Posted: September 7th, 2023

Sample Research Essay on Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim

# Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a strategy to assist healthcare providers in meeting the Quadruple Aim. The Quadruple Aim focuses on creating better outcomes for patients, improving the patient experience, lowering costs, and improving the overall clinician experience. EBP is defined as “the integration of clinical expertise, patient values and the best research evidence into the decision-making process for patient care”. EBP enables healthcare providers to translate research findings into clinical practice and apply existing scientific knowledge to each individual patient.

## Why Choose EBP?

EBP has many benefits for both patients and providers. Research has shown that when providers deliver evidence-based care, patient outcomes are markedly improved. For example, in a free clinic, evidence-based interventions led to a 597% increase in influenza vaccination rates. EBP also helps to improve the quality and safety of healthcare, as well as reduce unnecessary costs and variations in care. EBP can also enhance the work life and well-being of healthcare providers, as they feel more empowered, confident, and satisfied with their practice.

## How to Implement EBP?

EBP is a seven-step problem-solving approach that involves:

1. Asking a clinical question in PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format.
2. Searching for the best available evidence from relevant sources.
3. Appraising the quality and strength of the evidence using standardized tools.
4. Integrating the evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences.
5. Implementing the evidence-based decision or intervention.
6. Evaluating the outcomes of the intervention.
7. Disseminating the results and sharing best practices.

## What are the Barriers and Facilitators of EBP?

Despite the benefits of EBP, many healthcare providers do not actively implement EBP strategies due to various barriers, such as:

– Lack of time, resources, and skills to search and appraise evidence.
– Lack of leadership support, investment, and culture for EBP.
– Lack of access to reliable and updated sources of evidence.
– Resistance to change and preference for tradition or intuition.

To overcome these barriers, some facilitators that can promote EBP include:

– Providing education and training on EBP skills and competencies.
– Creating dedicated time and space for EBP activities and projects.
– Establishing EBP mentors, champions, and teams to guide and support EBP implementation.
– Developing policies, protocols, and incentives that encourage EBP adoption.
– Engaging stakeholders, including patients, families, and communities, in EBP decision-making.

## Conclusion

EBP is a key strategy to achieve the Quadruple Aim in healthcare. It helps to improve patient outcomes, patient experience, provider experience, and cost-effectiveness of care. EBP requires a systematic and collaborative approach that integrates the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. EBP also faces several challenges that need to be addressed by providing adequate resources, support, and motivation for EBP implementation.

## Works Cited

: Fuld National Institute for EBP. (n.d.). *EBP Certification Background*. https://fuld.nursing.osu.edu/ebp-certification-background
: Melnyk B.M. (2018). *Why Choose Evidence-based Practice?* AANP. https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/why-choose-evidence-based-practice
: Smith A., & Dillman J. (2020). Increasing influenza vaccination rates at a free clinic: A quality improvement project using evidence-based interventions. *Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners*, 32(5), 361–367. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000389
: Melnyk B.M., & Gallagher-Ford L. (2020). Achieving the Quadruple Aim in Healthcare With Evidence-Based Practice: A Necessary Leadership Strategy for Improving Quality, Safety, Patient Outcomes, and Cost Reductions. In T.G. Sherman et al. (Eds.), *Evidence-Based Leadership, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in Nursing and Healthcare: A Practical Guide to Success* (pp. 145–166). Springer Publishing Company.

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Sample Assignment:
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
Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim.