Essay about The Benefits of Evidence Based Practice in Physiotherapy

Evidence-Base practice (EBP) is defined as: “based on problem identified from the practitioner’s area of practice; a combining of best evidence and professional expertise and an integration of this into current practice; about ensuring patients receive quality care, being part of quality improvement processes; about collaboration and requiring a team approach” (French, 1999). Scott and Mcsherry (2008) supported the French’s assertion, proposing the key elements of EBP are that it is a theory-driven process, which involves the use, evaluation and application of research; identification of best evidence; evaluation of care; problem solving; decision-making; clinical expertise; and requires patient involvement. Evidence-based practice is made of evidence, clinical expertise, patient preference, the context of care (Barker, 2013). In brief, evidence-based practice is the parameter in the nursing practice that it requires that the nurses gather and use clinical evidence to make decision for the patients so that in the nursing process they can deliver the quality of care for the patients (Ellis, 2013). In the other words, in the nursing practice all the nursing procedures performed by the clinical evidence supported.

There has been major controversy in defining the term evidence informed practice. The best definition which is globally accepted is the one invented by Sackett et al. (1996) He defined evidence informed practice as “the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about care of the individual patient. It means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research”. (Ellis 2003) To simplify, it means utilizing the best possible information which is proven to be useful in aiding the best possible care to patients.

According to Dr. David Sackett (1996) Evidence Based Practice (EBP) is “the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of the individual patient. It means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research.”

Evidence-based practice is extremely important in health care. It is not only important to know how to perform a certain skill, but why it should be done. There needs to be a standard of care and providers need to know the best way of doing things based on evidence. The article mentions that in the 20th century, many medial decisions were made on doctor assessment and preference (Brower, 2017). Many physicians were practicing dramatically different when compared with one another, which led to the realization that changes needed to be made and Evidence-based practice began to develop. Even though Evidence-based practices have been in play for a while, there is a gap between understanding and applying evidence-based

Sackett, D. Richardson, W. Rosenberg, W. et al (2000). Evidence based medicine; how to practice and teach EBM. London: Churchill

Evidence base practice is essential in nursing practice. It incorporates 3 key components which are clinical expertise, patient values, and best research evidence in order to provide the most effective and safe decision making for patient care. Neglecting a key component can affect the accuracy and efficiency of a research. Clinical expertise is based on a clinician’s experience, skill, education level and understanding in a certain area of nursing practice. Patient values can impact evidence base practice depending on their needs, preferences, expectations, values, understanding, and concerns. Best research evidence can be obtained from clinical research with supporting evidence base literature and sound methodologies. Each component will be discussed in further detail and how it links to clinical decision making by registered nurses in order to achieve the best evidence-based practice available.

While research has long paralleled medicine, the use of strong research evidence as the basis for clinical action is more recent (Houser, 2015). The historically accepted hierarchy of evidence separates evidence into levels of trust, from highest to lowest (Greenhalgh, 2010):

Indeed, "new and validated knowledge that forms the basis j Y for evidence-based practice (EBP) most commonly is discovered in academic settings. But findings need to be translated into a protocol or guideline that can be used to guide practice," according to Conner, (2014, p.40). Evidence-based projects have lead to many improved clinical practice changes at the bedside and healthcare in general; and they are highly promoted and supported by different healthcare organizations.

Evidence based practice, “involves integrating the best available research evidence with professional expertise while also taking account of patient preferences the patients state setting and circumstance and health care resources” (Gerrish, K. Lathlean, J, 2015). As the health care profession constantly changes, then it is vital that all evidence based practice is kept up to date with current information and research, relating to nursing practice. Always assuring that the patients need are taken into consideration (Sackett et al, 1996).

Evidence Based Practice is crucial to support care provided to patient. It is imperative to get evidence base on proven clinical practice that provides valuable insights about human health and illness as per Polit and Beck (2017). The researcher must pick a topic to be research on and A PICOT question formulated. These questions help as a guidance on the research. The researcher then check to see what can be retrieve that are of importances to topic. In most case narrowing of the questions may help. The levels of evidence are important because it help with identifying hierarchy of evidence. The higher the Hierarchy of evidence the better evidence base information.

Evidence based practice and practice based evidence are a big part of a treatment process. These two can provide appropriate treatment that is needed to make advances in health care practices. Having enough evidence helps people determine whether to do something or not. To provide the best possible treatment for each patient you have to take information and see what will work best for each of your patients. Some will work and some will not work. Methodological issues can arise with in any type of research and some are more controversial than others. In the article “Practice Based Evidence: Back to the Future” (2011) the point of view was that research comes from evidence and that

Evidence- based practice is a trend both within the occupational therapy field and in the medical profession as a whole. It was first introduced in 1971 when Archibald Cochrane published “Effectiveness and Efficiency” where he suggested that because resources are limited clinical evaluation and treatment should be made based on sound evidence (Katsikis, 2014; Shah & Chung, 2009). The definition of EBP written by Sacket (1996) is still frequently quoted today; he defined EBP as "the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of the individual patient. It means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research."

The purpose of this essay will be to discuss evidence based practise and its use in nursing, I will be discussing, the types of research and various forms of data, including the principles of evidence based practise and research. Evidence Based practice is finding the most effective, research proven, evidence to make decisions regarding the service users individual needs and the best decisions for them. As David Sackett quotes, "evidence based practise is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values." (Sackett D, et al 1996, p.71) Evidence based practice is good practice, assist practitioners, avoiding information overload and applying the most useful information.

Due to the evolving nature of occupational therapy, much of the work in this field is grounded in evidence-based practice. It is imperative, for those seeking a career in Occupational Therapy and those currently in the profession, to have a clear understanding of research methodology in order to work ethically and effectively when carrying out their research. This will lead to the better quality approach of care for the clients.

Evidence based practices are important to explore for various diseases so that their efficacy level can be determined and medical staff can be trained accordingly. Particularly speaking in the context of chronic diseases, evidence based practices are to be evaluated with the joint efforts of multiple healthcare institutions so that it can bring benefits to the overall healthcare industry.