Implementing evidence-based practices can be difficult. A lack of mentors, a lack of understanding of EBP, and a lack of respect for EBP are examples of these (Melynk., el al, 2017). Creating committed mentors to aid in bringing about a culture shift within an organization is one approach I would take to address the issues raised in NURS 6052 Wk 9 Discussion Developing a Culture of Evidence-Based Practice. Furthermore, I would persuade management and administration of the importance of EBP in helping a company by enhancing job satisfaction and decreasing people turnover (Melynk et al.,). Departments will spend less on training as staff turnover decreases.
Another technique I would use to propagate EBP is to encourage the use of peer-reviewed journals that provide examples of evidence-based practice. However, some employees may not have the time to access EBP principles or conduct research. One strategy I would use to increase EBP at a company is to distribute flyers and posters to employees. Flyers and posters would serve to remind people about the history and significance of EBP in healthcare. Furthermore, it would provide employees with better access to the changes the company intends to implement in response to EBP. In NURS 6052 Wk 9, Melynk and Fineout-Overholt argue that “a multiplicity of interventions are required, including a culture and an environment that fosters and sustains EBP.” Discussion Resources for Creating an Evidence-Based Practice Culture (2018). While supporting the culture change, signage and posters can act as a reminder to adopt tried-and-true approaches. Change may not be possible with fliers and posters. Training, such as modules or practical exercises, could be provided in combination with the flyers and posters. Employees can benefit from training to prepare them for the EBP change.
On-site journal clubs are one strategy I would not use. “Journal clubs allow physicians to communicate and learn about evidence-based techniques in their professional setting,” Melykn and Fineout-Overholt add (2018). (P. 565). Employees, in my experience, do not want to stay at a job for any longer than is absolutely necessary. An online journal club would be better to enable journaling from home while eliminating the requirement to attend in-person journal club meetings. It may be difficult to find a practitioner with advanced training who is willing to participate in on-site groups. Interaction with the organization is also limited due to the vast number of COVID patients.
Evidence based practice has multiple benefits when at a facility. Research has shown that can improve patient outcomes, provide a safer environment, and bring better quality healthcare (Melnyk et al 2017). A challenges with evidence-based practice is finding ways to implement EBP in an organization. One strategy that I would use to implement evidence-based practice at a facility is to have
organizational level presentations given by EBP mentors. By focusing on EBP at an organizational level, mentors have an opportunity to bring data that can help change policies. Melynk et al., (2011) explain…..”Measurement of outcomes(internal evidence) plus rigorous research( external evidence) results in the best evidence-based organizational policies to guide the highest quality of care in healthcare institutions”(P.4).
Discussion: Developing a Culture of Evidence-Based Practice
The dissemination of evidence-based practice (EBP) information and data on cancer care to different target audience including healthcare organisations, patients, government authorities, professionals and the general public can play a fundamental role in enhancing both population and patient health. Christenbery (2017) established that the creating and sustaining a culture of evidence-based practice requires the use of systematic and appropriate dissemination strategies and interventions to help in the sharing of information and knowledge on cancer. Unit-level presentations are primarily focused on ensuring the identification and response to issues affecting the healthcare unit within a healthcare facility through defining the context under which EBP is realised through communication of unit-based information and data to be used for attaining superior healthcare outcomes for cancer patients (Jolley, 2020). At the local level, podium presentations are widely considered effective in enabling the dissemination of EBP information and knowledge to the various local stakeholders, and hence the greater need to gain a better understanding of the context, realities and conditions under which to implement EBP. Moreover, the publication of evidence-based findings in peer-reviewed journals is also widely considered an important and popular dissemination strategy when communicating EBP amidst concerns over the reduced turnout for major stakeholders due to the growing requirements for subscription (Ramanadhan, 2020). Jolley (2020) insisted that all healthcare professionals including advanced practice nurses must receive proper training and education on EBP, right from methods of data generation and analysis, dissemination, knowledge use and falsification. Personally, I would primarily opt to use unit-level presentations to communicate to my fellow workmates and other key stakeholders within the unit as the appropriate dissemination strategy to share my knowledge, competencies and skills on the burden of cancer with the intention of contributing to sustained improvements in cancer care.
References
Christenbery, T. L. (2017). Evidence-based practice: A culture of organizational empowerment. Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing.
Jolley, J. (2020). Evidence-based practice. Introducing Research and Evidence-Based Practice for Nursing and Healthcare Professionals, 63-88.
Ramanadhan, S. (2020). Translating research into practice—implementation science. Oxford Handbook of Public Health Practice, 292-302.
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NURS 6052 Wk 9 Discussion Developing a Culture of Evidence-Based Practice References
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Melnyk, B. M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Gallagher-Ford, L., & Stillwell, S. B. (2011). Sustaining Evidence-Based Practice Through Organizational Policies and an Innovative Model. AJN American Journal of Nursing, 111(9), 57–60. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000405063.97774.0e
Melnyk, B. M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Giggleman, M., & Choy, K. (2017). A Test of the ARCC© Model Improves Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare Culture, and Patient Outcomes. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 14(1), 5–9.