How to Use Research Findings to Improve Care Delivery - Essay Example

"How to Use Research Findings to Improve Care Delivery" is a wonderful example of a paper on the health system. Evidence-based practice and translational research are two concepts used in the clinical field to inform patient care. Evidence-based practice is accomplished through assessment of adherence to protocol and pre-post patient outcomes changes. In contrast, translational research is performed by comparing effective methods and studying implementation strategies for urgent movement of evidence from labs to clinical settings. The concepts differ, but they can both be aligned when it comes to practice.

The concept of evidence-based (EBP) research has evolved to include aspects that align it with translational research. Previously, the evidence-based practice was considered the use of current best evidence meticulously, explicitly, and judiciously in making decisions regarding patient care while integrating the best available external evidence obtained from systematic studies and individual clinical expertise. However, today's evidence-based practice concept has expanded its resources to include knowledge gained from organizational values, patient preferences, and local context, or organizational data. The expansion on the definition of EBP focuses on community and population health concerns within local contexts and therefore making it easier to move evidence from bench to bedside.

A conceptual framework that can support that can be used to describe evidence-based practice is the Iowa model. The framework serves as a guide to nurses on how to use research findings to improve care delivery. It helps in identifying health issues, solutions, and implementation strategies (Titler, 2018). Usually, the model begins by highlighting a problem-focused trigger where an EBP solution might be needed. Healthy people 2020 proposes various health issues that clinicians can focus on. One of the common problems identified is access to health services (CDC, 2019). This refers to the ability of individuals to access health facilities for treatment. In contemporary society, most people cannot access health care services. Various factors contribute to the problem, including lack or inadequate insurance, lack of health care services, unavailability of care that is culturally competent, and high care cost (Healthy People 2020, 2020). The problem occurs within local contexts and necessitates the implementation of a change.

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Further, population heath faces various challenges that hinder individuals with given conditions from gaining from population health benefits. One of the barriers identified by researchers is the lack of prioritizing population relative to other goals in the society (Milbank Memorial Fund, 2020). Usually, population health competes for resources and attention with social and political issues. Population health loses the battle as most citizens pay less attention to measurement complexities and health at the population level and thus limiting the evidence base for policymaking. Overcoming the barrier is vital to ensure population health concerns are addressed. Due to the urgency to improve health outcomes, translational research can be utilized to overcome the obstacle. This would require exploring the public's attention to the population at the health level and the establishment of means to educate people on it. If people can advocate for population health more, then it is likely to add more significance to the issue than political or social matters.

The best type of translational research to use to overcome the barrier is T2. The rationale for the choice is because the category involves the translation of research from basic to the population (Pomeroy & Sanfilippo, 2015). While addressing the issue, one is moving from foundation to the population. Studying and understudying people's knowledge on health at the population level forms a bench basis. The outcome is therefore taught to people to enlighten them on their contribution to the problem and prompt their reaction. As a result, population health becomes more competitive, and it can be given a priority. Besides, studies indicate that T2 has a high impact on policies, and therefore using it increases the chances of increasing the evidence for policymaking.

While using T2 translational research is likely to produce positive results, various changes have been identified that prevent the activity. Barohn and Herbelin (2015), state barriers such as limited time for implementation, and lack of interest by the public. Other challenges associated with translational research include cultural differences that may slow down the training process. In other instances, there also a lack of resources in terms of infrastructure and workforce, and the complex regulatory environment. With the challenges provided, gathering collaborative support from the public and different stakeholders is crucial. As such, it will be necessary to develop exceptional communication strategies and offer extensive training to community members. If they understand the importance of public health, they are likely to collaborate. Also, presenting a proper analysis of the benefits of the research and keeping them updated will be crucial.-1