Using evidence to improve care for the vulnerable neonatal population.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nursing
• Clinical practice improvement
• Evidence-based practice (EBP)

Background:

• Facilitating evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for optimal patient outcomes in clinical settings.
• Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) require adaptable practices to integrate new evidence.
• Nursing leadership plays a vital role in supporting EBP implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight practical changes in open visitation and feeding readiness practices within a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
• To demonstrate successful integration of evidence-based practice (EBP) at the bedside.
• To showcase how a supportive environment fosters EBP at all nursing leadership levels.

Main Methods:

• Review of practice changes implemented in a Magnet-designated facility's NICU.
• Focus on modifications to open visitation policies.
• Analysis of adjustments in feeding readiness protocols.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of modified open visitation policies.
• Effective changes in feeding readiness assessments and interventions.
• Demonstrated enhancement of evidence-based care delivery.

Conclusions:

• Changes in visitation and feeding readiness practices can be successfully implemented in NICUs.
• A supportive leadership structure is key to integrating evidence-based practice (EBP).
• These examples provide a model for bringing evidence to the bedside in neonatal care.