EBP partners: doctoral students and practicing clinicians bridging the theory-practice gap

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Implementation Science

Background:

• The theory-practice gap hinders the adoption of evidence-based practice in nursing.
• Bridging this gap is crucial for advancing healthcare quality and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a collaborative program between Texas Woman's University College of Nursing and Presbyterian Hospital of Denton.
• To facilitate the implementation of evidence-based practice by leveraging doctoral student expertise.

Main Methods:

• Doctoral students completed supervised teaching practicums at a hospital setting.
• Students provided educational offerings to practicing nurses, focusing on evidence-based practice.

Main Results:

• The program successfully addressed the theory-practice gap by integrating academic knowledge with clinical application.
• The hospital gained research expertise and mentoring, supporting their goal of achieving Magnet status.
• Doctoral students gained valuable teaching experience and learned from clinical experts.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative programs between academic institutions and healthcare facilities can effectively bridge the theory-practice gap.
• Such partnerships enhance evidence-based practice implementation and benefit both students and healthcare professionals.
• Recommendations are provided for establishing similar successful academic-clinical collaborations.