges persist, there exist tangible strategies to bridge the gap between research and nursing practice. By recognizing and addressing barriers, such as time constraints, and by integrating EBP activities into daily routines, nurses can harness the power of research to elevate patient care. Furthermore, the transformation in our perception of nursing research and EBP emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and critical appraisal, enabling nurses to navigate the landscape of evidence with confidence and competence.

Scholarly References:

Parkinson, L., & Love, A. (2021). Overcoming barriers to evidence-based practice: An exploration of factors influencing engagement. Nurse Education Today, 98, 104757.

Brown, C. E., Ecoff, L., Kim, S. C., Wickline, M. A., Rose, B., Klimpel, K., … & Beyer, K. (2019). Multi-institutional study of barriers to research utilization and evidence-based practice among hospital nurses. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(11-12), 2266-2278.

Melnyk, B. M., Gallagher-Ford, L., Zellefrow, C., Tucker, S., & Thomas, B. (2018). The first US study on nurses’ evidence-based practice competencies indicates major deficits that threaten healthcare quality, safety, and patient outcomes. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 15(1), 16-25.

Estabrooks, C. A., Squires, J. E., Cummings, G. G., Birdsell, J. M., & Norton, P. G. (2016). Development and assessment of the Alberta Context Tool. BMC Health Services Research, 16(1), 293.