Lecture 13 - EBP in the 21st Century

Question 1

Health care context

Answer 1

• A very complex environment
– Rapidly evolving and constantly changing
• Changing demographics in Australia
• Changing health profile in Australia
– By 2050, 1.6 million Australians will have dementia
– Emergence of chronic diseases and increased morbidity
• Changing “power base”
– Patients/clients/consumers – Funders
» NDIS/NDIA
– Has number of different stakeholders
• All have an important contribution on who, what and
how health care is delivered

Question 2

Research evidence

Answer 2

• Recognised as an integral component of EBP
• Why?
– Provides answers to questions which is based on rigorous, scientifically-sound research approaches
– Threats to internal and external validity can be minimised or eliminated
– Defensible, justifiable and accountable

Question 3

Patient values

Answer 3

• Recognise patients’ morals, values and beliefs
– You will routinely explore these in your clinical examination
– Will influence your choices and outcomes of health care
– At times, it may conflict with research evidence • Will require negotiation and agreement

Question 4

Clinical expertise

Answer 4

• From day one, you are developing your clinical expertise
– Think of the first day you started University to now
• Important tool in the delivery of evidence based practice
– Technical aspects of health care
• Technically competent, safe, up to date
– Functional aspects of heath care • Communication, caring, presentable

Question 5

Practice context

Answer 5

• The environment where you work, will play a important role
– Time/ case load
– Money
– Resources
– Local socio-economic factors

Question 6

What about other stakeholders?

Answer 6

• Don’t forget about other stakeholders in the health care system
– Individual clinics
– Peers/profession
– Wider community
– Legal/Insurance requirements
– Funders and administrators • Government
• Insurance companies (such as Medibank, BUPA, HCF, ReturntoworkSA)

Question 7

Why EBP Matters

Answer 7

• Development of a reflective and self-auditing practitioner is important
• You are not technicians rather practitioners
• Need to be reflective and responsive to change
• Evidence Based Practice is one avenue to do so
• Prove to your patients and peers that you are reflective and evolving practitioners
• Working collaboratively with stakeholders