Evidence based practices have been adopted in a number of sectors in the recent times owing to the general effectiveness that they promote. These are practices that solely rely on researched and tested values. The practices adopted are based on actual facts that can be constantly be verified. The use of evidence based practice was initially embraced in the medical sector due to the need to promote assurance in various clinical actions embraced. Effectiveness of these evidence based practices emanates from scientific evidence that revolves these adoptions. Currently, evidence based practices have been embraced in other domains such as in the management field with a view of realizing quality leadership that is scientifically supported (Hall, Heather and Linda 276).
There are specific steps that are associated with the adoption of an evidence based practice.
Step 1: Framing the questions
The first step in designing evidence based practice is coming up with the questions that evidence is to be sought. In most cases, the questions are often a reflection of issues affecting the industry in question. In the course of adopting the questions for evidence based practices, the approach, PICO, is always used. The approach involves consideration of the target population, intervention, comparison and the outcome. Through considering the four aspects of the approach, questions that are inclusive to the situations under research will be drafted.
Step 2: Finding the evidence
These are real life evidence that is based on extensive scientific research. There are two ways in which the evidence can be extracted. Systematic reviews are one of the major approaches that can be use d to collect evidence. Systematic evidence will help in ensuring consistency in the results manifested as a result through different situations. Another approach that could be used to find the evidence is from individual studies. Interdisciplinary studies will help in carrying out an extensive individual study.
Step 3: Assessing the evidence
This stage entails carrying out extensive examination to ascertain that the evidence reached is in accordance with the situations in question. Generally, the relevance of the evidence is always given focus in the course of assessing the evidences. The PICO at times is involved in these assessment plans so as to ensure that the evidence being adopted are inclusive and specifically meets the situations.
Step 4: Making Decision
This is the final stage that involves applying the evidence based practice. After ascertaining that the practice is in accordance with the question, direct application is made those results into decisions to be embraced.
In management, evidence based practices has been initiated that allows leaders and mangers to adopt certain actions that promotes achievement of desired levels of organizational success. Practices such as motivation practices are example of scientifically proven actions that are aimed at improving the levels of performance.
However, in the course of implementing evidence based practices, there are certain challenges and barriers that are commonly faced. Firstly, most evidence based practices are focused on specific situations hence cannot be diversified. This is a major challenge because a particular practice cannot be applied for different situations. In addition, execution of these practices requires persons with particular expertise in the area of concern. Another possible barrier to adoption of evidence based practices in different situations is the long and detailed procedures involved. In the event that urgent decision making is required, the use of evidence based practices may not be possible since proper assessment should be carried out prior.
The use of public research will be critical in the process of collecting data relating to various situations. Public research method is essential since it allows for varies information relating to a given issue in the public domain. The diverse informatio0n collected through public research method will effectively be tested and verified if they meet the questions of focus.
Role of theory in evidence based practices
Theories play an important role in the course of coming up withy various evidence based practices. Theory allows for validation of the principles adopted in various evidence based practices. Through these theories, a clear guideline on how the principles are adopted is attained. In addition, theories provide opportunity for extensive elucidation and further research in the event of any need.
There are a number of evidence based practices that have been adopted in order to encourage quality leadership geared towards increased organizational performance. Motivation has often been employed in organizations at different levels. Motivation has been tested and proven to help achieve high levels of performance in organizations. Motivation theories like Maslow theory of needs have often been proven to be key in ensuring high performance among persons when fully implemented. In line with the theory, it is proven than when organization leaders provides personnel with the required needs, they will generally improve their levels of production. In addition, evidence – based theory that supports motivation in organization leadership is theory X and Y (Hall, Heather and Linda 123).
Apart from motivation, the use of improved technologies is another evidence based practice that is commonly applied in leadership so as to come up with quality operations. Through verified evidences, it is made pronounced that machines helps leaders in making effective decisions that in the long run will improve the standards of leadership (Howlett, Bernadette, Ellen and Teresa 154).
In the light of the above discussion, it can be summarized that evidence based practices are very important in ensuring general effective in different entities. These contributions are generally because of the procedural action plans and general accuracy in measures assumed.
- Hall, Heather R, and Linda Roussel. Evidence-based Practice: An Integrative Approach to Research, Administration, and Practice. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2014. Print.
- Howlett, Bernadette, Ellen J. Rogo, and Teresa G. Shelton. Evidence-based Practice for Health Professionals: An Interprofessional Approach. , 2014. Print.
