Qualitative analysis revealed six key strategies that champions used to influence dissemination of best practice guideline recommendations: (a) raising awareness and sharing information about best practices, (b) working through existing committees, (c) working with a network of champions, (d) participating in and leading interdisciplinary task teams, (e) role modeling, mentoring and acting as a resource, and (f) embedding best practices in documentation and policy.  Factors facilitating their role included the support of upper management, education and training, and willingness of staff to engage in the change process.  Barriers influencing the role of the champion included workload and time constraints, lack of financial resources to support best practices, and staff resistance to change.  Differences across practice settings will be described. 

In summary, nursing Best Practice Champions act as important change agents in integrating clinical best practice guidelines into the structures and processes of their healthcare organizations.  They use formal and informal processes built on relational knowledge translation such as role modeling and leading interdisciplinary task teams to bring about change.  The support of healthcare leaders is integral to the success of  champions in implementing change.