Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Diane Whitehead

Abstract

Translating research into practice takes 10 to 20 years or more. Evidence-based practice (EBP) integration remains at 10% to 20%, despite recommendations requiring EBP-guided decisions. Up to 30% decreases in health care system spending, improved quality outcomes, and increased staff satisfaction result from EBP integration. Nurse leaders, who rate quality and safety as the highest priority but EBP as the lowest, are accountable for EBP enculturation; a desire to support bedside registered nurses in EBP exists, yet this EBP use knowledge gap supersedes this goal. The purpose of this project was to provide an EBP education program introducing the use of evidence to guide nursing practice. The project question addressed whether an education program for staff nurses on introduction to EBP would increase nursing staff perception of the value of EBP and their interest in implementing EBP. Knowles's theory of adult learning and the nursing process guided this project. The 36 participants completed the16-question EBP Beliefs Scale before and after the education program on introduction to EBP. Results from the paired samples t tests showed there was a significant difference in each response on the survey, indicating an increased understanding of the fundamental value of EBP, as well as the participant's individual ability to implement EBP within clinical practice. The limited findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge, while positive social change implications include resolving public health and safety issues, reversing fiscal irresponsibility, and overcoming resistance to change, which is at the heart of implementing and enculturating EBP.

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