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Learning Objective 1: identify the process used to implement EBP within an urban community hospital.
Learning Objective 2: discuss successful strategies for developing unit-based EBP initiatives.
Type of Evidence Used: We searched the literature for EBP implementation best practices in settings similar to ours, sought support and ideas from experts at two academic health centers, analyzed strategies used at other community hospitals and reviewed major EBP models.
Method Used to Review Evidence: Evidence was reviewed by an EBP Nursing Council that included the CNO, managers, educators and staff. An EBP model was chosen and the Council identified resources within the institution to support implementation including a librarian, computer search capability and online journals, and research professionals including a statistician, physician and an advanced practice nurse active in investigator-initiated studies.
Implementation Strategy: Partnerships with external EBP experts were established. Three nurse EBP facilitators within the institution were identified and responsible for moving EBP forward by promoting staff education sessions, journal club development and project mentoring. Education included on-site EBP seminars and classes, extramural conferences and an online EBP resource center. Nurses identifying practice issues immediately met with facilitators who helped them develop their EBP question and implement an evidence search and analysis. To keep projects moving forward, facilitators supported each step in the process and project leaders presented status reports at quarterly EBP meetings.
Method of Evaluation: An online tracking program was developed to monitor project progress.
Outcomes: Since implementation 18 months ago, 16 EBP projects have been initiated and recommendations for policy changes developed. Five research protocols have been developed and implemented; one has been completed. A nursing divisional and 4 unit-based journal clubs have analyzed over10 articles. Eleven posters have been presented at local and national conferences.
Lessons Learned: Providing prompt unit-based support and education throughout the EBP process is fundamental to successful implementation.