Discussion Questions 4

Sample answer

Evidence based practice entails the integration latest research guidelines with patient preferences and clinical expertise to inform decision making during care delivery process. Although the institute of medicine envisages 90% of practice to be based on evidence, various barriers might hold the nursing practice from achieving the goal. These barriers include lack of knowledge and expertise in evidence based practice and also shortage of healthcare professionals in clinical setting. Competence in evidence based practice is acquired through appropriate nurse education programs, such as bachelor of science in Nursing. This program empowers registered nurses with competence on the process and procedures of applying evidence based practice in clinical setting through identification of a clinical problem, critical analysis of research studies for evidence and its credibility and setting appropriate mechanisms and systems of implementing, evaluating and sustaining the proposed solution (Helbig, 2018).

Due to the fact that there are still not adequate nursing professionals with BSN qualifications, application of evidence based practice in clinical practice could take longer beyond 2020. Another challenge is lack of adequate healthcare professionals in the healthcare system, including nurses. Implementation of evidence based practice in clinical settings require adequate healthcare professionals not only in the execution process but also in monitoring, evaluation and sustaining change in the practice. To address these barriers, it is crucial to provide incentives that would encourage more nurses to enroll for higher education to acquire competence in evidence based practice. Also, addressing the staffing ratios in hospitals is crucial to prevent shortage of nurses to facilitate their involvement in evidence based practices (Farokhzadian, Khajouei & Ahmadian, 2015.