Exploring the Role of Evidence-Based Practice in Improving Patient Outcomes in Critical Care Nursing

Posted: Mar 22, 2018

• Kayla Hayes
• Kenneth Diaz
• Kevin Butler

Abstract

This comprehensive study investigates the transformative impact of evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation on patient outcomes within critical care nursing environments. Through a novel mixed-methods approach combining quantitative outcome metrics with qualitative phenomenological analysis, we examined the relationship between structured EBP protocols and clinical results across multiple intensive care units. Our methodology incorporated a unique temporal analysis framework that tracked both immediate and longitudinal effects of EBP implementation, revealing previously undocumented patterns in outcome improvement trajectories. The research demonstrates that systematic EBP adoption correlates with significant reductions in ventilator-associated pneumonia rates, central line-associated bloodstream infections, and medication administration errors. More importantly, our findings reveal a previously unrecognized phenomenon: the emergence of what we term 'clinical decision-making resonance'—a synergistic effect where EBP protocols enhance not only compliance but also clinical intuition and adaptive decision-making among nursing staff. This study contributes original insights into the mechanisms through which EBP transforms clinical practice beyond mere protocol adherence, offering a new theoretical framework for understanding how evidence-based approaches create sustainable improvements in patient care quality and safety outcomes in high-acuity settings.