As your practicum experience proceeds, talk with individuals in your practicum setting about social, political, technological, and/or financial considerations related to the implementation of an evidence-based practice project. For instance, you may opt to meet with a nurse manager or executive involved in financial matters to do a cost-benefit analysis or a return-on-investment analysis, or to develop a pro forma statement about how much it would cost to implement one practice versus another. Consider these insights as you evaluate the strengths and limitations of the evidence-based project, or as you analyze potential barriers to sustaining practice changes.

Considerations of a social nature: A project based on evidence-based practices will only succeed if healthcare professionals are willing to accept and adopt the new method. To ensure buy-in, it is important to involve staff of all levels and provide the education and training they need. Patients’ involvement and engagement in the project will also increase its success by giving valuable feedback.

Politics and policy: Political climate can have a significant impact on the implementation of projects that use evidence-based practices. Healthcare organizations may be required by policies and regulations to prioritize or implement certain practices. It is essential to keep abreast of changes in the political climate that may affect the project and to ensure that the project aligns with the organization’s mission and vision.

Technology considerations: The advancements in technology has provided many new opportunities to implement evidence-based practices. Nevertheless, the implementation of new technologies can be time-consuming as well as expensive. It is crucial to evaluate the costs and benefits of implementing new technology and to ensure that it aligns with the organization’s strategic goals.

Financial considerations. The costs of implementing a project based on evidence can pose a serious barrier to success. Cost-benefit analyses and returns-on-investment are essential for determining the financial viability of the project. Also, preparing a proforma statement will give you an idea of how much it costs to adopt one method versus another. It can even help identify where there are cost-savings to be made.

Conclusion: Social, political, technical, and financial factors can have a significant impact on the success of a project based on evidence-based practices. It is essential to evaluate these factors carefully and to engage stakeholders at all levels to ensure the project’s success. In order to implement effective evidence-based care, it is important that organizations address potential barriers.