Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a widely accepted approach to public health that emphasizes the use of research-based evidence of best practices in order to improve patient outcomes and create an overall healthier population. EBP has been considered an important element of effective public health programs since its introduction into professional practice in the 1990s, with many organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) promoting its adoption across disciplines. This paper will discuss how EBP can be applied to public health, what it involves, and why it is critically important for improving community wellbeing.
At its core, EBP involves incorporating scientific information about interventions into decision making processes. This usually includes examining data from systematic reviews or meta-analyses regarding various treatments or preventive measures, weighing costs and benefits when considering implementation strategies, and actively tracking results over time to measure effectiveness (Souza et al., 2019). Often times this process requires close collaboration between different stakeholders such as medical professionals, policy makers, public health practitioners, and members of affected communities so that all perspectives are taken into account before deciding on a course of action (Mead & Bowerman 2019). By taking these steps prior to enacting programs or policies related to any particular issue related to health promotion or disease prevention, potential harms or unintended consequences can be minimized while maximizing positive impacts within a given population.
Discuss Evidence based practice in public health
For example, consider the case of providing vaccinations against communicable diseases like measles. Prior to implementing any kind of program aimed at increasing vaccination rates among children living in impoverished areas where healthcare access can be limited due to economic factors would require researching existing literature on topics such as vaccine efficacy/safety profiles in similar populations; reviewing cost benefit analyses; examining barriers that might exist which could prevent people from receiving their shots; surveying opinion leaders within target communities who may have sway over parenting decisions; gauging support levels among key government officials responsible for authorizing funds needed for purchasing vaccines etc., before launching a campaign focused on educating families about available options and encouraging them make sure their kids get vaccinated (Isenberg et al., 2020). In doing so not only will healthcare providers have access to better insights regarding what type interventions would work best but they also reduce chances of facing counterproductive backlash caused by poorly conceived initiatives whose goals are misaligned with needs present within any given community they strive serve.
In addition using EBP also helps ensure maximum efficiency when working toward creating more equitable environments conducive towards improved wellbeing across all segments society since resources often times become scarcer depending on location/socioeconomic status thus necessitating aid allocation based strictly upon need without bias towards socioeconomically disadvantaged sections which would otherwise end up receiving less assistance due unequal circumstances beyond control such individuals..