How can you incorporate evidence-based practice in interdisciplinary teams?

1 Understand the barriers

The first step to incorporating EBP in interdisciplinary teams is to identify and address the potential barriers that may hinder its adoption and implementation. Some common barriers include lack of time, resources, skills, or access to research evidence; resistance to change or uncertainty; conflicting or inconsistent guidelines or recommendations; and poor communication or coordination among team members. To overcome these barriers, you need to assess the readiness, willingness, and ability of your team and the physicians you work with to use EBP, and provide them with the necessary support, education, and feedback.

2 Engage the physicians

The second step to incorporating EBP in interdisciplinary teams is to engage the physicians you work with in the process of EBP. Physicians are key stakeholders and influencers in health care, and their input, involvement, and endorsement can facilitate or impede the adoption and implementation of EBP. To engage the physicians, you need to establish trust, respect, and rapport with them; understand their perspectives, values, and preferences; communicate clearly, concisely, and respectfully; and share relevant and reliable evidence that addresses their questions, concerns, and goals.

3 Align the goals

The third step to incorporating EBP in interdisciplinary teams is to align the goals of EBP with the goals of the team and the physicians you work with. EBP is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but a flexible and adaptable process that can be tailored to different contexts, situations, and needs. To align the goals, you need to identify and prioritize the common problems, issues, or questions that require EBP; involve the team and the physicians in the formulation, search, appraisal, and synthesis of evidence; and agree on the best practices, interventions, or actions that are feasible, effective, and acceptable.

4 Implement the changes

The fourth step to incorporating EBP in interdisciplinary teams is to implement the changes that result from EBP. Implementing changes can be challenging, as it may require modifying existing practices, policies, or procedures; introducing new tools, technologies, or protocols; or changing the roles, responsibilities, or behaviors of team members or physicians. To implement the changes, you need to plan, prepare, and execute the changes in a systematic and structured way; monitor, evaluate, and document the outcomes and impacts of the changes; and address any barriers, challenges, or gaps that arise during the implementation.

5 Sustain the improvements

The fifth step to incorporating EBP in interdisciplinary teams is to sustain the improvements that result from EBP. Sustaining improvements can be challenging, as it may require maintaining the changes over time; ensuring the consistency, quality, and safety of the changes; or adapting the changes to new or changing circumstances. To sustain the improvements, you need to reinforce, reward, and recognize the achievements and benefits of the changes; provide ongoing support, education, and feedback to the team and the physicians; and foster a culture of continuous learning, improvement, and innovation.

6 Collaborate and learn

The sixth and final step to incorporating EBP in interdisciplinary teams is to collaborate and learn from the experience of EBP. EBP is not a one-time event, but a cyclical and iterative process that requires constant collaboration and learning among team members and physicians. To collaborate and learn, you need to share, disseminate, and apply the knowledge and skills gained from EBP; seek, give, and receive feedback and suggestions for improvement; and identify, explore, and pursue new opportunities for EBP.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?