Question

1. Why is Epidemiology important for effective leadership in healthcare and in the practice of leadership?

2. What is evidence -based healthcare management?

3. Give an example of an application of evidence based healthcare management- it may be one that you have specifically observed or an example you read about.

Answer 1

1. Importance of Epidemology for effective leadership in healthcare and in the practice of leadership

Epidemiology is the study of the origin and causes of diseases in a community. It is the scientific method of investigation problem-solving used by disease detectives— epidemiologists, laboratory scientists, statisticians, physicians and other health care providers, and public health professionals—to get to the root of health problems and outbreaks in a community

Until the COVID-19 outbreak, most people had never heard of Epidemiology, one of the most important disciplines in the healthcare industry. As our country and world face the incredible challenges of COVID-19, it’s important to understand the role of epidemiology, and healthcare leaders need to know it, in order to make the best decisions for their organization

2. Evidence -based healthcare management

One of the key principles in medicine today is evidence-based practice in nursing (EBP). This is the practice of medicine based on solid research, and it adheres to standards for high quality and safety, all while focusing on patients’ needs. This is also why EBP is typically part of RN to BSN program curriculum.

3. An example of an application of evidence based healthcare management

Infection Control

The last thing a patient wants when going to a hospital for treatment is a hospital-acquired infection. Nurses play a key role in helping to prevent illness before it happens by adhering to evidence-based infection-control policies. This includes keeping the healthcare environment clean, wearing personal protective clothing, using barrier precautions and practicing correct handwashing. Although nurses are busy with many responsibilities, the time it takes to control infection is well worth the effort.