I\u2019ve been interested in Evidence Based Practice (EBP) for quite some time. It’s well known that implementation of evidence in practice results in better patient health outcomes, yet practice doesn\u2019t always have an evidence focus. I completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree earlier this year. I researched nurse practitioner beliefs about, and implementation of evidence in practice.\u00a0 I discovered that NPs have strong beliefs about the value of evidence based practice, however, they had relatively low levels of implementation.\u00a0 I also asked questions about facilitators and barriers. During the study period, the legislation for NP practice in my province was quite restrictive. I was certain that the NP legislated scope of practice would be one of the most common barriers to the implementation of evidence.\u00a0 It was a barrier, but it didn\u2019t even fall into the top three.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no surprise that ‘time’ was the most common barrier cited by the NPs.\u00a0 Information overload and lack of skills in analyzing research studies are other barriers. Interestingly, one of the most significant barriers, but also a significant facilitator to NP\u2019s implementation of evidence based practice, was working on an interprofessional team.\u00a0 When teams work well, things like implementation of evidence is easier.\u00a0 The trick will be to figure out the factors related to better teamwork.<\/p>\n
The ‘patient’ was also cited as a common barrier to the implementation of evidence in practice.\u00a0 I was reminded that regardless of our convictions, the patient perspective has to be taken into consideration.<\/p>\n
EBP is complex.\u00a0 Even when we believe that the process of EBP or EBN is best for the patient, it isn\u2019t always easy to implement.\u00a0 Understanding and identifying barriers to the implementation of evidence in your practice is the first step in development of more effective nursing care.<\/p>\n
Roberta Heale<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I\u2019ve been interested in Evidence Based Practice (EBP) for quite some time. It’s well known that implementation of evidence in practice results in better patient health outcomes, yet practice doesn\u2019t always have an evidence focus. I completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree earlier this year. I researched nurse practitioner beliefs about, and implementation of […]<\/p>\n