Question

When nurses look critically at existing methods, they can improve medical care. Discuss a change in nursing practice based on new EBP research.

Answer 1

Evidence - based practice is defined as a problem solving approach to the delivery of healthcare that incorporates the best available evidences, experiences of healthcare workers and patients’ views.

Developing a PICOT question is crucial to ensure you are identifying the clinical problem.

P: types of patients/patient population.

I: interventions or specific methods or treatments of interest

C: comparison or alternatives in treatment or interventions to the problem

O: desired outcome

T: timing.

Early mobilization of hospitalised patients:

The adverse effects of prolonged bed rest are many and all too frequent for hospitalized patients such as:

• Pressure wounds
• Muscle atrophy
• Cardiopulmonary weakness
• Immune-compromised complications

A newer trend, supported by research findings, is earlier mobilization of patients who once were deemed “too sick” to get out of bed. Early mobilization not only improves the patient’s functional status, but also reduces length of hospital stay. Mobility efforts should begin as soon as the patient has stabilized hemodynamically and in respiratory status, often within the patient’s first 48 hours in the unit. Even patients receiving ventilator support can exercise. To obtain the most benefit from mobilization:

• Plan sessions to optimize patient comfort
• Evaluate the patient’s tolerance to activity
• Ensure adequate personnel are available for patient safety

Mobilization activities may not be appropriate for patients who require a high level of ventilator support or those who have unstable hemodynamic parameters