Evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing involves providing holistic, quality care based on the most up-to-date research and knowledge rather than traditional practices. It is a process used to review, analyze, and translate the latest scientific evidence into clinical practice, so nurses can make informed patient-care decisions. EBP is the cornerstone of clinical practice and is essential for improving the quality of care and patient outcomes.
Some key characteristics of EBP in nursing include:
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Incorporating the best available research: EBP involves quickly incorporating the best available research, along with clinical experience and patient preference, into clinical practice.
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Improving patient outcomes: EBP helps nurses provide the highest-quality, most cost-efficient care possible, which can lead to decreasing demand for healthcare resources and reducing expenses.
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Lifelong learning: EBP is a lifelong learning technique that involves collecting, processing, and implementing research findings to improve clinical practice and patient care.
To get involved in EBP, nurses can take opportunities to question traditional practices and turn to the evidence to find better ways of doing things. When conducting an EBP project, it is important to use a model to help guide the work, such as the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice (JHEBP) model. Nurses can find EBP research published in scholarly peer-reviewed journals, as well as through state and national nursing organizations and the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Overall, EBP is an essential component of nursing practice that helps nurses provide the best possible care to their patients based on the most current research and knowledge available.
