Question

What is evidence based practice and how does critical thinking and nursing theories play a role in the process of creating evidence based guidelines?

Answer 1

Role of Evidence-Based Practice(EBP) in Nursing

The idea of Evidence-based practice (EBP) was introduced in the 1970s by Dr. Archie Cochrane. EBP is the application of researched knowledge. It integrates nursing research, theories and practice.

The nursing practice and nursing education has undergone revolutionary changes throughout the times. Evidence-based practice has emerged as the gold standard of care in nursing.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a patient-centered approach and lays its foundation on independent scientific research by nurses, clinical expertise and patient experiences. The healthcare providers who utilize EBP must consider the recent healthcare research while determining the course of care and treatment. Altogether the practice must be based on the evidence of its efficiency. Nursing was recognized as and an applied science in the 1960s and there after the and research efforts intensified.

The accumulation of research have led to increasing knowledge levels but the gap between the ideal healthcare environment and real experience was more. The growing amount of scientific background and research was not being transferred and applied consistently to clinical practice, there by making the knowledge inefficient. Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2001 recommended to implement EBP to reduce the gap between the knowledge and practice and thereby increase the practice standards.

Present nursing education programs emphasize critical thinking skills and encourage students to consider the patient’s clinical, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as relevant scientific research in practice. They often encourages nursing researches instead of traditional skill training and implementation.

Benefits of Evidence-Based Practice

The ultimate goal is to provide standardized and improved care across the healthcare system.

Other patient and nurse benefits:

More improved patient outcomes

Cost efficiency

Better nursing skills

Increased efficiency of Patient Care

Critical Thinking (CT) is vital in developing evidence-based nursing practice and its implementation. CT is the ability to think using knowledge and skills on behalf of patient. The ideal critical thinker must be inquisitive, prudent in making judgments, knowledgeable , willing to change and review. The ability of CT makes a basis for EBP. Instead of blindly following the protocol the CT prepares the nurse a contributor of it. The development of CT in nursing can prepare nurses with the necessary skills and dispositions to support EBP like, habits of mind, attitudes, and traits.The critical thinking process will enhance the nurses' ability to find the clinical indicators, assess their significance, discuss areas for improvement and work efficiently in complex health care settings. CT and reduce the research–practice gap and confirm the nursing care is based on evidence.

The validity of any profession or applied science is on its ability to generate and apply theory. Nurses must make their unique contribution to healthcare in order to leave the subordinate role of physicians. The nursing theories developed by experts, intended to guide the practice and act as a foundation curricula and research, thereby supports the development of professional knowledge. In the present situation the use of multidisciplinary services and the doctrine of evidence-based practice in collaboration with the art and science of nursing is more relevant.

Nurse educators and practitioners should incorporate the nursing theoretical base in evidence-based practice.