Evidence-based Practices (EBP) Summary

n(Implementing Evidence-Based Practices for Persons with Severe Mental Illnesses)

nName

nInstitution

nCourse

nDate

n

nIntroduction

nAccording to Bond et al, (2014), EBP is the cautious, clear and conscientious application of best evidence in decision making when caring a patient. In addition, EBP combines research evidence, patient values and clinical expertise in patient care (Bond et al, 2014). Therefore, nurses require clinical skills, education and experience when implementing the practices. Similarly, a nurse must respond to the patients unique values, expectations and concerns. In mental health settings, nurses need new skills in EBP, and utilization of formal evidence rules (Craig & Smyth, 2011). The paper will analyse development and implementation of EBP toolkit in mental health settings. In addition, it focuses on application of knowledge learnt in solving problems that exist in the facility.

nSummary

nThe article by Torrey et al, (2014) describes the implementation plan of EBP using toolkits to enhance the reliable delivery of appropriate practices. In mental health, different researches have described evidence practices care to provide care for persons with severe mental illnesses. Research supports psychosocial interventions such as substance abuse treatment and family psychoeducation play a crucial role in mental health management. However, the article notes that these research-based interventions are not applied in the routine practices of medical practitioners. In addition, the author precisely describe views on the best way to change and sustainably use effective practices from clinicians, literature research, family advocates, administrators and service researchers. Additionally, it recommends the EBP implementation plan using toolkits. The toolkits involved consultations opportunities, training experiences, and web-based resources and integrated written materials Torrey et al, (2014).

nSteps taken to develop and implement an EBP

nThe article describes the steps of development of an EBP by first noting the perspectives from the knowledge base such as research literature, researchers observations, advocates, clinicians, and administrators. According to research, a change in behavior of nurse needs promotion of appropriate practice for the providers (Torrey et al, 2014). Therefore, the authors suggest that behavior change can be realized through combination of effective skills and removal of environmental barriers. Additionally, research pointed out that this can be done through three methods: predisposing strategies, enabling and reinforcement strategies. In this respect, written materials should be developed followed by practice guidelines and active feedback mechanisms. Research also argued high quality EBP has higher fidelity which leads to best clinical results (Torrey et al, 2014).

nThe administrators argue that there should be administrative regulations and rules as well as financial incentives that help in implementation of EBP in mental health. Clinicians should learn EBP through reading, training and observations. Routine feedback and supervision will help them to support their practice over time. Clinicians are not motivated to change to new practices (Torrey et al, 2014). Through advocacy events such as on the Web, conferences and media events, the importance of EBP can be emphasized. Therefore, the EBP can be successfully implemented through securing administrative support, clinical training and implementation of supervision and feedback.

nSteps in implementation

nImplementation of EBP for mental illness suggests a model that would produce change. Implementation toolkits were developed via Web-based resources, consultation opportunities, experiences for training and integrated written materials. The toolkits would be aimed at enhancing the reliable provision of effective services to patients (Torrey et al, 2014).

nIn the first step, stakeholders in mental health field were required to restructure their services. Persons participating in the interventions used a video that explained EBP. The video also offered testimony from clinicians and clients and scientific support of such intervention. Written materials provided the reasons for adopting effective practices because they have research based (Torrey et al, 2014).

nSecondly, the stakeholders used the toolkits to make anticipated changes. For instance, the administrators used the toolkit that contained information on funding systems and rules of administration in mental health facilities. The toolkits also offered incentives and sources of consultations for specific EBP. Additionally, they provided recommendation for enhancing change in mental health settings. Implementation toolkits offered recommended training for clinicians. Furthermore, supports for clinicians were provided through supervision. On other hand, advocacy materials such as booklets were offered to families and consumers in order to demand for such practices (Torrey et al, 2014).

nThirdly, the implementation toolkits provided for organized feedback system for stakeholders. In this regard, they contained fidelity scales that helped in self-assessment. They also had simple tracking methods and follow-up training in order to help implementers. The toolkits also recommended review and revision of process aiming to engage them in implementation (Torrey et al, 2014).

nApplication of information learnt on EBP

nThe information learnt about implementation of EBP will play an important role in solving problems in our mental health settings. Patients suffering from mental illnesses such as schizophrenia do not benefit from effective services (Craig & Smyth, 2011). Furthermore, the majority of psychosocial interventions, which are provided in the facility, are not based on evidence research. Most of the nurses in the facility lacks appropriate knowledge on how to implement evidence-based practices. Moreover, there is lack of eager to adopt EBP because they feel it as ineffective to solve the problem (Burns & Grove, 2010).

nApplication of the EBP in the mental health setting will help to improve efficiency in delivery of care. The EBP will also help the nurses in training which will facilitate better services to mental health patients. Administrators will be provided with better regulations and finances to make evidence-based institutions a success in the mental health facilities (Burns & Grove, 2010).

nConclusion

nThe evidence-based practices in mental health settings are not commonly utilized. Nurses lack knowledge, and supervision and poor feedback systems. Administrators also lack financial incentives and administrative rules and regulations in order to implement the EBP. The paper recommends implementation of toolkits in mental health field. The process involves three main steps. The first step involves development of written materials with important information to stakeholders. Secondly, it information is disseminated to stakeholders who make the required changes. In the final step, feedback systems are established so that nurses can report any change.

n

nReferences

nBond, G. R., Becker, D. R., Drake, R. E., Rapp, C. A., Meisler, N., Lehman, A. F., … & Blyler, C. R. (2014). Implementing supported employmentas an evidence-based practice. Psychiatric services.

nBurns, N., & Grove, S. K. (2010). Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

nCraig, J. V., & Smyth, R. L. (2011). Evidence-based practice manual for nurses. Elsevier Health Sciences.

nTorrey, W. C., Drake, R. E., Dixon, L., Burns, B. J., Flynn, L., Rush, A. J., … & Klatzker, D. (2014). Implementing evidence-based practices for persons with severe mental illnesses. Psychiatric services.