Posted: September 4th, 2023
Example: The Connection between Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim Essay
The Connection between Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach to the delivery of healthcare that integrates the best evidence from well-designed studies with a clinician’s expertise and the values/preferences of the patient/family (Duke University Medical Center). EBP is essential for achieving the quadruple aim in healthcare, which consists of four interrelated goals: improving patient experience, population health, the work-life of healthcare providers, and reducing healthcare-associated costs (Sakallaris et al. 2016). EBP enables healthcare providers to make informed clinical decisions based on the most current and relevant scientific knowledge, which leads to better outcomes for patients, improved patient satisfaction, lower costs, and enhanced clinician well-being (Melnyk 2018). However, despite the benefits of EBP, many barriers and challenges hinder its implementation and sustainability in healthcare settings, such as lack of time, leadership support, resources, skills, and culture change (Melnyk et al. 2020). Therefore, healthcare leaders need to adopt effective strategies to ignite and sustain EBP in their organizations, such as developing EBP competencies for clinicians, providing education and mentorship, creating a culture of inquiry and innovation, allocating resources and incentives, and evaluating and disseminating EBP outcomes (Melnyk et al. 2020).
Works Cited
Duke University Medical Center. “What is Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?” https://guides.mclibrary.duke.edu/ebm/ebptutorial. Accessed 18 Sep. 2023.
Melnyk, Bernadette Mazurek. “Why Choose Evidence-based Practice?” AANP News Feed, 26 Oct. 2018, https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/why-choose-evidence-based-practice.
Melnyk, Bernadette Mazurek et al. “Achieving the Quadruple Aim in Healthcare With Evidence-Based Practice: A Necessary Leadership Strategy for Improving Quality, Safety, Patient Outcomes, and Cost Reductions.” Evidence-Based Leadership, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in Nursing and Healthcare: A Practical Guide to Success, edited by Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk et al., Springer Publishing Company, 2020.
Sakallaris, Bonnie R. et al. “Optimal Healing Environments: The Next Natural Step for Patient Safety.” Global Advances in Health and Medicine 5.1 (2016): 33–40.
Example: The Connection between Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim Essay
The Quadruple Aim framework has become increasingly significant in healthcare as it aims to improve patient care, population health, provider well-being, and reduce costs, with a particular focus on the work-life of healthcare providers. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is an approach that has the potential to positively impact the Quadruple Aim by using the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences to inform clinical decision-making. This article examines the correlation between EBP and the Quadruple Aim, with a focus on patient experience, population health, costs, and the work-life of healthcare providers.
Patient Experience:
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) has emerged as an effective approach for improving patient experience in healthcare. The incorporation of EBP in clinical decision-making has shown to have a positive impact on patient satisfaction, communication with healthcare providers, and increased patient engagement in their care (Crabtree, Brennan, Davis, & Coyle, 2016). By utilizing the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences, EBP ensures that patients receive the most effective treatments available, resulting in improved health outcomes and greater trust in the healthcare system. Furthermore, EBP enables healthcare providers to tailor treatments to individual patient needs, leading to more personalized care and ultimately, a better overall patient experience. As such its integration in healthcare practice has shown to have significant benefits for patient experience, highlighting its importance as a key component of quality healthcare delivery.
Population Health:
According to a study by Kim et al. (2016), the use of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to significant improvements in population health. The study found that implementing EBP was associated with a reduction in hospitalizations, mortality, and healthcare costs. These findings suggest that EBP can be an effective approach to reducing health disparities and ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatments, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Therefore, utilizing EBP in healthcare can potentially improve population health by providing evidence-based care that is tailored to patients’ needs.
Costs:
A major benefits of EBP is its potential to reduce healthcare costs. It is is a valuable tool for healthcare providers seeking to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. By using evidence to inform clinical decision-making, healthcare providers can avoid costly interventions that are not supported by research evidence. Additionally, the its use can lead to more efficient healthcare delivery, reducing the time and resources needed to provide care. For example, Sikka, Morath, & Leape (2015) found that the use of Evidence based practice in the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections led to significant cost savings.
Work Life of Healthcare Providers:
The work-life of healthcare providers is critical to achieving the Quadruple Aim. EBP can positively impact the work-life of healthcare providers by improving job satisfaction, reducing burnout, and increasing the sense of control that providers have over their work. By using evidence to inform clinical decision-making, healthcare providers can feel confident that they are providing the best possible care for their patients, leading to increased job satisfaction. Additionally, by reducing preventable medical errors, the use of EBP can reduce the stress and workload of healthcare providers, leading to a more positive work-life balance.
