Question

Consider a recent practice change that resulted from research efforts. What were some barriers to implementation? What are common barriers for translating research into practice?

Please provide references.

Answer 1

Evidence based Practice ( EBP):  

Evidence based practices are the practices that adapted to healthcare system that is based on scientific evidences and observations.

Recent practice change that resulted from research efforts: Some of the Examples for recent practice changes are:

* Use of PPE ( Personal Protective Equipments ) and other infection control measures: Before the use of PPE was limited. Researches proved that the spreading of infectious diseases especially droplet, Airborn , contact infections, can be prevented largely through the use infection control measures like barrier measures, clean hospital environment and use of PPE kit.

Other examples: Selection of catheter size for blood transfusion ,according to EBP protocol nurses should use smaller gauge catheter for Packed RBC transfusions.

Oxygen administration to Chronic Obstructive pulmonary Disease : The old assumption was oxygen administration may cause various complications like hypercapnoea. But according to EBP, prompt oxygen administration can prevent organ failure and hypoxia .

Barriers for implemention:

Shortage of faculties

Heavy work load

Lack of resources like internet facility , libraries

lack of facility for updating knowledge.

Barriers for translating research into practice:

There are numerous barriers , while translating the research into practice. The important barriers are:

* Unsupportive organizational culture: Some organisations arw resistant to change. They may be Unsupportive to apply the new knowledge into practice.  

* Lack of continuing education: may act as a barrier for translating the knowledge into practice.  

* Resistance to change: Employees may be resistant to change, while implementing a strategy derived from new knowledge.  

* Lack of Change agents : Change agents facilitate the implementation of changes in an organisation. Lack of Change agents may act as a barrier for translating the knowledge into practice.  

* Lack of time and other resources: Time , money and materials may be needed for translating the knowledge into practice. For example: Use of PPE kit to prevent infections: non availability of PPE kit is a barrier.  

Other barriers are : Difficulty in developing an informed guidelines , Lack of leadership , lack of training, lack of educators etc.