Assessing Environmental Readiness

Abstract

Significant emphasis has been placed on evidence-based practice (EBP) in today's healthcare systems. Nurses are expected to practice within an EBP framework by using current, reliable, and valid research. However, implementing EBP is not always easy and can be challenging. In order for nurses to provide evidence-based care, they need to be cognizant of organizational factors that can potentially hinder or support an EBP culture. This article provides practitioners with an understanding of how to evaluate environmental readiness for implementation of EBP within their organization. Barriers and facilitators for implementing EBP at the organizational level, at the interdisciplinary team level, and within nursing are also described. To successfully implement EBP, it is important to recognize the interaction between these 3 levels and to highlight the important role nurses play as interdisciplinary team members in supporting an EBP environment.

The Experience of Implementing Evidence-Based Practice Change: A Qualitative Analysis

“…Many of the critical success factors in this article have been identified by others (e.g., time, support, communication, planning). Time constraints have been described as significant barriers to EBP in nursing and to sustaining practice improvements (Chin et al, 2008;Cooke et al, 2004;Edvardsson et al, 2011;Smith & Donze, 2010;Wolfson et al, 2009). In the current analysis, some participants were given time dedicated only to EBP Small Steps "We have learned that all of these small steps bring us closer to our goal.…”

Nurse leaders’ Attitudes, Self-Efficacy and training Needs for Implementing Evidence-Based Practice: Is It Time for a Change toward Safe Care?

“…EBP is the deliberate use of available evidence in clinical decisions in combination with clinical expertise along with patients' concerns and preferences [ 5 , 6 ]. EBP is a problem-solving process [ 7 ] that consists of five sequential components,i.e.1) Formulating clinical answerable questions; 2) Seeking the most relevant evidence to the answers of these questions; 3) Critical appraisal of available evidence to determine its validity, relevance, and applicability; 4) Integrating and translating the research evidence and related knowledge into clinical practices; and 5) Reevaluating the appropriate application of the evidence and assessing the outcomes of various interventions [ 8 , 9 ].…”

“…Nurses who are involved in EBP have found a sense of professionalism and growth, which contributes to their professional identity and self-esteem [ 8 ]. The concept of self-efficacy is a “construct of Bandura's social cognitive theory, which is defined as a person's sense of confidence in her/his ability to perform or avoid a particular behavior in a variety of circumstances or settings” [ 6 , 7 ]. Self-efficacy is an individual mechanism and a predictor for understanding and influencing one's behavior in the context of EBP [ 11 ].…”

Strategic Communication Intervention to Stimulate Interest in Research and Evidence-Based Practice: A 12-Year Follow-Up Study With Registered Nurses

“…Nurses are one of the most important occupational groups for contributing to EBP for the best interests of the patient (Youngblut & Brooten, 2001). Furthermore, nurses are essential members of the EBP team because of their clinical knowledge and expertise (Smith & Donze, 2010). Although their professional knowledge and academic expertise have significantly increased over the past several decades, continued development of their skills and knowledge also is vital for the future of health care.…”