Background
Healthcare data is essential in improving patient outcomes and solving problems associated with the healthcare sector. Evidence-based practices are effective ways for clinical experts to obtain evidence on the various issues affecting healthcare and how to address them to improve medical provision. Evidence-based practices depend on various elements, including theory, research, and practice. This paper analyzes the importance of these factors in providing the necessary information to address healthcare issues.
Importance of Theory in Evidence-based Practices
Empirical evidence is insufficient to provide adequate data to solve healthcare issues and improve healthcare outcomes. Theory plays a significant role in supplementing the general principles of empirical evidence by guiding and applying various healthcare practices (Jarrott et al., 2019). Additionally, a theory is essential in providing the basis for understanding complex situations that empirical evidence cannot provide. There are two types of theories relevant to evidence-based practices: explanatory theory and change theory (Jarrott et al., 2019). The explanatory theory analyzes the problem and provides various mechanisms that healthcare professionals can implement to address the issue. On the contrary, change theory aims to offer intervention strategies to address the factors that contribute to the development of the problem. These theories enable healthcare professionals to determine the essential elements that need to be considered when addressing medical issues. Furthermore, evidence-based practice theory forms the basis of future research in the healthcare sector.
Importance of Research in Evidence-based Practices
Research is essential in obtaining the necessary data to improve healthcare outcomes. Healthcare professionals need to make judgments based on the facts rather than opinions or instincts (Horntvedt et al., 2018). Conducting research provides facts and adequate details on various issues in healthcare. Additionally, evidence-based research allows medical professionals to analyze various theories in healthcare and determine the ideal one for addressing a healthcare issue. Research findings have been essential in making accurate predictions in the healthcare sector and enabling the stakeholders to be aware and prepare for any emergency on time. Besides, facts generated from accurate studies provide the medical sector with vital information necessary for future references (Horntvedt et al., 2018). Research findings provide critical evidence on the implications of using different approaches when addressing an issue. Establishing the effects of these approaches improves healthcare outcomes by equipping nurses with the knowledge of the best healthcare practices employed during a healthcare crisis.
Practice in Evidence-based Practices
Evidence-based practices are essential in providing knowledge to healthcare professionals on the effective therapies that can be introduced to various patients, including older people. EBP practices allow healthcare professionals to identify the most reliable evidence when delivering medical services (Horntvedt et al., 2018). Some of the reliable evidence practices include randomized controlled trials, observational studies and case study analysis, patient record analysis and correctional evidence, and expert opinion gained from personal experience and adequate background information. Additionally, EBP practices guide nurses on the different types of research that they can conduct depending on the subject of study to get the most information (Horntvedt et al., 2018). Some of the recommended studies include meta-analysis and systematic reviews, critically appraised study synopsis, and critically appraised synthesis of existing evidence.
Several steps need to be followed when applying EBP practices to solve a healthcare issue. Firstly, healthcare professionals need to form a clinical question that defines the problem. Secondly, adequate evidence that provides enough information about the situation in question is gathered (Horntvedt et al., 2018) Thirdly, the evidence is analyzed to identify the most appropriate information that applies to the question of concern. Fourthly, the evidence is applied in a clinical scenario to determine its effectiveness in addressing the problem. Lastly, the practice results are analyzed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence and assess its feasibility in solving a problem.
Scenario
To address the problem presented in the scenario about discharge education for postoperative patients, it is essential to analyze three aspects of the theory related to EBP. Firstly, the unit-based council needs to consider the validity of the practice (Vázquez-Sánchez et al., 2018). Exploring the validity of the practice enables the healthcare professional to determine the theory’s effectiveness before applying it. It provides the basis for conducting background research before identifying the areas that need improvement and the best approach to apply the theory. Secondly, the unit-based council should consider the impact of the theory in addressing the problem of hospital readmission resulting from patients developing postoperative wound infections. The effect of the theory reveals how clinically significant the theory is in addressing the issue.
The ideal theory provides the maximum healthcare impact that improves patient outcomes. In this case, offering education on postoperative wound handing would equip the patients with adequate knowledge on the best practices to embrace after operation to prevent the development of wound infections. Lastly, there is a need to consider the applicability of the theory. An applicable theory conforms to the patients’ needs and can easily be applied without many challenges. This scenario makes it suitable to provide patients with practical ways of handling operative wounds based on empirical evidence.
In conclusion, Evidence-based practices provide healthcare professionals with adequate knowledge on addressing various clinical problems, thus improving the quality of services delivered and enhancing patient outcomes. For EBP to be effective, research, practice, and theory must be considered to determine the best approach to handling a healthcare problem. When determining the ideal theory, it is essential to analyze its validity, impact, and applicability in solving the issue of concern.
References
Horntvedt, M. E. T., Nordsteien, A., Fermann, T., & Severinsson, E. (2018). Strategies for teaching evidence-based practice in nursing education: a thematic literature review. BMC medical education, 18(1), 1-11.
Jarrott, S. E., Stremmel, A. J., & Naar, J. J. (2019). Practice that transforms intergenerational programs: A model of theory-and evidence informed principles. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 17(4), 488-504.
Vázquez-Sánchez, M. Á., Valero-Cantero, I., Carrión-Velasco, Y., Castro-López, P., Suárez-Cadenas, E., & Casals, C. (2018). Applicability and Clinical Validity of Nursing Outcomes Classification in a Nursing Intervention of Nutritional Counseling for Patients With Malnutrition. International Journal of Nursing Knowledge, 30(3), 168-172.