Multi-modal Approach to Integrate Evidence-Based Practice into Nurses' Practice

Background

A large healthcare organization and university school of nursing collaborated to examine the infrastructure for evidence-based practice (EBP) and develop a multi-modal approach to encourage nurses to integrate EBP into their nursing practice and empower them to lead evidence-based practice projects in their facilities. Hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) was selected as the topic of interest for this EBP training; specifically the use of prophylactic foam dressings for prevention of HAPI.

Methods

First, a system-level 8-hour EBP training workshop was conducted. Second, a facility-level, replication of the EBP training workshop was completed. Third, a individual nurse-level, web-based EBP module, focusing on the importance of EBP in the nurse’s role, the EBP process steps, and the resources available to support EBP was disseminated. The 8-hour training session presentations were used to replicate the training with a selected team at each facility. A shared repository of training materials and support tools was developed and accessible to those nurses replicating the training at their facility. Additional EBP tools, mentorship calls and site visits supported this training.

Findings

51 registered nurses across 14 facilities attended two 8-hour EBP trainings. 101 nurses received the facility-based EBP training. 4 site visits and 5 mentor calls were conducted. 7614 nurses were assigned the system-wide EBP web-based education module. At 60 days, 5364/7614= 70.4% had completed the web-based module.

Practice recommendations included: Pilot the use of prophylactic foam dressings; EBP training to be replicated in 2018; engage nurses in future EBP workshops/education; and add EBP component to orientation and nursing advancement programs.

Conclusion

This collaborative project provided a sustainable and standardized foundation for EBP training across this healthcare organization through development of EBP training materials and resources, development of EBP experts and mentors, and disseminating an awareness of EBP throughout the organization.