NURS FPX 4025 Assessment 2 Applying an EBP Model

Student Name Capella University NURS-FPX4025 Research and Evidence-Based Decision Making Prof. Name Date Applying an EBP Model Gout is a painful joint disease that often affects the big toe and lowers the quality of life. Many patients stop their treatment when symptoms improve, which causes flare-ups and long-term damage (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Nurses are in a strong position to guide patients through evidence-based care. The purpose of this assessment is to explore how an EBP model can support better outcomes for people with gout. The objective of this assessment is to show how nurse-led education and structured follow-up improve treatment adherence. The goal is to link credible research with practice and provide safer, more effective care for patients with gout. EBP Approach for an Issue Gout causes many patients to experience repeated attacks that lower their quality of life and increase the risk of long-term joint damage. Gout affected about 55 million people worldwide in 2020 and is expected to reach 96 million by 2050. In the United States, around 3.9% of people live with gout, making the country one of the highest in age-standardized incidence (Asghari et al., 2024). A major issue linked with gout is poor adherence to treatment. Patients often stop taking prescribed medications such as allopurinol once their symptoms improve. Lack of education and inconsistent guidance from healthcare providers make the problem worse. When treatment is not followed correctly, flare-ups continue, leading to more pain, disability, and higher healthcare costs (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Nurses are in a key position to address this problem using an evidence-based practice approach.Santos et al. (2022) showed that patient education, regular follow-up, and clear communication improve treatment adherence and reduce flare-ups. By applying an EBP model, nurses can identify proven strategies such as structured education programs, lifestyle counseling, and monitoring tools that support patients in sticking to their treatment plans. Reliable evidence also guides nurses in teaching patients about the role of diet, hydration, and weight management in controlling gout. Using credible research ensures that patients receive information that is consistent, accurate, and easy to understand. When nurses use EBP to guide their care, patients feel supported and are more likely to follow through with long-term management. Better adherence to treatment not only decreases painful episodes but also prevents complications (Asghari et al., 2024). An evidence-based approach therefore provides real benefits for both patients and the healthcare system by promoting safer, more effective, and patient-centered care. EBP Model for the Issue One useful model that nurses can apply to gout management is the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice. The first step in this model is to identify a problem that affects patients. In gout, the problem is poor treatment adherence, which leads to repeated painful flare-ups and long-term complications. The second step is to decide if the issue is a priority for the organization. Gout is common and costly, so addressing treatment adherence is important for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare use. The third step is to form a team of professionals who will explore the problem. Nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and dietitians can work together to gather information and plan care (Dusin et al., 2023). The fourth step is to collect and review research. Nurses search credible databases and identify the best evidence on education programs, lifestyle guidance, and follow-up strategies that support adherence. The fifth step is to decide if enough research is available to guide a practice change. If strong evidence is found, the team can design an intervention. The sixth step is to pilot the change on a small scale. For gout, nurses could test an education and follow-up program with a group of patients. The seventh step is to evaluate the results. If the program reduces flare-ups and improves adherence, it can be expanded to more patients. The Iowa Model is appropriate for gout because it provides a clear way for nurses to connect research to practice and improve patient-centered outcomes in long-term disease management. Thus, the Iowa Model offers a clear and practical path for nurses to turn evidence into action, making care for people with gout more effective and supportive in the long term. Searching For Evidence Using the Chosen Model The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice can be used by nurses to search for evidence about gout and treatment adherence. The first step is to recognize the problem. Many patients with gout stop taking their medications when symptoms improve, which causes flare-ups and joint damage. The second step is to decide if the problem is a priority. Repeated gout attacks cause pain, disability, and higher healthcare costs, so the problem is important for both patients and the healthcare system (Mayo Clinic, 2022). The third step is to form a team. A nurse can work with physicians, pharmacists, and dietitians to look for research on ways to improve adherence. The fourth step is to gather and review the evidence. A PICOT question helps guide the search: In adults with gout (P), does structured education and follow-up (I), compared with usual care (C), improve medication adherence and reduce flare-ups (O) over six months (T)?atabases such as CINAHL, PubMed, and Cochrane Library can be used. Useful keywords include “gout,” “treatment adherence,” “patient education,” “self-management,” “flare prevention,” and “follow-up care.” Challenges often occur during this step. Some articles focus more on medications than on education or lifestyle support. Other studies are limited to small groups, which makes it harder to apply findings broadly. The fifth step is to judge if strong enough research exists. If there is not enough, the team may need to adjust the PICOT question or broaden keywords. The Iowa Model helps nurses move through these challenges in a structured way (Dusin et al., 2023). The process ensures that the best evidence is identified to support safe and effective care for patients living with gout. By applying this model, nurses strengthen their role in guiding patients toward long-term management and better health outcomes. Analyzing the Resources Tsiamalou et al. (2023) is a credible and