Barriers and Facilitators in Implementing Evidence-Based Practice: Insights from a Student Perspective

QUESTION

Students reply- According to MeInyk and Fineout-Overholt (2019), some barriers to evidence-based practice (EBP) that impede the enactment of EBP include lack of EBP knowledge and skills, lack of time and resources to search for and critically appraise evidence, overwhelming patient loads, resistance to change, and lack of autonomy and power to change practice. These are the kinds of barriers I face with my EBP change project. MeInyk and Fineout-Overholt suggest that some facilitators of EBP include support and encouragement from leadership/administration that foster an EBP culture with expectations for EBP, alignment of stakeholders, time to critically appraise studies and implement their findings, clearly written research reports, EBP mentors with excellent EBP skills as well as knowledge and proficiency in individual and organizational change strategies, proper tools to assist with EBP at the point of care, integrating EBP into health professions curricula, and evidence-based clinical practice policies and procedures. For rural areas like mine, I believe the first step should be integrating EBP into health professions curricula and EBP mentors with excellent EBP skills as well as knowledge and proficiency in individual and organizational change strategies. One hospital I worked at decided to instigate mentors into the existing staff, it was supposed to help with training new staff and decreasing turnover rates. The staff they chose to make mentors were the same staff that resisted change in the way they performed patient care and did not embrace nor have the knowledge or skills needed for EBP. I firmly believe it when William James said “Belief at the beginning of any successful undertaking is the one ingredient that will ensure success.”

ANSWER

Barriers and Facilitators in Implementing Evidence-Based Practice: Insights from a Student Perspective

In the field of evidence-based practice (EBP), various barriers and facilitators can significantly impact the successful implementation of EBP initiatives. MeInyk and Fineout-Overholt (2019) highlight some of these barriers and facilitators, which align with the challenges I am facing in my EBP change project.

One of the main barriers I encounter is the lack of EBP knowledge and skills among healthcare professionals involved in the project. Many staff members may not be familiar with the principles of EBP or how to critically appraise evidence. This lack of knowledge and skills hinders the effective integration of EBP into practice.

Additionally, the lack of time and resources to search for and evaluate evidence is a major hindrance. With overwhelming patient loads and competing priorities, healthcare professionals may find it challenging to allocate time for EBP activities. This shortage of time and resources can impede the successful implementation of EBP initiatives.

Resistance to change is another significant barrier in my EBP change project. Some staff members may be hesitant to adopt new practices, especially if they have been accustomed to their current methods for a long time. Overcoming this resistance requires strong leadership and a supportive organizational culture that fosters EBP.

To address these barriers, MeInyk and Fineout-Overholt (2019) suggest several facilitators that can support the successful enactment of EBP. One crucial facilitator is the support and encouragement from leadership or administration. Leaders who advocate for EBP and set clear expectations for its implementation create a culture that embraces evidence-based practices.

Furthermore, integrating EBP into health professions curricula can significantly impact the future workforce’s readiness for EBP. By educating students about EBP principles and providing them with the necessary skills during their training, they are better prepared to embrace EBP when they enter the workforce.

In my rural setting, where resources may be limited, the presence of EBP mentors with excellent EBP skills and knowledge becomes invaluable. These mentors can guide and support healthcare professionals in adopting EBP, offering individual and organizational change strategies tailored to the specific context.

However, as I experienced in a previous hospital, selecting mentors who resist change or lack the needed EBP knowledge and skills can hinder progress. Therefore, choosing mentors wisely and ensuring they possess the required expertise is crucial for the success of the EBP change project.

In conclusion, while barriers to EBP implementation can be challenging, identifying and addressing facilitators can significantly contribute to successful EBP initiatives. Integrating EBP into health professions curricula and having competent EBP mentors can be particularly beneficial for rural settings. By fostering a supportive culture, providing resources, and promoting continuous education, healthcare organizations can overcome barriers and embrace evidence-based practice effectively. As William James aptly put it, belief in the beginning of any successful undertaking is indeed a critical ingredient for ensuring success in EBP initiatives.