Nursing implementation science: how evidence-based nursing requires evidence-based implementation.

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Nursing Research
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Evidence-based practice is crucial for quality patient care.
• Challenges exist in translating research findings into clinical practice.
• Implementation science provides frameworks to bridge the research-practice gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and overview developments in implementation science.
• To apply implementation science principles to nursing practice.
• To guide the selection of effective implementation strategies in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Discussing a framework for implementation.
• Describing common implementation determinants (e.g., knowledge, resources, social influence).
• Providing a rationale for strategy selection using existing evidence.

Main Results:

• Implementation determinants vary by innovation, context, and target group.
• Individual-focused and voluntary strategies are common but not always optimal.
• Effective strategies include reminders, decision support, ICT, and combined approaches.
• Linking determinants to theory-based strategies enhances implementation plans.

Conclusions:

• A systematic process of identifying determinants and choosing strategies is essential.
• Implementation science and theory can facilitate evidence-based implementation.
• Further research in nursing is needed on innovative strategies targeting various stakeholders.