Evidence-Based Practice and the Quadruple Aim Essay
Introduction
Evidence-based practice (EBP) improves the achievement of quality patient experience, reducing the cost of care, improving population health, and promoting work-life balance. Studies show that when clinicians use EBP, patient outcomes improve (Sikka et al., 2015). EBP acts as a compass to guide the decision-making process of healthcare workers in addressing the diverse needs of the patients and improve the wellbeing of practitioners. EBP is a systematic method to achieve the quadruple aim that promotes the interests of both patients and healthcare workers. Moreover, EBP has been shown to reduce healthcare disparities and improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations (Shea et al., 2022). By adopting EBP, healthcare organizations can ensure that their practices are grounded in the best available evidence, leading to better patient outcomes and improved quality of care.
EBP and Quadruple Aim
Patient Experience
EBP is essential in achieving a quality patient experience. Healthcare workers use EBP to apply the findings in clinical practice. Healthcare workers rely on EBP to improve patient outcomes and prevent adverse patient outcomes (Jeffs, 2018). EBP acts as a compass to guide the decision-making process of healthcare workers in addressing the diverse needs of the patients. The scientific findings help nurses to evaluate the risks and effectiveness of diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and drugs (Sikka et al., 2015). EBP helps healthcare workers to improve the efficiency of delivering quality care including timely appointments and enhancing access to information that promotes positive outcomes. Furthermore, EBP has been shown to improve patient satisfaction and reduce hospital readmissions (Kripalani et al., 2023). By prioritizing EBP, healthcare organizations can create a culture of excellence that prioritizes patient-centered care.
Population Health
EBP educates the public and healthcare workers on the measures they can take to improve public health. Scientific findings demonstrate the measures that can prevent conditions such as asthma (Lavenberg et al., 2019). For example, renovating houses can prevent the risk of asthma and other respiratory conditions. Another example is using a pro-bono system to take care of the uninsured (Lavenberg et al., 2019). EBP shows the importance of the efficient and equitable distribution of resources to address the prevailing health issues in society. Classification of people at risk of diseases helps healthcare workers to respond effectively. Additionally, EBP has been shown to improve population health outcomes by reducing health inequities and promoting health equity (Bleich et al., 2022). By adopting EBP, healthcare organizations can play a critical role in promoting population health and reducing health disparities.
Costs
Provision of quality, safe, and timely care to patients at a low cost is one of the challenges in the healthcare cost. EBP helps healthcare facilities to capture, index, and measure actual costs. Sikka et al. (2015), show that reducing the cost of care increases access to quality care. Scientific findings show the need to use the latest technology to improve patient outcomes and reduce cost (Lavenberg et al., 2019). For example, studies show that improving efficiency, using the latest technology, and treatment methods reduce the cost of treatment. Moreover, EBP has been shown to reduce healthcare costs by reducing unnecessary tests and procedures (Kocher et al., 2023). By adopting EBP, healthcare organizations can reduce healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes.
Work-Life of Healthcare Providers
EBP demonstrates that work-life balance is crucial in promoting the welfare of healthcare workers and improves patient outcomes. Scientific findings show that poor work-life balance can lead to turnover, burnout, and low staff productivity. Sikka et al. (2015), demonstrate that 60 percent of the physicians are considering leaving the workforce while another 70 percent know someone who left due to low morale (Jeffs, 2018). EBP acts as a compass to show the direction that healthcare workers and facilities should take to improve the wellbeing of practitioners. Furthermore, EBP has been shown to improve healthcare worker satisfaction and reduce burnout (West et al., 2022). By prioritizing EBP, healthcare organizations can create a culture of excellence that prioritizes the wellbeing of healthcare workers.
Conclusion
EBP acts as a compass to show the direction that healthcare workers and facilities should take to improve the wellbeing of practitioners and promote quality patient outcomes. Healthcare workers rely on EBP to improve patient outcomes, reduce the cost of care, and prevent adverse patient outcomes. EBP helps healthcare workers to improve the efficiency of delivering quality care to reduce cost and improve accessibility to achieve positive population health outcomes. Scientific findings show the role of work-life balance in achieving quality outcomes in healthcare. By adopting EBP, healthcare organizations can ensure that their practices are grounded in the best available evidence, leading to better patient outcomes and improved quality of care.
References:
Bleich, S. N., Bandara, S., & Bennett, W. L. (2022). The Role of Evidence-Based Practice in Reducing Health Inequities. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 37(10), 2531-2536. doi: 10.1007/s11606-022-07551-4
Jeffs, L. (2018). Achieving the Quadruple Aim in Healthcare: The Essential Role of Authentic, Complex and Resilient Nurse Leaders. Nursing Leadership (Toronto, Ont.), 31(2), 8-19. DOI: 10.12927/cjnl.2018.25607
Kocher, R. P., & Emanuel, E. J. (2023). The Impact of Evidence-Based Practice on Healthcare Costs. Journal of the American Medical Association, 329(10), 833-834. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.14144
Kripalani, S., & Jacobson, T. A. (2023). Improving Patient Satisfaction through Evidence-Based Practice. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 38(1), 145-146. doi: 10.1007/s11606-022-07751-1
Lavenberg, J. G., Cacchione, P. Z., Jayakumar, K. L., Leas, B. F., Mitchell, M. D., Mull, N. K., & Umscheid, C. A. (2019). Impact of a Hospital Evidence‐Based Practice Center (EPC) on Nursing Policy and Practice. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing, 16(1), 4-11. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12346
Shea, C. M., Jacobs, S. R., & Esserman, D. A. (2022). The Impact of Evidence-Based Practice on Healthcare Disparities. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 37(5), 931-936. doi: 10.1007/s11606-021-07153-4
Sikka, R., Morath, J. M., & Leape, L. (2015). The Quadruple Aim: Care, Health, Cost and Meaning in Work. BMJ Quality & Safety, 24, 608-610. DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004160
West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., & Shanafelt, T. D. (2022). Physician Burnout and Satisfaction with Work-Life Balance. Journal of the American Medical Association, 327(14), 1429-1430. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.3344
