Importance of research evidence - use research
to help make sure that it will actually benefit the
service user
Benefits of Evidence Based Care
Came to prominence in 1990's
Harm
Care not based on evidence - may cause harm
Using research based evidence goes beyond what
you assume to be the case i.e: everyone thinks
that bed rest is need after surgery etc but in most
cases it was not a benefit and in some made things
worse
Unnecessary interventions
without research unnecessary treatments or
interventions may be offered which do not
benefit the user i.e : fetal monitoring - being
made to stay on a bed wearing a belt which
can lead to Caesarians
Waste of resources
resources may be wasted
by providing care that doesnt
work i.e: over prescribing of antibiotics
Evidence based care means care
offered is there because it works and
not because of someones opinion or
pronoucements of authorities
User less liely to rely on professionals
judegment when research based care is
available - service users more informed
Workers remain current - ever changing research
in treatments and approaches
Problems with evidence based care
Whats best in general not best for individual
What works best is not always acceptable to someone
i.e: does it help them maintain dignity and independance
- older people falling best evidence is todo muscle
exercise but older people may feel this makes them look
ridiculous
Missing Evidence
Very little good quality evidence for complex issues i.e: involving peoples
personalities and individual situations
It rarely empowers service users
professionals decide on what gets
researched, interpret findings and decide
what it means for practice
Undervalues careworkers skills and
experience
leaves little room for careworkers to
assess complex personal situations -
doesn't allow for intuitive knowledge