Week 7 Applying Evidence to Practice

Initial Text: The Discussion and Conclusion sections of the research report reveal the opinions of the

researcher regarding the meaning of the results of data analysis. The strengths and limitations are

shared: The reader considers these when deciding whether to apply the evidence to practice.

Choose one of the articles from the RRL assignment and discuss the findings. Would you apply the

evidence found? Explain your answer.

Professor and Classmates

Caring for a patient who refuses to comply with instructions can be frustrating even in emergency

care, but our strategies for improving compliance among diabetic patients can help keep patients

healthy. According to George and Thomas (2010, p. 1098), “each participant described how they

managed diabetes, knowing that their self-management regimen was not considered appropriate

according the instructions of their healthcare providers.” The participants believed they were selfmanaging their diabetes from their own viewpoint. Nurses have a vital role in the initial management

of diabetes. Nurses have the capabilities to help patients improve adherence and become selfmanaging. The study suggest that healthcare professionals need to listen more carefully to the

patient (George & Thomas, p.1098). When talking with patients, ask about their lifestyle and concerns

about treatment. The misalignment of patient expectations and clinical protocols highlights a

common dilemma in clinical practice and raises questions about the best ways to balance the needs of

individuals with the needs of a health system. To empower them and help them overcome their

fears, nurses should provide targeted information. Again, I’m always grateful that I work at a facility

that has a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. When a patient arrives to the ED with

hyperglycemia symptoms and they are newly diagnosed we immediately contact our diabetes

education nurse to set up a next day appointment with the patient. Pharmacist and pharmacy

students are available in the ED around the clock. They are another valuable resource to our

department because they are available to give insulin education to patients right then and there. A

clearly defined diabetes-education model with policies and protocols helps ensure nurses are familiar

with and can easily reference the important steps necessary to empower patients to self-manage their

diabetes.

Reference

George, S., & Thomas, S. (2010). Lived experience of diabetes among older, rural people. Journal of

Advanced Nursing, 66(5),

1092–1100. Retrieved

from http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.chamberlain.edu:8080/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2010620411&site=ehost-live

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