What Is Evidence Based Practice in Nursing?

Evidence-Based Practices in Nursing: History of Term

Evidence-based practice is a special approach in nursing that refers to creating strategies that increase the effectiveness of providing nursing care. EBP is based on conducting research around the best techniques that can be implemented in care delivery to achieve better results. Also, this practice requires analyzing the evidence and incorporating it into the practice.

The EBP occurred in the 19th century as a result of applying critical thinking to nursing care in Florence Nightingale. Since that time, evidence-based practice has been improved. And here, you can learn more about this medical approach in nursing.

Main Components That Define Evidence-Based Practice

We do understand that the definition of EBP may sound a little bit vague. That’s why in this section, we’d like to provide you with some components of this practice. Like any practice, it should contain unique methods that will distinguish it. Usually, the EBP consists of three main parts. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Logical pieces of evidence. In order to make a diagnosis, the nurse should use all possible evidence and methods that are necessary for making a diagnosis. The same approach should be used during the treatment process.

Personal experience. In order to determine the diagnosis, the nurse, based on evidence-based practice, should use not only the history of the patient but also her own experience. Usually, there are a large number of patients with similar diagnoses. It often happens that the symptoms are identical. This helps in the treatment as well. Since those methods of treatment that have already helped can be used again.

Patient preferences. This component does not apply to cases where the patient is in mortal danger. This is more in the case of chronic diseases where different approaches can be applied to the patient according to their preferences.

What Are the Five Main Steps in Evidence-Based Practice?

These five steps are usually well-known to all nurses who received their Bachelor in Nursing Sciences. However, in this section, we’d like to remind you of the five main steps to refresh your memory regarding this matter. So, here are them:

#1 Ask the patient. First of all, you need to ask the patient about his well-being and history of diseases. It will provide you with a basic understanding of patient conditions.

#2 Structure the answers. After you receive the answers, you need to structure them for better understanding.

#3 Rate the results. To make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, you need to evaluate the patient’s responses.

#4 Assign treatment. After you have established the diagnosis, you need to prescribe treatment according to the information you received.

#5 Evaluate the effectiveness. After some time, you will need to evaluate the result of treatment and, in case of ineffectiveness, determine the causes.