Evidence Based Practice
Access to Acute Stroke Care
Appreciating Evidence for Practice
Module Code: UZWSN3-15-1
Student Number: 14005518
In a rapidly developing electronic environment, the expectations for nurses to provide the highest quality of service whilst delivering the best possible patient care have widened considerably. The Department of Health (DH) (2000) stipulates that clinical effectiveness should be combined with a patient-centred approach, with evidence-based practice (EBP) forming the backbone of nursing care (Fitzpatrick, 2007).
Sackett (1997) describes evidence-based medicine as combining clinical expertise with the best systematic research and highlights the importance of a link between evidence and the decisions made in practice. Lindsay (2007) suggests, however, that there may be difficulty in making the transition from EBP as an active process, towards becoming a successful intervention, therefore other elements should be employed accordingly whilst considering the context of practice. This is further supported by Petr and Walter (2009) who also suggest that EBP cannot be simplified, and in order to promote an equilibrium between the two elements, patient’s individual needs, experiences and values must be incorporated into all decision-making. This should, in addition, interlace with judgement, artistry, science and logic thus creating a more holistic approach (Hoffman, Bennett and Del Mar, 2013).
Emanuel et al. (2001) points out that legally, evidence can be used to either prove or disprove an issue and thus, nurses are encouraged to develop their ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of evidence in order to become more holistic and problem solving. The Francis Report (2013) following a public Inquiry has ensured that recommendations have been made and put forward in the form of guidelines from The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2012). This follows recommendations made by the Nursing and
Appreciating Evidence for Practice
Module Code: UZWSN3-15-1
Student Number: 14005518
In a rapidly developing electronic environment, the expectations for nurses to provide the highest quality of service whilst delivering the best possible patient care have widened considerably. The Department of Health (DH) (2000) stipulates that clinical effectiveness should be combined with a patient-centred approach, with evidence-based practice (EBP) forming the backbone of nursing care (Fitzpatrick, 2007).
Sackett (1997) describes evidence-based medicine as combining clinical expertise with the best systematic research and highlights the importance of a link between evidence and the decisions made in practice. Lindsay (2007) suggests, however, that there may be difficulty in making the transition from EBP as an active process, towards becoming a successful intervention, therefore other elements should be employed accordingly whilst considering the context of practice. This is further supported by Petr and Walter (2009) who also suggest that EBP cannot be simplified, and in order to promote an equilibrium between the two elements, patient’s individual needs, experiences and values must be incorporated into all decision-making. This should, in addition, interlace with judgement, artistry, science and logic thus creating a more holistic approach (Hoffman, Bennett and Del Mar, 2013).
Emanuel et al. (2001) points out that legally, evidence can be used to either prove or disprove an issue and thus, nurses are encouraged to develop their ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of evidence in order to become more holistic and problem solving. The Francis Report (2013) following a public Inquiry has ensured that recommendations have been made and put forward in the form of guidelines from The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2012). This follows recommendations made by the Nursing and