Evaluation of a Novel Evidence-Based Practice Mentorship Program in a Pediatric Quaternary Care Setting

Purpose: Evidence Based Practice (EBP) integrates, synthesizes, and utilizes evidence from research, quality improvement initiatives, theoretical models or frameworks, expert opinion, clinical experience, and patient preferences and values, to inform clinical decision making. Informed clinical decision making is essential for the delivery of high quality care, has the potential to reduce healthcare costs, and has a greater likelihood of achieving optimal patient outcomes. Despite these known benefits, a 2012 institution-wide survey, using the Quick-EBP-VIK, revealed opportunities for improvement in the areas of knowledge and implementation of EBP. In response to these findings, the Evidence-Based Practice Subcommittee of the Nursing Research Council was charged with addressing this institutional need. The result was the development of a novel evidence-based practice mentorship program, or EBPMP.

EBPMP is a self-directed program that requires participants carry out an EBP project that addresses an important clinical practice question. Throughout the twelve-month program, participants move through the steps of the EBP process and are exposed to many EBP resources available from within and outside of their institution. The curriculum includes a step-by-step instructional workbook and ten internet-based educational modules that are designed to quickly guide the learner through the steps of EBP. The modules are presented in a standardized, easy to follow format, and are meant to take no longer than 30 minutes to complete. Suggested readings are made available to the learner to expand their knowledge, and each participant is aligned with an expert mentor to help guide and support them through the process. Upon completion of the program, the participant disseminates their work and is encouraged to serve as a resource to others by promoting EBP in their clinical environment. Key features of EBPMP include its flexible, economical and self-directed approach. EBPMP has the potential to create a self-sustaining group of EBP mentors to foster an institutional culture of mentorship and clinical inquiry.

The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the effect of the EBPMP on nurse participants’ value, implementation and knowledge of EBP, as well as their mentorship experience, using a mixed methods design. The specific aims of this project were 1. To describe demographic and nursing characteristics for the first cohort of EBPMP participants, 2. To describe the change in nurse participants’ value, knowledge, and EBP implementation pre- post EBPMP using Quick-EBP-VIK, 3. To understand the participant’s experience with EBPMP through qualitative content analysis of individual and group interviews conducted midway through the EBPMP, and 4. To understand the participants experience with EBPMP and rationale for withdrawal from the program through individual interviews.

Methods: This study employed a mixed methods design including: Quantitative analysis of pre and post EBPMP using Quick-EBP-VIK survey results; Qualitative content analysis of EBPMP using individual or group interviews midway through the EBPMP, and individual interviews of participants who elect to withdraw from the program.

Results: This study is ongoing.

Conclusion: Findings from this study will inform stakeholders about the benefits of EBPMP and the potential need for program modifications.