Learning Objective #1: Describe the current role of professional nursing associations in the development and promotion of evidence-based practice (EBP)

Learning Objective #2: Describe successful activities performed by professional nursing assocations when promoting EBP

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PROFESSIONAL NURSING ASSOCIATIONS AND EBP ACTIVITIES: a bridge too far? AIM To give an overview of the current role of professional nursing associations in the development and promotion of evidence based practice (EBP). METHOD A systematic review based on literature, Internet sites and technical reports was undertaken to gain insight into the current role of professional nursing associations in the development and promotion of evidence-based practices (EBP). According to the Implementation Model of Van Woerkom, a distinction was made between largely educational and facilitative activities versus more steering and controlling activities and between voluntary and involuntary activities. RESULTS Sixty-four professional nursing associations are found to be clearly concerned with decreasing the gap between theory and practice for EBP. 132 out of the 172 activities, performed by the professional nursing associations to promote EBP, were found to be of a voluntary nature, with a focus on intrinsic motivation of competence and attitudes related to EBP. CONCLUSIONS Professional nursing associations can and should play an important role when promoting EBP in daily practice. One question that remains to be answered is whether and how professional nursing associations can stimulate the performance of more behavior-oriented EBP activities. A second question is what role professional nursing associations should play in the imposition of involuntary EBP activities of a more steering and controlling nature.