Implementing evidence-based practice: effectiveness of a structured multifaceted mentorship programme.
OBJECTIVE
This paper is a report of the effectiveness of a structured multifaceted mentorship programme designed to implement evidence-based practice in a clinical research intensive environment.


BACKGROUND
Barriers to implementing evidence-based practice are well-documented in the literature. Evidence-based practice is associated with higher quality care and better patient outcomes than care that is steeped in tradition. However, the integration of evidence-based practice implementation into daily clinical practice remains inconsistent, and the chasm between research and bedside practice remains substantial.


METHODS
This quasi-experimental mixed methods study included three focused discussions with nursing leadership and shared governance staff as well as pre- (N = 159) and post-intervention (N = 99) questionnaires administered between June 2006 and February 2007. Online questionnaires included measures of organizational readiness, evidence-based practice beliefs, evidence-based practice implementation, job satisfaction, group cohesion and intent to leave nursing and the current job. Results.  Participants in the evidence-based practice mentorship programme had a larger increase in perceived organizational culture and readiness for evidence-based practice and in evidence-based practice belief scores than those who did not participate. Qualitative findings suggested that leadership support of a culture for evidence-based practice and the dedication of resources for sustainability of the initiative needed to be a priority for engaging staff at all levels.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings corroborate other studies showing that nurses' beliefs about evidence-based practice are significantly correlated with evidence-based practice implementation and that having a mentor leads to stronger beliefs and greater implementation by nurses as well as greater group cohesion, which is a potent predictor of nursing turnover rates.
Wallen
Gwenyth R
GR
Nursing Research and Translational Science National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. gwallen@cc.nih.gov
Mitchell
Sandra A
SA
Melnyk
Bernadette
B
Fineout-Overholt
Ellen
E
Miller-Davis
Claiborne
C
Yates
Janice
J
Hastings
Clare
C
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D008875:Middle Aged; D017146:Models, Organizational; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
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