(a) Steps to Implement Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing:
Identify a clinical problem or question: Start by identifying a specific issue or question related to patient care that requires improvement or clarification.
Search for evidence: Conduct a comprehensive literature review to find relevant research studies, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines that address the identified problem or question.
Appraise the evidence: Evaluate the quality and relevance of the gathered evidence, considering factors such as study design, sample size, methodology, and applicability to your specific healthcare setting.
Integrate evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences: Combine the best available evidence with your clinical expertise and knowledge of patient preferences and values to develop an individualized care plan.
Implement the evidence-based practice: Put the evidence-based care plan into action, ensuring that all healthcare providers involved are knowledgeable and trained in the new practice guidelines.
Evaluate outcomes: Monitor and assess the outcomes of the implemented evidence-based practice, comparing them to previous practices or benchmarks to determine effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
Disseminate and share findings: Share the results of the evidence-based practice implementation with other healthcare professionals, both within your organization and at conferences or in scientific journals, to contribute to the body of nursing knowledge.
(b) Estimating the Number of Processes to Review and Revise:
As a CNO of a medium-sized hospital, it is difficult to provide an exact number without specific information about the hospital’s size, departments, and processes. However, based on the scenario provided, we can assume that all processes need to be reviewed and revised to ensure evidence-based practice implementation. These processes may include:
Nursing protocols and procedures
Patient assessment tools
Medication administration guidelines
Infection control practices
Staff training and education programs
Quality improvement initiatives
Clinical documentation guidelines
You would need to assess each department and service within the hospital to identify all relevant processes that require review and revision.
(c) Timeframe for Evidence-Based Practice Implementation:
The time required to implement evidence-based practice in all identified processes would depend on several factors, including the hospital’s size, complexity, resources available, and staff engagement. However, implementing evidence-based practice is a gradual and ongoing process that requires continuous improvement.
It would be realistic to estimate that it could take several months to a year or longer to ensure that all identified processes are evidence-based. This timeframe allows for thorough review, appraisal, integration, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of findings. It is crucial to remember that evidence-based practice is an ongoing commitment that requires regular updates as new evidence emerges.