Description/Overview: The Evidence-based Practice Mentor (EBP Mentor) role arose out of the Advancing Research & Clinical practice through close Collaboration (ARCC) model. It is the key strategy for sustaining EBP in an uncertain, quickly changing healthcare system. Evidence supports that patients have better outcomes with evidence-based care, and hospitals have less vacancy rates when they have EBP mentors. However, when EBP Mentors have implemented their roles they have met with some challenges. Despite these challenges, these EBP Mentors have achieved positive outcomes and are transforming healthcare, one patient encounter at a time. This symposium will begin with a discussion of the ARCC model and the context for the role of EBP Mentor. The next session will describe the role of EBP mentor in clinical and academic settings. These two settings will be described as there is a need for EBP mentors to assist in preparation of evidence-based practitioners as well as EBP mentors who foster evidence-based care with each patient. Finally, the symposium will culminate in a description of data from a survey of existing EBP mentors about how they perceive their success in their roles, their outcomes achieved as well as lessons learned in overcoming identified barriers.

Learner Objective #1: 1. Describe the role of an evidence-based mentor in today’s healthcare environment.

Learner Objective #2: 2. Discuss the impact of designated EBP mentors who are transforming healthcare one patient encounter at a time.