The National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) championed the goal that 90% of clinical decisions will be evidence-based by 2020. A recent systematic review of the published literature indicates that evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation remains deficient despite an ongoing effort to increase implementation. Discuss two barriers that might hold nursing practice from achieving this goal and suggest ways in which the identified barriers may be addressed.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format.
Despite the National Academy of Medicine’s ambitious goal for 90% of clinical decisions to be evidence-based by 2020, the healthcare system continues to face significant barriers in implementing evidence-based practice (EBP), especially in nursing. Two common barriers that hinder EBP adoption include lack of time and limited knowledge or training in EBP methods.
Firstly, time constraints are a major obstacle in fast-paced healthcare environments. Nurses often face high patient loads, administrative responsibilities, and shift work, leaving minimal time to search for and critically evaluate research (Black et al., 2015). This challenge makes it difficult to integrate the latest evidence into practice. Addressing this issue requires institutional support, such as providing dedicated time within shifts for research activities or implementing EBP champions and teams to streamline evidence review and dissemination.
Secondly, insufficient education and training in EBP is a persistent barrier. Many practicing nurses report low confidence in appraising and applying research findings (Saunders & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, 2017). To overcome this, healthcare organizations and nursing education programs must prioritize EBP competencies. Regular workshops, continuing education, and mentorship programs can help build skills and reinforce the importance of integrating evidence into practice.
Ultimately, addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach that includes leadership support, educational initiatives, and system-wide culture change.
References:
Black, A. T., Balneaves, L. G., Garossino, C., Puyat, J. H., & Qian, H. (2015). Promoting evidence-based practice through a research training program for point-of-care clinicians. Journal of Nursing Administration, 45(1), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000151
Saunders, H., & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K. (2017). The state of readiness for evidence-based practice among nurses: An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 79, 128–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.01.013