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Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Organizations

According to Melnyk, healthcare organizations aiming to consistently implement evidence-based practice (EBP) must cultivate a spirit of inquiry. This entails posing clinical questions, seeking and appraising evidence, implementing evidence-based interventions, evaluating outcomes, and sharing results with stakeholders. The adoption of EBP in many hospitals goes beyond improving population health. It also seeks to provide patients with essential information derived from evidence and clinical expertise, enabling them to make informed decisions based on their values and preferences. An exemplar of such an organization is the Center for Evidence and Practice Improvement (CEPI).

CEPI conducts and supports studies and evidence synthesis to enhance healthcare delivery and improvement. The organization emphasizes the utilization of decision and communication sciences to inform treatment decisions and healthcare choices for patients and stakeholders (CEPI, 2017). Furthermore, CEPI explores the integration of health information technology to optimize clinical decision-making and enhance the quality of healthcare services. Through research, demonstration projects, and partnerships, CEPI strives to catalyze and promote sustainable improvements in clinical practices across healthcare settings (CEPI, 2017). Additionally, CEPI operates the National Center for Excellence in Primary Care Research to further augment its effectiveness in implementing EBP.

To achieve its EBP objectives, CEPI has established five divisions that play pivotal roles. These include the evidence-based practice center program, U.S. preventive service task force program, division of decision science and patient engagement, division of health information technology, and the division of practice improvement (CEPI, 2017). Moreover, CEPI serves as the home to AHRQ's National Center for Excellence in Primary Care Research (NCEPCR). This organizational structure ensures the effective utilization of EBP to meet the needs of its consumers.

From an informed perspective, it is evident that CEPI's work is firmly grounded in EBP. The organization incorporates key components advocated by EBP proponents, including the utilization of the best available research evidence, the integration of clinical expertise, and the consideration of patient preferences and values. By adhering to these components, CEPI demonstrates alignment with EBP guidelines.

Upon examining the organization's operations, a notable shift in perspective on healthcare organizations occurs. The importance of EBP in the healthcare sector becomes evident, as it ensures the provision of effective, evidence-based healthcare services. Healthcare organizations, like CEPI, strive to improve patient outcomes, instilling confidence in the services received by patients, as they are based on the best available evidence. This approach not only mitigates medical errors but also empowers patients to actively participate in their healthcare journey.

References:

Center for Evidence and Practice Improvement (CEPI). (2017). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. Retrieved May 26, 2019, from http://www.ahrq.gov/cpi/centers/cepi/index.html