DNP Integrating EBP and Practice Research

Shepherd, Laurel Shackelford

Tuesday, July 12, 2011: 2:05 PM

Laurel Shackelford Shepherd, PhD, PNP, MSN
Carolyn Rutledge, PhD, CFNP
Michelle Renaud, PhD, CNS, RN
School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to: (1) structure educational programs to facilitate evidence based research.

Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to differentiate the complimentary nursing research role of the DNP from the PhD.

DNPs are practice scholars that conduct research to evaluate evidence based practice. In order to build the research capability needed to impact practice by 2020, an approach that values the contribution of all nurse researchers is needed (IOM, 2010). Boyer (1990) describes the scholarship of practice as the application of knowledge to solve a clinical problem. As practice leaders, DNPs evaluate practice in order to improve the quality and outcomes of care. This presentation will focus on the research role of the DNP APN with specific emphasis on the: 1) evaluation of practice performance against national benchmarks, 2) evaluation of the effectiveness of clinical approaches, and 3) the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative clinical programs.

Three Capstones Projects that embody this role in research will be presented. The first focuses on the effectiveness of an EMR template in improving adherence to national asthma guidelines. The second addresses the impact of routine hearing screening on achieving early intervention and better outcomes for patients that are unaware of the impact their hearing is having on their lives. The final project will provide insight into the impact of a program developed to improve outcomes of women with stress incontinence. Each of these programs was shown to greatly improve the outcomes of patients in the practice setting.

This presentation will provide an overview of the methods used to develop the DNP providers as practice researchers. Each study will be described with emphasis on how research conducted by DNPs differs from research conducted by those with a PhD. The attendee will develop an understanding of the impact the DNP researcher can have on truly improving the health outcomes of patients in clinical settings.

See more of: Strategies to Translate Research into Practice
See more of: Evidence-Based Practice Sessions: Oral Paper & Posters