The Benefits of Evidence Based Practice in Nursing

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Evidence based practice (EBP) is a systematic approach that integrates the best currently available evidence, along with clinical expertise and each individual’s preference to make clinical decision, in order to deliver the most optimal care to patients (Baigis & Hughes, 2001). EBP in nursing refers to the adaptation of the latest best nursing research findings with nurses’ clinical experience and the value and preference of patients, families and communities to make the patient care better (The Honor Society of Nursing, 2005).

The contribution of clinical trial nurses in promoting EBP in nursing can be traced back to the nineteenth century. During the Crimean War in 1850s, the rates of fatality and morbidity of English soldiers were high. A nurse, Florence Nightingale, collected clinical data and analyzed it. She found that with an improved sanitary method, the death rate would drop (Audain, 2009). She improved the hygiene in the military hospital, and the death rate significantly fell from 42% at her arrival to 2% six months later (Bloy, 2009). However, evidence based nursing practice was not prevailed after Nightingale’s work. Many studies were focused in nursing education (Polit & Beck, 2004). The EBP in nursing was noticed by nurses again in 1970s. Since then more and more nurses learned how to do the research, and became nurse researchers. Some nurses’ research findings modified healthcare professionals practice. For instance, in 1980s, a nursing study developed a model of site transitional care. The intention of the model was to reduce the cost and provide follow up services to the very low birth weight infants after they were discharge to home from hospital. Because the model was very effective, it has been put to use fo...

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