Theory, research, and practice are the interconnected segments of any scientific process, and their appliance is suitable in nursing. The evidence retrieved from studying theoretical materials or conducting research allows healthcare providers to quickly and effectively identify and address the clients’ needs (Fineout-Overholt et al., 2011). Indeed, McEwin and Wills (2019) state that the “development and application of theory affiliated with research-based practice are considered fundamental to the development of the profession and autonomous nursing practice” (p. 398). This paper aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the evidence-based practice model’s utilization, study its benefits and concerns in clinical practice, and discuss the strategy’s application to advanced nursing practice.
The evidence-based practice (EBP) model requires the combination of theoretical and practical experiences that submit the truthfulness of each other. They are interconnected in nursing as theory is crucial to improving practical approaches, and the latter leads to the discoveries of the former (McEwin & Wills, 2019). Consequently, applying EBP in healthcare settings creates risks caused by the lack of knowledge and benefits retrieved from the researchers’ previous implementation.
The advantages and disadvantages of EBP’s utilization in nursing practice directly influence patients and healthcare providers. The theoretical fundament combined with the conclusions from practical implementations is beneficial for the nurses in problem-solving. Identifying the question, exploring the evidence, and using it considering the client’s conditions would lead to the most convenient solution (Kleinpell, 2009). Moreover, the EBP model helps optimize care providence and therefore avoids expenses both for the facilities and the patients. Lastly, nurses can use the theoretical basis to argue their choices in the courses of action in a case of a dispute. The disadvantages of the EBP model are that the particular issue might not be studied well enough, or the theoretical research might be too time-consuming. Besides, the theory-practice gap is a drawback that might lead a nurse to search for false evidence (Musker, 2011). The consequences of a wrong EBP implementation make the healthcare providence more complicated and severely affect a client’s conditions.
Researching the implementation of the EBP in different clinical and nursing practice settings can help assess the model’s benefits and concerns more effectively. For instance, the article “Assessing the barriers to engaging, challenging populations in disease management programs” revealed how the evidence-based approaches work for the Medicaid-provided clinical solutions (Roby et al., 2008). The study emphasized the EBP model’s profound influence on the programs’ cost efficiency as its application makes the patients receive more healthcare covered by the Medicaid limits (Roby et al., 2008). Another research, “Evidence-Based Review and Discussion Points,” conducted by Kleinpell in 2009, discussed implementing improved oral and dental care protocols for ventilator-associated pneumonia. The study showed that the changes applied after a detailed theoretical and practical examination increased the efficiency rates for mechanical ventilation and decreased the time demanded for patients get better (Kleinpell, 2009). Consequently, the appliance of theory and practice-based models is considerable for the healthcare providers in clinical settings.
The EBP model’s implementation benefits are more significant than the drawbacks, therefore advanced nursing would also improve the practice by integrating evidence-based approaches. Advanced nursing practitioners can apply their knowledge of various healthcare aspects while planning a patient’s treatment and figuring out the best organizational strategies for the other nursing personnel (Fineout-Overholt et al., 2011). The main drawbacks in EBP’s model implementation would be the theory-practice gap or the difference in the level of knowledge between the nurses.
The evidence-based practice model addresses the interconnection between theoretical questions and their practical solutions. The ability to utilize the knowledge of previous experiences is crucial for a suitable healthcare provider. In nursing, EBP is a helpful tool in decision-making and evaluation of the standard treatment approaches. While there are advantages like the processes’ optimization, the model’s implementation can be irrationally time-consuming.
References
Fineout-Overholt, E., Williamson, K. M., Gallagher-Ford, L., Melnyk, B. M., & Stillwell, S. B. (2011). Evidence-based practice, step by step: following the evidence: planning for sustainable change. The American Journal of Nursing, 111(1), 54-60.
Kleinpell, R. (2009). Evidence-based review and discussion points. American Journal of Critical Care, 18(6), 533-534.
McEwin, M., & Wills, E. M. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.
Musker, K. (2011). Nursing theory-based independent nursing practice: A personal experience of closing the theory-practice gap. Advances in Nursing Science, 34(1), 67-77.
Roby, D. H., Kominski, G. F., & Pourat, N. (2008). Assessing the barriers to engaging challenging populations in disease management programs. Disease Management & Health Outcomes, 16(6), 421-428.