Posted: August 25th, 2024

The Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Organizations

The Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Organizations

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 marked a significant turning point in the adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP) in healthcare organizations. With the requirement of empirical evidence, research on EBP increased, and its application spread to various fields, including allied health professions, education, and healthcare technology.  A review of a professional healthcare organization’s website reveals that EBP is evident in various aspects, including mission, vision, philosophy, and goals. However, the extent of EBP adoption varies, and some organizations may not explicitly state their commitment to EBP.

Introduction

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has become a cornerstone of healthcare delivery, emphasizing the use of empirical evidence to inform clinical decisions. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 accelerated the adoption of EBP, and healthcare organizations began to promote and adopt this approach. This paper explores the adoption of EBP in healthcare organizations, as reflected on their websites.

Methodology

A review of a professional healthcare organization’s website was conducted to determine the extent of EBP adoption. The website of the American Heart Association (AHA) was chosen for this analysis. The AHA is a leading organization in the promotion of cardiovascular health and has a strong commitment to EBP.

Results

The AHA website explicitly states its commitment to EBP in its mission, vision, and philosophy. The organization’s mission is “to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives” (American Heart Association, n.d.). The AHA’s vision is “a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life” (American Heart Association, n.d.). The organization’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of scientific evidence in guiding its decisions and actions.

Furthermore, the AHA website provides numerous resources and guidelines that reflect its commitment to EBP. For example, the organization’s website provides guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease, which are based on the latest scientific evidence (American Heart Association, 2020). The AHA also provides resources for healthcare professionals, including online courses and webinars, that focus on EBP (American Heart Association, n.d.).

Discussion

The review of the AHA website reveals that the organization has a strong commitment to EBP. The organization’s mission, vision, and philosophy all reflect a commitment to using scientific evidence to guide its decisions and actions. The AHA’s guidelines and resources also demonstrate a strong emphasis on EBP.

However, not all healthcare organizations may have the same level of commitment to EBP. A review of other healthcare organization websites may reveal varying degrees of EBP adoption. For example, some organizations may not explicitly state their commitment to EBP, while others may have limited resources and guidelines that reflect EBP.

Conclusion

The adoption of EBP in healthcare organizations is a critical aspect of delivering high-quality care. The review of the AHA website reveals that the organization has a strong commitment to EBP, as reflected in its mission, vision, philosophy, and guidelines. However, the extent of EBP adoption may vary among healthcare organizations. Further research is needed to explore the adoption of EBP in healthcare organizations and to identify strategies for promoting EBP.

References

American Heart Association. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/about-us

American Heart Association. (2020). Guidelines for the Management of Cardiovascular Disease. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to better patient outcomes. Wolters Kluwer.

Sackett, D. L., Straus, S. E., Richardson, W. S., Rosenberg, W., & Haynes, R. B. (2000). Evidence-based medicine: How to practice and teach EBM. Churchill Livingstone.

Stetler, C. B. (2019). Evidence-based practice: The role of the advanced practice nurse. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(1), 13-23.

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE?

March 21, 2010, was not EBP’s date of birth, but it may be the date the approach “grew up” and left home to take on the world. This marked a significant turning point in the recognition and application of evidence-based practice across various fields.

When the Affordable Care Act was passed, it came with a requirement of empirical evidence. This legislative change underscored the importance of using data-driven approaches in healthcare decision-making.

Research on EBP increased significantly. Scholars and practitioners began to explore new methodologies and applications for evidence-based practice.

Application of EBP spread to allied health professions, education, healthcare technology, and more. This expansion highlighted the versatility and adaptability of EBP in diverse professional settings.

Health organizations began to adopt and promote EBP. These organizations recognized the potential of EBP to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

In this Discussion, you will consider this adoption. You will explore how different healthcare organizations have integrated EBP into their practices and policies.

You will examine healthcare organization websites and analyze to what extent these organizations use EBP. This analysis will provide insights into the current landscape of EBP implementation.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. These resources will provide foundational knowledge and context for your exploration of EBP.

Click the weekly resources link to access the resources. This link will direct you to a curated list of materials relevant to evidence-based practice.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To Prepare:

• Review the Resources and reflect on the definition and goal of EBP. Understanding these concepts is crucial for evaluating how organizations apply EBP.

• Choose a professional healthcare organization’s website (e.g., a reimbursing body, an accredited body, or a national initiative). Selecting a relevant organization will enhance the relevance of your analysis.

• Explore the website to determine where and to what extent EBP is evident. Look for mentions of EBP in strategic documents, reports, and other key areas.

BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 1

Post a description of the healthcare organization website you reviewed. Provide a detailed overview of the site’s content and focus areas.

Describe where, if at all, EBP appears (e.g., the mission, vision, philosophy, and/or goals of the healthcare organization, or in other locations on the website). Identify specific sections or statements that reference evidence-based practice.

Then, explain whether this healthcare organization’s work is grounded in EBP and why or why not. Use examples from the website to support your analysis.

Finally, explain whether the information you discovered on the healthcare organization’s website has changed your perception of the healthcare organization. Reflect on how this new information aligns with or challenges your previous understanding.

Be specific and provide examples. Detailed examples will strengthen your argument and provide clarity to your analysis.

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 1

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days by visiting the websites they shared and offering additional examples of EBP or alternative views/interpretations to those shared in your colleagues’ posts. Engaging with your peers will enrich the discussion and provide diverse perspectives on EBP implementation.

