Evidence-based medicine (EBM), previously translational medicine, can be
defined as improving care based on empirical research and/or hands-on
practice. The EBM’s approach is based on either direct patient care
(bottom-up) or an experiment translated into guidelines (top-down). EBM
is used in either in conjunction or as quality assessment tool(s) for
continuous quality improvement (CQI). The healthcare leader must utilize
the evidence to promote healthcare quality.
- Explain the process of evidence-based analysis.
- Highlight the major players and their roles in EBM policy (i.e., government, providers, patients, etc.).
- Explain the EBM “Levels of Evidence” as defined in your course text.
- Review the case “Constraints of the ACA on Evidence-Based Medicine.”
- Provide a written analysis of the case “Constraints of the ACA
on Evidence-Based Medicine” in Chapter 9 of your textbook. (Utilize the
“Levels of Evidence and Grades of Recommendations” as defined by the
National Guideline) Clearinghouse. - Summarize the policy of EBM in your conclusion.
Your paper
- Must be 4 to 6 double-spaced pages in length (not including
title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as
outlined in the Writing Center. - Must include a separate title page with the following:
- Title of paper
- Student’s name
- Course name and number
- Instructor’s name
- Date submitted
- Must use at least four scholarly sources in addition to the course text.
- Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Writing Center.
- Must include a separate reference page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, the concept of evidence-based medicine (EBM) is an essential part of healthcare education. EBM is a process of utilizing empirical research and hands-on practice to improve patient care and enhance healthcare quality. In this paper, we will discuss the process of evidence-based analysis, the major players involved in EBM policy, the EBM “Levels of Evidence,” and review the case “Constraints of the ACA on Evidence-Based Medicine,” providing a written analysis on the National Guideline Clearinghouse’s definition of the “Levels of Evidence and Grades of Recommendations.” Finally, we will summarize the policy of EBM in our conclusion.
Process of Evidence-based Analysis:
The process of EBM includes systematically analyzing and evaluating the quality, relevance, and reliability of available evidence to make informed decisions for patient care. This process involves identifying clinical questions, assessing current evidence, appraising the evidence, and implementing evidence-based practices. The ultimate goal of EBM is to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes.
Major Players and Their Roles in EBM Policy:
The major players in EBM policy include government agencies, healthcare providers, patients, and researchers. The government plays a significant role in promoting EBM by funding research studies, establishing guidelines and regulations, and implementing policies. Healthcare providers use EBM to make informed decisions for patient care, enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery. Patients play a role in EBM by being active participants in their care and communicating their preferences to healthcare providers. Finally, researchers provide the evidence needed for EBM by conducting research studies and publishing their findings in academic journals.
EBM “Levels of Evidence”:
The EBM “Levels of Evidence” are a system used to grade the strength and quality of evidence that informs clinical decision making. The levels of evidence range from Level 1 (highest quality evidence) to Level 5 (lowest quality evidence). Level 1 evidence includes systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, while Level 5 evidence includes case reports and expert opinions. Understanding the levels of evidence is critical when assessing the strength and quality of the available evidence.
Review of “Constraints of the ACA on Evidence-Based Medicine”:
The case “Constraints of the ACA on Evidence-Based Medicine” discusses the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on EBM. The ACA aimed to improve healthcare quality and affordability by expanding insurance coverage, but it also constrained the implementation of EBM. The case highlights the conflict between meeting the demands of the ACA, such as reducing healthcare costs, and providing high-quality care based on EBM. The National Guideline Clearinghouse’s “Levels of Evidence and Grades of Recommendations” are utilized to analyze the case. In summary, despite the challenges, EBM remains essential in providing high-quality care and improving healthcare outcomes.
Conclusion:
EBM is a vital process in healthcare delivery that enhances the quality of patient care while promoting continuous quality improvement. The major players involved in EBM policy include government agencies, healthcare providers, patients, and researchers. The EBM “Levels of Evidence” are a critical tool for grading the strength and quality of available evidence. Finally, despite challenges, EBM remains essential in providing high-quality care and improving healthcare outcomes.
