A Five‐Step Evidence‐Based Practice Primer for Perioperative RNs

Abstract

Perioperative nurses work in one of the most complex healthcare settings and must adapt to rapid advances in technology, treatments, and scientific discoveries to maintain clinical competence and provide care that reflects current evidence. Evidence‐based practice (EBP) is a standard of professional nursing performance and an expectation of professional nursing practice. Because EBP is foundational to health care quality and safety, perioperative nurses must understand the concepts of EBP and have the capacity to apply evidence to their clinical practice. However, some perioperative nurses struggle with EBP concepts and find it difficult to access, appraise, and apply evidence. In this article, we describe the five‐step EBP process and provide valuable insights into EBP for perioperative RNs.

Every drop counts

“…First, nurses working in ASCs should raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding during the entire surgical care process and seek evidence-based approaches13 to build and sustain lactation knowledge for all interprofessional team members in their facilities.…”

Demystifying the Institutional Review Board

“…Perioperative practices have evolved from tradition‐based care to care based on the best available scientific research 1 . To understand and apply appropriate evidence in nursing practice, contemporary perioperative nursing professionals should engage in three activities 2 .…”