Provide a specific example of evidence-based practice used in your work facility or within the nursing profession. Were there any challenges or barriers to implementing the evidence-based practice? If so, how were they overcome?

Provide a specific example of evidence-based practice used in your work facility or within the nursing profession. Were there any challenges or barriers to implementing the evidence-based practice? If so, how were they overcome?

The best example of evidence based practice that my hand’s on employer utilized was with wound care and treatment. We had to constantly treat diabetics with diabetic feet ulcers and some with amputations from complications of that. From providing antibiotics to specific recommended wound care (e.g. wet to dry dressing, Hydrogel) as these promote healing. I do not recall our management having barriers to implementing any of these evidenced based practices or introducing new ones to our protocol at this time, or at least the management team ever indicating there were any barriers, and therefore that would not be able to share that information if there were. As far as I could tell these best practices were appropriate, helped our patients in healing process and our providers were always looking to make further improvements in these types of treatments. The only barriers I ever noted was that of the patients being compliant with self care.

“The successful management of diabetic foot wounds requires the multidisciplinary teamwork of specialists. The management of diabetic foot wounds needs timely detection of complications and frequent assessment of the wound. No wound should be treated as simple. It is important to take into account all the related causes, identify the problem, and treat it. There are various topical regimes available, but the choice depends only on the treating physicians, podiatrist, or clinical care nurse. While selecting wound care materials one should bear in mind the properties of the ideal wound care dressing which should maintain a moist wound healing environment, absorb exudates, control infection/odor and be effective in treating diabetic foot wounds. In addition to these wound care techniques, antibiotic therapy and offloading plays a very important role.” (Kavitha, et al. 2014)