In recent years, evidence-based practice (EBP) has been considered a priority in the healthcare system in almost every country. EBP aims to enhance patients’ health state, decrease the cost of health care, improve the work environment for medical staff, and reduce disease prevalence in society as a whole. This analysis examines different ways the two spheres are interrelated through the prism of the Quadruple Aim, which surrounds patient experience, population health, cost, and practitioners’ lifestyles.
Patient Experience
EBP is crucial in enhancing patient experience by ensuring clinical decisions are based on the best available evidence. In line with the evidence-based approach, as healthcare professionals use evidence-based interventions and treatments, patients will be more likely to have quality care that is more customized and meets their needs, preferences, and values. Patient experience can be improved via the application of EBP, which in turn may positively impact the prevalence of medical error and adverse events (Sikka et al., 2015). Moreover, the patient-centered decision-making process fostered by EBP puts patients in the spotlight. Eventually, the outcome is that patients become active participants in their care, which, in turn, has a positive impact on the overall experience.
Population Health
Implementing evidence-based practice into clinical practice as a strategy for achieving improved population health is done by identifying the necessary preventive measures and interventions. Evidence-based preventive approaches such as vaccination programs or screening plans in health care systems will reduce disease incidence and prevalence. Hence, this results in the betterment of the population’s health indicators. Additionally, it is the EBP that makes it possible to spread the word on best practices and evidence-based guidelines, which permit for testing the effectiveness of interventions that have been designed following the current scientific knowledge, the very fact being crucial for achieving the desired impact on population’s health (Crabtree et al., 2016).
Costs
One of the primary goals of EBP is to optimize healthcare resource utilization and contain costs while delivering high-quality care. Evidence-based interventions lead to cost-saving as surplus and mindless operations, hospitalizations, and complications are cut down. By revamping clinics in terms of protocols based on evidence and cost-effectiveness, healthcare systems can become more productive and lead to long-term economic sustainability (Kim et al., 2016). However, the initial investments required for introducing EBP, such as training, telecommunication and data collection systems, can be barriers to the immediate financial situation of the health systems.
Work-Life of Healthcare Providers
Doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare workers are among the professions that are likely to experience a transformation of their job roles within healthcare as a result of EBP. Moreover, the utilization of EBP or evidence-based practice not only leaves healthcare teams in a position where their decisions can be based on solid evidence, but it also gives meaning and value to those involved with patient care; thus, they can feel more motivated and excited. Additionally, implementing EBP itself may pose some difficulties, like resistance to changes, time constraints or information overlooking, which can result in job burnout and irritation of the medical staff. Therefore, healthcare organizations must be equipped with the essential support, tools and opportunities for learning to ensure a smooth incorporation of EBP into the clinical processes and address the care providers’ concerns on the frontline.
In conclusion, Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) can alter both the results for patients and the whole health system of the quadruple aim in healthcare. Collaboration would be realized by facilitating evidence-based practice and its use in clinical decision-making, leading to enhanced patient experience, better population health outcomes, cost containment, and a positive work environment for healthcare providers. However, realizing the full potential of EBP requires concerted efforts from healthcare organizations, policymakers, educators, and practitioners to overcome barriers and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
References
Crabtree, E., Brennan, E., Davis, A., & Coyle, A. (2016). Improving Patient Care Through Nursing Engagement in Evidence-Based Practice. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 13(2), 172–175. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12126
Kim, S. C., Stichler, J. F., Ecoff, L., Brown, C. E., Gallo, A.-M., & Davidson, J. E. (2016). Predictors of Evidence-Based Practice Implementation, Job Satisfaction, and Group Cohesion Among Regional Fellowship Program Participants. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 13(5), 340–348. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12171
Sikka, R., Morath, J. M., & Leape, L. (2015). The Quadruple Aim: Care, health, cost and meaning in work. BMJ Quality & Safety, 24(10), 608–610. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004160
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