Learning Objective #1: Identify potential methods of enhancing staff knowledge of research and EBP

Learning Objective #2: Identify potential barriers to establishing a clinical research and EBP program in an acute care hospital

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Problem: An acute care community hospital planned to move toward magnet status, but identified that staff were not prepared to participate in research because they lacked the background knowledge of basic research processes and the use of evidence-based practice (EBP).

Methods: A multidimensional approach was planned to enhance staff knowledge about research and EBP with support from nursing administration. The following approaches were utilized - establish research council, establish journal club, develop a 9 month educational program using formal presentations and an educational cart, develop a collaborative relationship between the facility and nursing faculty at a local university.

Outcomes: Implementation of this educational program led to expansion of Internet access for clinical staff; development of 2 journal clubs, one for staff working day shift and one for night shift; development of a list for staff of resources about research and EBP available in the library; and increased access to hospital library for staff.

Conclusions: Barriers to some of the research programs resulted from the nursing shortage which made it difficult for staff to attend presentations while on duty, diverse methodologies of presentations may be more effective than formal presentations in getting information to staff, the twelve hour work shift makes it more difficult to get staff to attend formal presentations, staff are more receptive to information when accessible on units and when related to actual practice issues, and lack of middle management support for educational programs negatively impacted attendance.