What is Evidence-based Practice (EBP)?
Evidence-based Practice (EBP) is a problem-solving methodology that helps to guide healthcare practices and decisions through the use of current and best evidence from studies, combined with patient care data, clinician expertise, and patient preferences.
According to the American Nurses Association, EBP is basically a five-step process:
- Identify a clinical inquiry.
- Acquire current best evidence through an unbiased search strategy.
- Appraise and synthesize evidence for its worthiness and value.
- Apply the evidence to clinical practice.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the outcomes.
With broad potential applicability, the EBP methodology can be used to develop strategies and solutions relating to a wide range of clinical inquiries. It has been heavily validated in academic-research literature—and, most significantly, in the healthcare community.
Recognizing EBP’s Challenges—and the Opportunities
Although EBP has been validated in numerous settings, many institutions struggle to embed a strategic EBP approach into practice, whether because of resource constraints, a lack of institutional guidance, or other obstacles, including cultural resistance.
In a study recently published in The Journal of Nursing Administration, EBP specialists in the Veterans Health Administration Office of Nursing Services concluded that EBP training alone is often insufficient to promote actual implementation and widespread adoption of this methodology, without additional and ongoing support. For the many healthcare organizations that may have tried yet failed to make the transition to EBP—and all those who may still not appreciate its potential benefits—this represents a lost opportunity.
At MSK, we have witnessed first-hand how valuable this decision-making methodology can be for a healthcare institution and its patients. It can be an empowering tool for nursing professionals and their colleagues. And yet the implementation process is complex, and numerous challenges can prevent institutions from maintaining a sustained commitment to EBP.
Here at MSK, we have developed a proprietary method, based upon our real-world experiences, challenges, and success strategies, to implement and enculturate EBP into a healthcare organization. The MSK model, known as SEEK™ (Spirit of Inquiry, Expanding EBP Knowledge), has clinically shown success, and it is feasible for frontline clinical staff at healthcare institutions around the world to adopt. It is the foundation of the MSK EBP Consulting Program.