Paper
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
This presentation is part of : Leadership
Automation as a Successful Strategy to Create an Evidence-Based Nursing Environment
Michelle R. Troseth, RN, MSN, The CPM Resource Center, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Learning Objective #1: Describe successful strategies utilized to introduce and sustain evidence-based nursing during the selection and implementation process of a computerized clinical information system
Learning Objective #2: Describe the methodology of integration of evidence-based nursing into an automated software application that is used in the day-to-day practice of nurses
Purpose: To highlight the significant opportunity nursing leaders have to introduce and/or strengthen evidence-based nursing (EBN) practice with the movement of computerized clinical documentation systems. The need for information technology that applies evidence into the nursing care process and allows for individualized patient-centered care is critical for EBN to thrive in the 21st century. What has been learned from a six year pilot and implementation of an EBN system in over 100 rural, community and university settings will be shared. If nurse leaders miss this leadership opportunity as their organizations drive information technology, it may set the opportunity for EBN practice environments back for many years to come. Nursing leadership should be driving the information technology effort for the sake of EBN and improving the work environment for nurses.

Methodology: The methodology of designing and integrating a nursing professional practice framework that is evidence-based into automated systems will be shared. This includes how evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are integrated into a framework that supports professional nursing practice. The nursing framework is also supported by a clear body of evidence from the literature, consensual processes, and adaptable to patient preferences. Participants will view actual applications of an automated system that support EBN.

Implications: The information technology pressure is upon healthcare internationally. This is cause for celebration. However, if nursing leadership is not clear on the impact information technology has in making EBN a reality, or non-reality due to severe lack of insight and limitations, it will have serious implications for the global effort to develop and implement EBN. This session will leave nursing leaders with critical questions to ponder as they prepare for inevitable automation in the 21st century as well as documented comprehensive efforts to translate the best evidence into the best nursing practice at the point of care.

Back to Leadership
Back to Evidence-Based Nursing: Strategies for Improving Practice
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 21, 2004