Poster Presentation
Thursday, 20 July 2006
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Thursday, 20 July 2006
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
This presentation is part of : Poster Presentations II
Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap with Bridge's Model: Introducing EBP to Case Management
Sheryl K. Buckner, RN, MS, College of Nursing, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA and Margo MacRobert, RNC, MS, CNAA, College of Nursing, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Learning Objective #1: apply William Bridges change model to a case management setting implementing evidence-based practice.
Learning Objective #2: describe problems that can occur when implementing change in a case management setting using William Bridges change model as a framework.
Problem & Background: For nurses educated before the advent of evidence based practice (EBP), the concept may seem strange and irrelevant. Some nurses who remain current in clinical knowledge do not see the role that research plays in producing best evidence for practice. Finding ways to transition from "applying accepted knowledge" to "judging best evidence" can be confusing and difficult to manage. In the past, nurse managers applied classic change theory (e.g. Lewin’s) as explanatory models of change. Unfortunately, such change models tend to examine change from an organizational view rather than a personal one.

Theory-based approach to Problem: William Bridges argues that change is personal.  It requires the person, not the organization, to develop new skills and systems in order to embrace the change.  Understanding how to help nurses make this transition is imperative, especially when using evidence based practice. Based on this perspective, effective implementation of EBP to a clinical setting would require skill development, a workable system, and commitment from nurses and staff within the practice.

Implementation: To bring about this change, a large university-based case management practice in the southwest U.S. developed an organized approach to staff development in EBP, chose a user-friendly system, and selected committed champions.

Evaluation: Implementation of EBP was not without difficulties for all involved, yet Bridge’s change model is also useful in reviewing the problems arising from the change. Qualitative and quantitative feedback, from questionnaires completed by case managers, provides the matrix for addressing the personal, as well as the system issues that inhibit or facilitate change.      

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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)