Posted: July 5th, 2023

Barriers to Achieving the Goal of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Proposed Solutions

The Institute of Medicine has stated a goal that 90% of practice be evidence-based by 2020. According to HealthyPeople.gov, the United States is currently at approximately 15%. Discuss two barriers that might hold nursing practice from achieving this goal and suggest ways in which identified barriers may be addressed.

minimum 500 words

___________________
Barriers to Achieving the Goal of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Proposed Solutions

Introduction:
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) set a goal to achieve 90% evidence-based practice (EBP) by 2020. However, according to HealthyPeople.gov, the United States is currently at approximately 15%. This significant gap indicates that several barriers are impeding the progress of nursing practice towards evidence-based care. This essay will discuss two major barriers to achieving this goal and propose potential solutions to address these challenges.

Barrier 1: Limited Access to Current Evidence:
One significant barrier hindering the attainment of evidence-based nursing practice is limited access to current evidence. Access to up-to-date research, clinical guidelines, and systematic reviews is crucial for nurses to provide care based on the best available evidence. However, several factors contribute to this barrier.

Firstly, the overwhelming volume of published research makes it challenging for nurses to stay updated with the latest evidence. With thousands of medical journals and publications, nurses may struggle to find and access the most relevant and reliable evidence for their practice. This issue is compounded by time constraints and heavy workloads, leaving little room for nurses to devote to extensive literature searches.

Secondly, restricted access to research articles due to paywalls and subscription costs poses a significant obstacle. Many high-impact journals require costly subscriptions or charge fees for accessing individual articles, limiting the accessibility of research findings to those working in institutions with sufficient resources. This financial barrier prevents nurses, particularly those working in under-resourced healthcare settings, from accessing essential evidence to inform their practice.

Addressing the Barrier:
To overcome the limited access to current evidence, several strategies can be implemented. Firstly, healthcare organizations and institutions can invest in subscriptions to relevant databases and journals, providing nurses with open access to a broader range of research articles. Collaboration between institutions and professional nursing organizations can also facilitate the sharing of resources and reduce the burden of subscription costs.

Secondly, healthcare institutions can establish dedicated evidence-based practice committees or units. These entities can be responsible for conducting regular literature reviews, summarizing evidence, and disseminating it to nurses in a user-friendly format. These committees can also develop guidelines and protocols based on the available evidence to guide nursing practice effectively.

Barrier 2: Resistance to Change and Lack of Knowledge/Skills:
Another significant barrier to achieving evidence-based nursing practice is resistance to change and a lack of knowledge and skills related to EBP. Adopting an evidence-based approach often requires a shift in thinking, incorporating new concepts, and challenging traditional practices. However, resistance to change can hinder the implementation of evidence-based care.

Nurses may be accustomed to traditional practices or guided by personal experiences, making it difficult to embrace new evidence. Additionally, some healthcare professionals may lack the necessary knowledge and skills to critically appraise research articles, interpret statistical data, and integrate evidence into their practice. These factors contribute to a resistance towards accepting and implementing evidence-based care.

Addressing the Barrier:
To overcome the resistance to change and lack of knowledge/skills, targeted interventions are required. First and foremost, comprehensive educational programs should be developed to enhance nurses’ understanding of EBP concepts and their ability to critically appraise research. Continuing education opportunities should be provided to update nurses’ skills and knowledge regarding research methodologies, evidence synthesis, and data analysis.

Furthermore, organizational support is crucial in promoting a culture that values evidence-based practice. Leadership should encourage and facilitate the participation of nurses in EBP initiatives, providing resources, mentorship, and protected time for engaging in evidence-based activities. Peer support networks, journal clubs, and regular meetings dedicated to discussing research findings can foster a culture of EBP within healthcare settings.

Conclusion:
The goal of achieving 90% evidence-based practice by 2020, as set by the Institute of Medicine, has not been realized,and the United States currently stands at approximately 15% according to HealthyPeople.gov. This essay has discussed two major barriers to achieving evidence-based nursing practice: limited access to current evidence and resistance to change and lack of knowledge/skills. Proposed solutions to address these barriers include improving access to research through institutional subscriptions and collaborations, establishing dedicated evidence-based practice committees, providing comprehensive educational programs, and fostering a supportive organizational culture.

By implementing these strategies, nurses can enhance their ability to access and critically appraise current evidence, leading to informed decision-making in their practice. Ultimately, a culture of evidence-based nursing practice can improve patient outcomes, promote quality care, and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession as a whole.

References:

HealthyPeople.gov. (n.d.). Nursing: Objective NWS-23. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/nursing/objectives
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Melnyk, B. M., Gallagher-Ford, L., Long, L. E., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2014). The establishment of evidence-based practice competencies for practicing registered nurses and advanced practice nurses in real-world clinical settings: Proficiencies to improve healthcare quality, reliability, patient outcomes, and costs. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 11(1), 5-15.
Sackett, D. L., Rosenberg, W. M., Gray, J. A., Haynes, R. B., & Richardson, W. S. (1996). Evidence-based medicine: What it is and what it isn’t. British Medical Journal, 312(7023), 71-72.
Straus, S. E., Glasziou, P., Richardson, W. S., & Haynes, R. B. (2018). Evidence-based medicine: How to practice and teach EBM (5th ed.). Elsevier.

Check Price Discount

Study Notes & Homework Samples: Cultural differences, as has been said, can contribute to misunderstandings »Rheumatoid Arthritis: Treatment and Management