BRIDGE BARRIERS TO

EVIDENCE BASED
PRACTICE

by Dr. Saifah Ashfaq

Importance of Evidence-Based Practice in
Healthcare
1 Improves Patient Outcomes 2 Increases Patient Safety

Evidence-based practice plays a By integrating evidence-based guidelines

significant role in improving patient and protocols, healthcare providers can
outcomes by ensuring that treatments and enhance patient safety and minimize the
interventions are based on the most risk of errors and adverse events.
relevant and effective evidence available.

3 Enhances Resource Utilization

Utilizing evidence-based practice helps in optimizing resource allocation within healthcare
settings, leading to improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Common Barriers to Implementing Evidence-
Based Practice
Lack of Knowledge and
Skills
One of the primary barriers to
implementing evidence-based
practice is the lack of adequate
knowledge and skills among
healthcare professionals regarding
the interpretation and application
of research evidence into clinical
practice.
Resistance to Change
Healthcare providers might resist
changing established practices and
procedures, especially if it
conflicts with traditional methods,
leading to challenges in adopting
evidence-based approaches.
Organizational Barriers
Structural and organizational
obstacles, such as limited
resources, time constraints, and
competing priorities, can hinder
the successful implementation of
evidence-based practice within
healthcare institutions.
Lack of Knowledge and Skills

1 Continuing Education Programs 2 Mentorship and Coaching

Healthcare organizations can facilitate Experienced practitioners can mentor

ongoing training and professional and coach their colleagues in integrating
development programs to enhance the evidence-based approaches into their
knowledge and skills of their staff in daily clinical decision-making
evidence-based practice. processes.

3 Access to Research Resources

Providing easy access to databases, journals, and research materials can empower healthcare
professionals to stay updated with the latest evidence-based information and practices.
Resistance to Change
Educational Initiatives
Offer educational programs to
illustrate the benefits and positive
outcomes of evidence-based
practice, addressing
misconceptions and fears
regarding change.
Engage Stakeholders
Involve key stakeholders,
including staff, in decision-
making processes and seek their
feedback and suggestions
regarding the adoption of
evidence-based practices.
Incentivize Adherence
Develop incentives and
recognition programs to
encourage and reward healthcare
professionals for embracing
evidence-based approaches in
their clinical responsibilities.
Organizational Barriers

Resource Allocation 1
Evaluate the distribution of resources to
support evidence-based initiatives and
optimize organizational capabilities to enable 2 Culture Transformation
successful implementation. Initiate a cultural shift within the organization
by promoting a supportive environment that
values and encourages evidence-based
Leadership Commitment 3 decision-making and practices.
Ensure strong leadership commitment and
active participation in the promotion and
establishment of evidence-based principles
throughout the organization.
Strategies to Bridge the Barriers to Evidence-
Based Practice
Educational Initiatives Leadership Support Research Collaboration

Engaging and obtaining support

Developing comprehensive
educational programs to enhance
healthcare professionals'
knowledge and skills in evidence-
based practice.
from organizational leaders to
foster a culture that encourages
evidence-based decision-making.
Encouraging collaboration
between healthcare providers and
researchers to facilitate the
integration of research findings
into clinical settings.
Strategies to Overcome Barriers
Interdisciplinary
Collaboration
Promote collaboration and
communication among different
healthcare specialties to foster a
collective approach to
embracing evidence-based
practice.
Quality Improvement
Initiatives
Implement quality improvement
programs that emphasize
evidence-based guidelines and
procedures, integrating them
into the standard practices of the
organization.
Data-Driven Decision
Making
Foster a culture of data-driven
decision-making by
emphasizing the value and
impact of evidence-based
strategies in achieving optimal
patient outcomes.