Response to nursing discussion board-peer repsonses
I agree with your observation that evidence-based practice is crucial to providing the best quality of care. It is promising to see that there is a strong push for evidence-based practice at Shands Hospital and that each unit has a clinical leader to ensure that the unit is using practices that are evidence-based. However, as you mentioned, one of the obstacles to implementing evidence-based practice is the incompatibility of research findings with the realities of clinical practice.
In the case of the modified early warning score (MEWS) assessment, I agree that adjustments were necessary to fit the high acuity level of the patients in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. This highlights the importance of not blindly implementing evidence-based practices without considering the specific context in which they will be applied. It is essential to adapt evidence-based practices to fit the realities of the clinical setting to ensure that they are feasible and effective.
One ethical principle relevant to this discussion is beneficence, which requires healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of the patient and promote their well-being. By using evidence-based practice, healthcare professionals can provide the best quality of care and improve patient outcomes. However, it is also important to consider autonomy and respect for patient preferences when implementing evidence-based practices. Patients should be informed about the evidence-based practices being used and given the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.