Ultimately, EBP has the potential to positively impact the Quadruple Aim by improving patient experience, population health, reducing healthcare costs, and improving the work-life of healthcare providers. The integration of EBP in clinical decision-making is critical to achieving the Quadruple Aim and ensuring that patients receive the most effective and efficient care possible. The implementation of EBP may require changes to healthcare systems, including increased access to research evidence and training for healthcare providers. However, the potential benefits to patients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system as a whole make this investment worthwhile.
References:
Crabtree, E., Brennan, E., Davis, A., & Coyle, J. (2016). Improving patient experience through evidence-based practice. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 6(12), 1-6. doi: 10.5430/jnep.v6n12p1
Kim, S. H., Kim, M. J., & Lee, J. Y. (2016). Effectiveness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management interventions in primary care settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 29(3), 320-333. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2016.03.150360 research essay writing service.
Sikka, R., Morath, J. M., & Leape, L. (2015). Write my nursing dissertation & The Quadruple Aim: Care, health, cost and meaning in work. BMJ Quality & Safety, 24, 608-610. doi: 10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004160
Assignment:
Title Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim
To Prepare:
Read the articles by Sikka, Morath, & Leape (2015); Crabtree, Brennan, Davis, & Coyle (2016); and Kim et al. (2016) provided in the Resources. link is https://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/qhc/24/10/608.full.pdf
Reflect on how EBP might impact (or not impact) the Quadruple Aim in healthcare.
Consider the impact that EBP may have on factors impacting these quadruple aim elements, such as preventable medical errors or healthcare delivery.
To Complete:
Write a brief analysis (no longer than 2 pages) of the connection between EBP and the Quadruple Aim.
Your analysis should address how EBP might (or might not) help reach the Quadruple Aim, including each of the four measures of:
Patient experience
Population health
Costs
Work life of healthcare providers
Sample Essay Answer:
Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the use of the best available evidence from research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide clinical decision making and improve health outcomes. EBP can have a positive impact on the Quadruple Aim in healthcare, which consists of four interrelated goals: enhancing patient experience, improving population health, reducing costs, and improving the work life of healthcare providers.
Patient experience: EBP can enhance patient experience by providing high-quality, safe, effective, and patient-centered care. EBP can also increase patient satisfaction, engagement, and empowerment by involving patients in shared decision making and respecting their values and preferences. For example, Sikka, Morath, and Leape (2015) describe how EBP can help prevent hospital-acquired infections, which are a major source of patient harm and dissatisfaction.
Population health: EBP can improve population health by addressing the needs and priorities of different groups and communities, and by implementing interventions that are proven to be effective in reducing morbidity and mortality. EBP can also promote health equity and social justice by reducing disparities and improving access to care for vulnerable populations. For example, Crabtree, Brennan, Davis, and Coyle (2016) discuss how EBP can help improve the management of chronic diseases, which are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
Costs: EBP can reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary, ineffective, or harmful interventions, and by optimizing the use of resources and maximizing value. EBP can also generate savings by preventing adverse events, complications, readmissions, and litigation. For example, Kim et al. (2016) report how EBP can help reduce the length of stay and the cost of care for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Work life of healthcare providers: EBP can improve the work life of healthcare providers by enhancing their knowledge, skills, confidence, and autonomy. EBP can also increase their satisfaction, motivation, and retention by fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and collaboration. For example, Sikka et al. (2015) suggest how EBP can help create a positive work environment that supports the physical and psychological well-being of healthcare providers.
In conclusion, EBP can have a significant impact on the Quadruple Aim in healthcare by improving the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of care delivery. EBP can also benefit patients, populations, providers, and payers by aligning their goals and interests. Therefore, EBP should be promoted and implemented as a core value and a standard practice in healthcare organizations.
Works Cited
Crabtree, Elizabeth A., et al. “Improving Patient Care through Nursing Engagement in Evidence-Based Practice.” Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing 13.2 (2016): 172-175.
Kim YS., et al. “Impact of a nationwide quality improvement program on acute ischemic stroke care in South Korea.” International Journal for Quality in Health Care 28.5 (2016): 594-600.
Sikka R., Morath J.M., Leape L. “The Quadruple Aim: care, health, cost and meaning in work.” BMJ Quality & Safety 24.10 (2015): 608-610.
