Week 8 Portfolio Artifact: Evidence-Based Nursing Practice Salkind (2009) described research as an apolitical activity, assumed for the betterment of society. Incorporating research into nursing practice creates an environment of informed, accountable nurses with advanced critical thinking, skills, capable of formulating valuable judgments to improve patient outcomes and raise the standard of care (Burns & Grove, 2009). The purpose of this paper is to discuss how this course changed my expectations of evidencebased practice (EBP) and how I expect to utilize research in my area of clinical practice. My Expectations of Evidence-Based Practice and Research Master's prepared nurses must be acquainted with research and EBP within their clinical area of practice. The weekly discussions provided an opportunity to discover the prospects for research within our institution. It is apparent that research is within reach, and I gained the confidence to accept this challenge in my area of clinical practice. Conducting research, then applying research to nursing practice promotes EBP and improves health care quality and patient safety. Utilizing Nursing Research and Evidence in the Future Nurses strive to promote patient-centered health care within the community to incorporate the necessary resources to support chronic illness and maintain the health status of their patients. In my area of clinical practice, we are diligently working toward completing the application for the status of Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) through the National Committee for Quality Assurance (National Committee for Quality Assurance [NCQA], 2011). The PCMH model fosters a partnership between the patient and medical practitioner for coordination of care (NCQA, 2011). PCMH enhances health care coordination, includes patients 22 and family members, and encourages self-management of one's personal health care. This health care delivery model advances the quality, safety, and efficiency; eliminating gaps in health care. I plan to investigate further the impact PCMH has on maintaining control of chronic illness for our most frequent diagnosis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension in the patients we serve. I hope to learn that the PCMH has made a difference in assisting with maintaining chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and hypertension. The future of healthcare is dependent on maintaining wellness and preventing illness. Evidence-Based Practice Affecting my Work Colleagues I anticipate resistance from my colleagues and peers when faced with change (Grossman & Valiga, 2009). Introducing EBP and including staff in understanding the vision is an essential component of successfully implementing change (Grossman & Valiga, 2009). Validating ideas and concerns of others is instrumental in the process of change (Grossman & Valiga, 2009). Upon sharing study results, my co-workers will eagerly implement changes to improve patient outcomes and maintain gratification in areas depicting positive change in our patient population. Summary In summary, it is evident that nursing research affects nursing practice and influences the approach to nursing practice. Nursing research guides nursing practice through EBP, improving the quality of patient care, patient outcomes, and the health care delivery system as a whole (Burns & Grove, 2009). Moving forward into the future of health care, quality outcomes depend on the nurse's proficiency and expertise in the area of research. 23 References Burns, N. & Grove, S. K. (2009). The practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders. National Committee for Quality Assurance. (2011). Patient-centered medical home. Retrieved from http://www.ncqa.org/tabid/631/default.aspx Salkind, N. J. (2009). Exploring research (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education,
Order this paper