Implementing and Sustaining Evidence Based Practice Through a Nursing Journal Club.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Delivery
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Healthcare's focus on outcomes necessitates using the best available evidence for quality patient care.
• Clinical nurses face challenges in finding, critiquing, and implementing evidence-based practice.
• A nursing journal club (NJC) was developed to assist nurses in applying evidence to practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a nursing journal club.
• To demonstrate how a NJC can facilitate the use of evidence-based practice among clinical nurses.
• To highlight the successful integration of a NJC within an organizational structure.

Main Methods:

• The NJC evolved from an informal activity to a formal part of the Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice (NR&EBP) Council.
• The organizational structure utilized a Nursing Professional Practice Model and resources from an academic medical center.
• The NJC was embedded within the NR&EBP Council's shared governance structure.

Main Results:

• The NJC operates on a quarterly schedule with pre-selected topics aligned with organizational goals.
• Implementation addressed common barriers to evidence-based practice, including time constraints and lack of knowledge.
• Nurses reported improved understanding and application of evidence in their practice.

Conclusions:

• Integrating the NJC into the NR&EBP Council provides protected time for nursing scholarship.
• Dedicated leadership and resource utilization were critical for the NJC's success.
• The NJC model supports clinical nurses in enhancing evidence-based practice and patient care.