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The Evolution and Current Trends of Evidence-Based Practice Adoption in Healthcare Organizations

The healthcare sector has witnessed a paradigm shift towards evidence-based practice (EBP) in recent years, marking a significant departure from traditional, experience-based approaches. EBP integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to guide decision-making in healthcare (Titler, 2008). The passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 catalyzed this shift, emphasizing the need for empirical evidence in healthcare practices. As a result, healthcare organizations have increasingly recognized the value of EBP in improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing the quality of care.

Current Trends in EBP Adoption:

Organizational Integration:
Healthcare organizations are increasingly incorporating EBP into their core mission, vision, and strategic goals. A study by Mohamed et al. (2024) found that many institutions now view EBP adoption as crucial for maintaining organizational reputation and providing high-quality healthcare. This integration is evident in the development of evidence-based policies and procedures, reflecting a commitment to research-driven practice at all levels of the organization.

Technology-Driven Implementation:
The rapid advancement of healthcare technology has significantly facilitated EBP adoption. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have played a pivotal role in this trend. According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (2016), hospital adoption of EHRs increased from 59% in 2013 to 96% in 2016. This technological infrastructure enables healthcare providers to access and apply the latest evidence in real-time, supporting informed decision-making at the point of care.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
EBP has transcended traditional disciplinary boundaries, fostering collaboration across various healthcare professions. Lehane et al. (2019) note that the adoption of EBP has extended beyond nursing and medicine to allied health professions, education, and healthcare technology. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the comprehensive application of evidence across the continuum of care, leading to more holistic and effective patient management.

Focus on Patient-Centered Outcomes:
Current trends in EBP adoption emphasize patient-centered outcomes and shared decision-making. Healthcare organizations are increasingly incorporating patient preferences and values into their evidence-based protocols. This approach aligns with the broader shift towards personalized medicine and acknowledges the importance of patient engagement in healthcare delivery (Stevens, 2013).

Challenges and Barriers to EBP Adoption:

Despite the growing recognition of EBP’s importance, several challenges persist in its widespread adoption:

Knowledge and Skills Gap:
Many healthcare professionals lack the necessary skills to critically appraise and apply research evidence effectively. A narrative review by Mohamed et al. (2024) identified inadequate training and limited understanding of research methodologies as significant barriers to EBP implementation.

Organizational Culture:
Resistance to change and entrenched practices within healthcare organizations can impede EBP adoption. Fostering a culture that values evidence-based decision-making requires sustained effort and leadership commitment (Titler, 2008).

Resource Constraints:
Limited time, insufficient access to research databases, and inadequate technological infrastructure can hinder EBP implementation, particularly in resource-constrained settings (Lehane et al., 2019).

Evidence-Practice Gap:
Translating research findings into practical, actionable guidelines remains a challenge. The time lag between evidence generation and its implementation in clinical practice can be substantial, necessitating more efficient knowledge translation strategies (Stevens, 2013).

Implications for Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety:

The adoption of EBP has profound implications for healthcare quality and patient safety:

Improved Clinical Outcomes:
By basing clinical decisions on the best available evidence, healthcare organizations can significantly improve patient outcomes. EBP has been associated with reduced mortality rates, shorter hospital stays, and improved quality of life for patients (Titler, 2008).

Standardization of Care:
EBP promotes the standardization of care practices, reducing unwarranted variations in clinical decision-making. This standardization contributes to more consistent, high-quality care across different healthcare settings (Mohamed et al., 2024).

Cost-Effectiveness:
Implementing evidence-based interventions can lead to more efficient resource utilization and cost savings. By avoiding ineffective or outdated practices, healthcare organizations can allocate resources more effectively, potentially reducing healthcare costs (Stevens, 2013).

Enhanced Patient Safety:
EBP plays a crucial role in improving patient safety by promoting the use of proven interventions and minimizing the risk of adverse events. This approach is particularly important in high-risk areas such as medication management and infection control (Lehane et al., 2019).

Conclusion:
The adoption of Evidence-Based Practice in healthcare organizations represents a significant advancement in the pursuit of high-quality, patient-centered care. Current trends indicate a growing integration of EBP into organizational structures, supported by technological advancements and interdisciplinary collaboration. However, challenges such as knowledge gaps and organizational barriers persist. As healthcare continues to evolve, the successful implementation of EBP will require ongoing education, supportive organizational cultures, and innovative strategies to bridge the evidence-practice gap. By addressing these challenges, healthcare organizations can harness the full potential of EBP to improve patient outcomes, enhance safety, and optimize resource utilization in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.

References:

Lehane, E., Leahy-Warren, P., O’Riordan, C., Savage, E., Drennan, J., O’Tuathaigh, C., … & Hegarty, J. (2019). Evidence-based practice education for healthcare professions: an expert view. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, 24(3), 103-108.

Mohamed, R. A., Abdelwahid, H. A., & Almutairi, K. M. (2024). Nurses’ experiences and perspectives regarding evidence‐based practice implementation: A qualitative study. Journal of Nursing Management, 32(1), 147-157.

Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. (2016). National Trends in Hospital and Physician Adoption of Electronic Health Records. HealthIT.gov.

Stevens, K. R. (2013). The impact of evidence-based practice in nursing and the next big ideas. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 18(2), 4.

Titler, M. G. (2008). The evidence for evidence-based practice implementation. In R. G. Hughes (Ed.), Patient safety and quality: An evidence-based handbook for nurses. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

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Tags: adoption, Affordable Care Act, American Heart Association, Evidence-Based Practice, healthcare organizations