Let's Get Moving: Evidence-Based Practice Project

Barriers to implementing Evidence Based practice have been reported extensively include: lack of time, lack of resources and lack of knowledge.  Nurses are aware of the value of research and evidence based practice, nurse often want others to collect and synthesize the evidence and convince them of its benefits before they adopt to new practices. Changing culture is difficult. Evidence based practice requires  team work and persistence. One of the goals of current undergraduate Baccalaureate Nurse education programs is to provide knowledge of the importance of evidence based practice. One of the primary goals of the a Post Baccalaureate Nurse Residency program is to provide the time and PhD nurse mentorship to assist in the application of  the skill set to incorporate evidence based practice into the clinical nursing practice culture. One evidence based practice project, which had been developed over a 12 month period by two novice nurses will be described, from the beginning to completion. The Physical activity has been recognized as a key component of a holistic approach to recovery with mental health services, with the potential benefits ranging from a reduction in symptoms to an improvement in service engagement and utilization.  Physical activity is a broader concept than exercise as well as non-exercise interventions including yoga, tai chi, and exercise counseling. (Rosenbaum et al., 2014). The Veteran Health Administration developed and disseminated the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans in 2006 to address the need for evidence-based weight management treatment. MOVE! Uses a comprehensive, evidence-based, tiered approach that included diet and physical activity counseling combined with behavioral modification strategies. (Kahwati et al, 2011) A 30 minute physical activity program was implemented three times a week on an locked acute mental health unit utilizing exercise, MOVE! Educational materials, and music. A pre and post survey was given to participants. A discussion of the results including limitations, recommendations and conclusions will be presented.