Applying evidence to palliative care.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the evidence-based practice process for palliative care, from defining a clinical problem to implementation and evaluation of an evidence-based practice change.


METHODS
Professional experience, literature, practice guidelines, and web sites related to evidence-based practice and palliative care.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses caring for patients needing palliative care need evidence from multiple sources. Using a systematic process to find and appraise evidence followed by strategically planning for implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practice changes optimizes the likelihood of enhanced patient care.


CONCLUSIONS
The integration of evidence-based practices into palliative care nursing will empower nurses to promote optimal patient outcomes and decrease practice variability.
Rutledge
Dana N
DN
California State University, Fullerton, CA, USA. drutledge1@cox.net
Kuebler
Kim K
KK
D019985:Benchmarking; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome