Implementing evidence-based practice: walking the talk.
Russworm and Larrabee's (1999) six-step model for evidence-based practice (EBP) was used by 10 nursing teams to seek answers to clinical questions. These teams, primarily composed of staff nurses, participated in a health region-wide EBP program over 1 year. Overall, the model served as a useful mechanism for examining practice-derived questions. However, additional strategies needed to be incorporated by the project teams. These included making decisions about change/no change at an earlier stage than was suggested by the model; seeking additional evidence including survey data to benchmark "best" practices; and ensuring colleagues' and managers' input, support, and involvement. Four project teams (three of which addressed nursing procedural questions) found insufficient empirical evidence on which to base change; the outlook for directing evidence-based practice was promising for the remaining six projects. The EBP program was judged to be highly satisfactory to participants and their managers.
Thurston
Norma E
NE
Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 1500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
King
Kathryn M
KM
D002170:Canada; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D015397:Program Evaluation