Evidence-based pressure-ulcer practice: the Ottawa model of research use

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Management
• Research Translation

Background:

• Healthcare restructuring presents challenges to implementing evidence-based nursing practice.
• Developing centers of nursing excellence is crucial for improving care continuity.
• The Province-Wide Nursing Project (PWNP) aimed to enhance nursing care across Ontario.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply the Ottawa Model of Research Use (OMRU) to increase evidence-based practice in diverse healthcare settings.
• To examine barriers, supports, and strategies for implementing research findings during healthcare restructuring.
• To focus on improving evidence-based decision-making, specifically concerning pressure ulcers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Ottawa Model of Research Use (OMRU) framework.
• Implemented multiple research transfer approaches, with a strong emphasis on education.
• Applied strategies across community-care, tertiary-care, and long-term-care settings.

Main Results:

• The OMRU facilitated the implementation of evidence-based nursing practice.
• Consensus among implementers and project achievements demonstrated the model's utility.
• Strategies were adapted to address barriers and leverage supports in different care settings.

Conclusions:

• The OMRU is a valuable guide for implementing research findings in various healthcare environments.
• Successful application of the OMRU supports evidence-based decision-making during organizational change.
• The project demonstrated the potential for improving nursing practice and patient outcomes through structured research utilization.