Evidence-based practice (EBP) has become an integral part of healthcare and nursing practice over the past few decades. EBP refers to the conscientious and judicious use of current best evidence in conjunction with clinical expertise and patient values to guide healthcare decisions. As Virginia continues expanding access to healthcare services, EBP plays a pivotal role in ensuring patients receive high-quality, cost-effective care based on scientific evidence. This article explores how the growth of EBP is transforming clinical practice across Virginia.
The Rise of EBP in Virginia
The emphasis on EBP in Virginia emerged in the early 2000s, as health systems sought ways to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. National recommendations to incorporate evidence into clinical decisions drove Virginia providers and academic programs to adopt EBP. Nursing schools began integrating EBP into curricula, teaching students how to find and appraise evidence while delivering patient-centered care. Accelerated BSN (ABSN in Virginia) programs especially focused on EBP training to equip graduates with evidence-based decision-making skills.
State and local initiatives also promoted EBP adoption. In 2010, the Virginia Action Coalition received funding to advance nursing practice, including through EBP training and implementation. Healthcare systems developed EBP mentoring programs and resources to assist bedside nurses. These multifaceted efforts paved the way for Virginia clinicians to incorporate EBP into daily practice.
Transforming Care Processes Through EBP
EBP utilization has transformed several aspects of clinical care delivery in Virginia. A major change is the development of evidence-based clinical pathways and protocols. These tools guide decision-making for frequently encountered diagnoses using the latest evidence. For instance, Virginia Mason Medical Center implemented evidence-based pathways that reduced the length of stay by 29% for joint replacements. Other facilities report reduced costs and complications after implementing evidence-based protocols for cardiac surgery, sepsis, and more.
EBP also enhances preventive care in Virginia. Screening guidelines based on systematic reviews inform routine care like mammograms, depression screening, and diabetes management. Clinicians are staying up-to-date on the latest recommendations to provide optimal preventive services. EBP also guides patient education efforts, ensuring materials reflect current evidence on health promotion and disease prevention.
At the bedside, nurses employ EBP to choose appropriate interventions. Nurses search literature when available evidence is insufficient, integrating findings with expertise to determine the best nursing actions. EBP also helps nurses have productive conversations with providers about evidence-supported treatment options. These enhancements lead to improved patient outcomes in Virginia facilities.
Patient-Centered EBP
An important aspect of EBP is integrating patient preferences and values with evidence. Clinicians are using shared decision-making tools to help patients understand their options and decide on treatments or management approaches. Patient decision aids like videos, pamphlets, or online programs present unbiased evidence-based information. This empowers patients to participate actively in their care.
Cultural competence is also an EBP priority in Virginia’s diverse communities. Efforts are underway to increase the representation of minority populations in research studies. Clinicians must recognize how cultural factors influence health behaviors and customize education accordingly. Using culturally appropriate EBP contributes to reduced disparities and equitable care.
Expanding Interprofessional EBP
As EBP becomes standard in nursing practice, Virginia is expanding evidence-based decision-making across healthcare disciplines. Medical schools have implemented EBP programs, guiding students to form evidence-based clinical questions and search literature. Healthcare systems employ specialists like medical librarians to assist clinicians with EBP across professions.
Interprofessional EBP councils are also emerging. These teams identify organization-wide priorities for EBP initiatives that cross departmental boundaries. Councils help break down silos and promote organization-wide evidence-based care. Expanding EBP across professions is creating a culture of evidence-based decision-making in Virginia healthcare.
To sustain this culture shift, healthcare leaders must continue demonstrating commitment to EBP through resource allocation and strategic vision. Ongoing training and expert support are critical, as clinician proficiency with EBP can decline over time without reinforcement. Celebrating EBP successes will also help solidify its value organization-wide.
The Future of EBP in Virginia
Virginia has made significant strides with Evidence-Based Practice over the past two decades. EBP improves patient outcomes by ensuring clinical care is based on up-to-date evidence. As EBP continues to expand, Virginia clinicians must maintain proficiency in evidence-based decision-making through continuous learning and development. Academic partnerships can facilitate this continued growth.
Nursing research also has an important role in building evidence. The state can help promote nursing research through funding and infrastructure to generate evidence and fill gaps in the literature. With strong leadership and support, Evidence-Based Practice will continue transforming and improving healthcare services across Virginia.
