Working with staff around evidence-based practice: the next generation of research utilization

Evidence-based practice is becoming a ubiquitous term in health care, including nursing. Many staff members are feeling the need to become familiar with what evidence-based practice is and how to use it in their practice. At the same time, many resist the thought of learning something new, especially related to research. This article illustrates the parallels between research utilization activities, which have been occurring in nursing for at least three decades, and the more contemporary notion of evidence-based practice. Important skills that are common to both, including finding and grading the evidence, are discussed. A clinical example, using latex allergy response, is presented to highlight the process of incorporating research evidence into practice.