Three-Year Pre-Post Analysis of EBP Integration in a Magnet-Designated Community Hospital

Adoption of evidence-based practices (EBP) by registered nurses (RNs) and nurse leaders continues to be a challenge. Although multiple strategies and substantial resources are being invested to advance nursing practice based on evidence, little is known about the long-term impact of these interventions.

This study was undertaken to assess nurse leaders' and clinical RNs' beliefs to use EBP, perceptions about organizational readiness for EBP, and frequency of implementing EBP following implementation of multifaceted interventions to achieve and maintain Magnet designation.

This retrospective descriptive study compared data from two previously administered online surveys (2008 and 2012) at a mid-Atlantic Magnet-designated community hospital.

Clinical RNs' self-reported attitudes toward EBP were more positive (2008: M = 53.85, standard error of the mean [SEM] = 0.65; 2012: M = 57.07,SEM = 0.58), as well as their perceptions of organizational readiness (2008: M = 50.72, SEM = 1.20; 2012: M = 81.09, SEM = 0.98), between the two survey years. Contrarily, although nurse leader scores were significantly higher for beliefs (2008: M = 61.15, SEM = 1.23; 2012: M = 60.60., SEM = 0.96), readiness (2008: M = 61.28, SEM = 2.16; 2012: M = 85.18, SEM = 1.64), and implementation (2008: M = 21.35, SEM = 1.72; 2012: M = 19.08, SEM = 1.43) little change was observed in the nurse leader scores between the two survey years compared with clinical RNs.

Results from this study suggest that the multifaceted interventions have had a positive impact on clinical RNs' beliefs and readiness for EBP, but not for nurse leaders. Albeit low, self-reported implementation of EBP by RNs and nurse leaders has been sustained, but has not improved.

Leaders must see their role as not only facilitators of EBP but also as active participants practicing EBP. Actively engaging leaders in EBP by serving on interprofessional EBP teams and role modeling these behaviors to staff is critical to EBP implementation. Realistic expectations of RNs for EBP implementation and clear and accessible resources may enhance RNs' willingness to implement. Going forward, it may be necessary to differentiate the expectations of RNs in EBP implementation by clarifying expectations in the process of identification and analysis of evidence from use of EBP in clinical practice.