Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Essay Assignment Papers
Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice
Barriers may be encountered when engaging in evidence-based practice. These barriers must be recognized in order to manage and overcome them.
Change
Sometimes, the barrier is not related to the specific change that has been proposed but rather to change itself. Change within any organization can be a difficult process. The organization may not be aware of newer evidence due to lack of perceived value, lack of support, lack of ability to understand nursing research, lack of availability, and lack of time.
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In order to facilitate the underlying issues, it is essential to create an environment to support evidence-based practice. For instance, it is important to anticipate the resistance to change with proactive education. In addition, a research committee can enhance the development and delivery of up-to-date evidence and knowledge.
Authority
Authority to make a change is another common barrier to evidence-based practice. Change cannot be facilitated by one person alone. If you find evidence that supports a change, consider how you would go about instituting the change process. For example, policy or procedures may need attention, staff may require training, or new equipment may need to be purchased. If you change your own practice with respect to one of these examples, but no one else in the organization changes, the net effect could be to make the situation worse rather than improve it. Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Essay Assignment Papers.
It is important to recognize who holds power within an organization to make evidence-based practice changes. Consider who you would approach with a good idea for a change. Would you discuss this with your supervisor? How about asking to speak to a committee that has decision-making authority? Work through the appropriate channels to create a positive impact.
Time
Time is another barrier to evidence-based practice. Many members of an organization have difficulty finding the time to strategically plan and implement a significant change. Yet, the time must be found, or the problems will not be resolved.
Research
You may discover that there is a lack of research on the topic that you wish to investigate. Existing research may be sparse, outdated, or so narrowly focused that it cannot be generalized to your population. The situation is improving, but more funding is needed. Take opportunities to influence policy decisions on what research is pursued. Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Essay Assignment Papers.
Facilitators to Evidence-Based Practice
Nurses are overcoming these barriers to evidence-based practice. Successful strategies include
- nursing journal clubs where participants search for evidence and share with others;
- subscriptions to databases that allow staff to search;
- Internet access that lets staff look online;
- support staff who assist with gathering data, scanning the literature, and finding evidence;
- creating a culture of evidence-based practice within the organization; and
- joining professional organizations that disseminate evidence to their members.
Summary
You are encouraged to look around your own clinical setting for situations that would benefit from evidence-based practice. Opportunities for EBP are abound! Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Essay Assignment Papers.
Searching for evidence and reading research reports are skills that will serve you well throughout your nursing career, and just like any skill, practice improves performance. Make a habit of formulating clinical questions and looking for evidence. As your skill grows, so will your ability to solve clinical problems. Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Essay Assignment Papers.