Date of Graduation

Winter 12-15-2021

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

Nursing

Program

Executive Leader DNP

First Advisor

Elena Capella, EdD MSN/MPA CNL CPHQ LNCC

Second Advisor

Priscilla Javed, DNP, RN, CENP, FACHE

Abstract

Background: The Institute of Medicine (2008) set a goal that 90% of healthcare decisions would be based on the best evidence possible by 2020, yet many challenges remain. Common barriers include clinicians’ beliefs about the value of evidence-based practices, their competency to implement it, and systems issues such as time, resources, and organizational value and preparedness (Melnyk et al., 2017).

Local Problem: A hospital within an integrated health care system sought to increase the use of EBP for clinical decision making. A gap analysis revealed a lack of sufficient EBP mentors to lead efforts to promote system-wide EBP implementation.

Context: The EBP Mentor Fellowship program was closely aligned with the organization's mission, vision, and nursing strategic plan and was supported by leadership.

Interventions: The fellowship was designed to develop knowledge and skills in a team of EBP mentors. Following a week-long EBP workshop, fellows participated in coaching sessions, worked in teams to complete an EBP project, and accessed an online repository of EBP resources.

Outcomes Measures: The variables measured were EBP competence, EBP beliefs, EBP implementation, and organizational readiness for EBP.

Results: Comparison of pre- and post-intervention survey results indicated higher EBP competency, stronger beliefs about the value of EBP, and greater frequency of EBP implementation.

Conclusions: The organization gained eight EBP Mentors who can assist clinical nurses and nurse leaders. Future spread of the project is anticipated based on the gains observed in the pilot and the close alignment with the nursing strategic plan.

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