SEEK™: A Program to Implement Evidence-Based Practice and Transform Oncology Nursing Practice.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Organizations face challenges in establishing and maintaining a culture of evidence-based practice (EBP).
• EBP integrates current evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values for optimal clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of the SEEK™ (Spirit of Inquiry, Expanding EBP Knowledge) educational initiative.
• To enhance the application of EBP processes within a Magnet® and National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.

Main Methods:

• Participants engaged in didactic sessions, small group exercises, and article critiques to learn EBP principles.
• Mentorship guided participants through evidence appraisal, intervention proposal, implementation planning, and results measurement.
• The SEEK™ program was implemented at a leading cancer center.

Main Results:

• Fifty-six SEEK™ projects are currently in development or implementation phases.
• Post-program surveys indicated a significant increase in EBP knowledge among participants and mentors.
• The initiative successfully fostered EBP application.

Conclusions:

• The SEEK™ initiative effectively enhanced EBP knowledge and application in a complex healthcare setting.
• Educational programs are crucial for building sustainable EBP cultures in healthcare organizations.
• The program's success suggests a scalable model for EBP education.