While short-term results of EBP change implementation may be promising, the pace may change after the initial six months. While the reasons may vary, there are two primary barriers that can prevent the EBP change from producing desired long-term results. First, the lack of knowledge and experience can directly influence the outcomes. According to Fisher, Cusack, Cox, Feigenbaum, and Wallen (2016), the inadequate competence level of change agents may cause EBP initiative to fail in the long run. Second, the absence of motivation among the medical staff may also negatively influence the implementation process. Tacia, Biskupski, Pheley, and Lehto (2015) state that nurses may become stagnant in their careers, performing the same tasks over many years of practice. According to their qualitative study, “managers described nurses as not motivated to implement EBP because of the length of time between formal academic training and current employment” (Tacia et al., 2015, p. 94). However, the barriers are well studied, and therefore they can be easily addressed.
The problem of the lack of knowledge can be averted by collaborating with senior personnel and employing strategic planning. The study by Fisher et al. (2016) confirms that EBP changes require senior leadership support to supplement for the lack of knowledge in less experienced staff members. Moreover, the same study supports the notion that top-down strategic planning facilitates the sustainability of EBP culture (Fisher et al., 2016). As for the lack of motivation, setting small measurable goals, celebrating success, and recognizing the impact of every employee is a viable strategy for addressing the matter (Ganta, 2014). While the practices mentioned above seem to be common-sense solutions, they are often ignored, which negatively affects the results.
References
Fisher, C., Cusack, G., Cox, K., Feigenbaum, K., & Wallen, G. (2016). Developing competency to sustain evidence-based practice. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 46(11), 581-585. Web.
Ganta, V. C. (2014). Motivation in the workplace to improve the employee performance. International Journal of Engineering Technology, Management and Applied Sciences, 2(6), 221-230.
Tacia, L., Biskupski, K., Pheley, A., & Lehto, R. (2015). Identifying barriers to evidence-based practice adoption: A focus group study. Clinical Nursing Studies, 3(2). Web.