Analysis Of Evidence Based Practice Guideline On Influenza
As an acute viral infection, influenza affects about one million people through infections annually. Scientific research studies reveal that influenza is estimated to kill five hundred thousand individuals yearly. The burden of influenza is the highest among children whereas the severe disease one is greatest in those with underlying conditions. The disease remains rampant in immune suppressed individuals, the elderly and children under the age of six months. Seasonal influenza epidemics have been directly linked to type A and B viruses. The first is common in aquatic birds although it spreads to other species. The second is comprised of lineages with infect the glycoprotein and haemagglutinin in humans. Effective evidence based guidelines prompt policy makers and clinicians to devise effective methods of studying, managing and treating influenza.
The guideline developers comprise Sam Ghebrehewet, Antonia Ho and Peter Macpherson. The three individuals were integral for the development of the guideline on influenza. The first is a key representative of the stakeholders within the industry. Apparently, Ghebrehewet heads the health protection sector and is a professional consultant in the control of communicable diseases. The second individual works as a clinical lecturer in the academic sector. Unlike the second, the third is an infectious disease specialty registrar of infectious diseases. The development of the guideline was funded by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information and the Dr. Bethan Roberts foundations. Through the participation of the entities, the guideline’s progress and success was guaranteed. The PM and SG contributors conceived and reviewed the guideline’s manuscript.
Some of the developers were funded researchers because they had strong backgrounds in clinical matters and infectious diseases. Based on the team’s work, one realizes that the researchers had a valid development strategy. The organization of the document is well presented with key aspects of influenza explained in detail. Through the utilization of scientific evidence, the researchers developed effective methods of countering the disease. In fact, the highlighted the clinical diagnosis of influenza infections within community set ups in the nation. Respiratory outbreaks occurring within enclosed settings prompt caregivers to test for the disease using nasal swabs (Uyeki et al., 2018). Most times, symptomatic individuals are tested in order to identify the organism responsible for the symptoms. The combination of evidence was explicit with impartial and sensible evidence collection methods. The process utilized a wide variety of library sources and medical databases associated with infectious diseases.
The researchers conducted a comprehensive literature review that covered the most critical aspects of the guideline. Through the use of well known and credible library resources, outcomes and available options for countering influenza were utilized. The most important aspects and options were considered within the guideline. Through emphasis on educating clinicians and caregivers on the infection, positive results would be achieved. The risk of exposure and influenza transmission is common in social care workers and those living with vulnerable individuals (Ghebrehewet et al., 2016). The two categories are considered risk prompt populations because they deal with the case directly. Each recommendation is based on scientific evidence used in the clinical setting. Through vaccination, researchers discovered that influenza is best prevented through the development of one’s immunity. The method is highly effective in addressing cases of seasonal influenza.
Through the guideline, explicit recommendations are made as the article undergoes peereview testing. The idea of treating and managing influenza through the use of antiviral chemoprophylaxis has been advocated for. The method is essential because it allows practitioners to address the disease through the use of zanamivir antiviral and post-exposure prophylaxis (Ghebrehewet et al., 2016). Through the method high risk populations and those in contact with individuals suffering from influenza are treated. Additionally, those suspected of being in contact with individuals expressing influenza symptoms are treated. The intent of the guideline use is highlighted within the document. The researchers are focused on the regional use of the guideline in countering influenza as a primary respiratory tract infection.
The recommendations provide clinical relevance through alternative intervention strategies in curbing influenza. The document advocates for the control of infections and the isolation of individuals for the best outcomes. The use of surgical masks and effective hygiene practices are encouraged in order to reduce the risk of infection. Through the activity, positive outcomes are achieved in the control of influenza. The document is significant because it mobilizes individuals to avoid direct contact with infected individuals and high risk populations. The recommendations play critical roles in guiding clinicians and doctors on ways of caring for their patients. Hygiene is an integral aspect of consideration because it minimizes the spread of influenza infections (Uyeki et al., 2018). Through the principles acquired and learned, care givers offer the best hygienic care to patients and those expressing influenza like symptoms.
Feasibility of recommendations and variations from current practice. The recommendations are practical in nature because they embrace scientific processes and principles. Care givers utilize the guideline in determining the prevalence of influenza, primary symptoms and the best intervention or management strategies. The resources and equipment for the process are readily available in health care settings. Both items are readily dispatched in health facilities because infectious diseases spread fast if they are not managed effective. By studying the guideline, there is the realization that the health care professionals and experts are available in health facilities. The people incorporate researchers who study the influenza viruses in detail. A major variation from the current practice is the use of antiviral chemoprophylaxis other than vaccination (Ghebrehewet et al., 2016). Outcomes can be measured in standard care using improvements and reactions to the chosen interventions. Positive improvements indicate quality and sustainable care.
Evidence based guidelines play essential roles in explaining influenza as an infectious disease affecting the respiratory tract. The chosen evidence based practice guideline was effective in exploring influenza and evaluating the chosen intervention strategies. The utilization of scientific evidence and research from various articles was conducted. Through peer viewed testing, the document’s validity was developed. Clinical relevance is highlighted through alternative intervention methods. Essentialy, the guideline is used in regional set ups as vaccination and antiviral chemoprophylaxis methods are utilized. Moreover, the use of isolation and infection management methods is highly advocated for.
References
- Ghebrehewet, S., MacPherson, P., & Ho, A. (2016). Influenza. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 355, i6258. doi :10.1136/bmj.i6258
- Uyeki, T. M., Bernstein, H. H., Bradley, J. S., Englund, J. A., File Jr, T. M., Fry, A. M., ... & Ison, M. G. (2018). Cli nical practice guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America: 2018 update on diagnosis, treatment, chemoprophylaxis, and institutional outbreak management of seasonal influenza. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 68(6), e1-e47.
