Evidence-based practice (EBP) requires nurses who can identify meaningful questions, search the literature, critique published research, and draw conclusions based upon clinical expertise and patient preferences. Nurses must consider the evidence within the context of the organizational milieu. These sophisticated requirements present challenges when promoting EBP, particularly given the multiple entry levels and diverse educational backgrounds of nurses.
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network has responded to these challenges by considering opportunities to enhance nurses’ understanding of EBP and to promote the acquisition of required EBP skills. These activities have taken place within the context of an established, although recently revised, Shared Governance organizational model.
A joint faculty practice position, Associate Director of Nursing for Research (ADNR), was established in 1990 with La Salle University’s School of Nursing. This position was developed to encourage research utilization and research-based activities within the Nursing Department. ADNR responsibilities have been modified to include a broader EBP perspective while still including a commitment to engage nurses in research studies.
Recent activities have included establishing an EBP newsletter, published two to three times annually. The first newsletter addressed saline lavage with tracheal and endotracheal suctioning. This topic was selected given its broad appeal across specialties. An EBP conference was held to encourage interest in EBP and enhance nurses’ comfort level with the “language” of EBP. Speakers included nurses who were engaged in EBP within the healthcare network. A concurrent poster session was held to display the work that many nurses have presented at professional organizations. EBP conferences will be held semi-annually.
An ad hoc project group structure has been developed to utilize EBP processes to explore clinical practice concerns identified as important by shared governance councils. Nurses will be solicited to participate on specific EBP/research activities via direct invitation, flyers, and the newsletter.
Back to Facilitating Evidence-Based Practice in a Shared Governance Nursing Organization
Back to International Evidence-Based Practice Preconference
Sigma Theta Tau International
9 July 2003