Empowering Nurses Through Shared Governance: A Council-Led Evidence-Based Initiative Driving Practice and Policy...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Management
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Frontline nurses face challenges in adopting evidence-based practice (EBP) due to time constraints and competing priorities.
• Shared governance councils, especially with a learner-centered focus, can facilitate nurse-led EBP initiatives impacting practice and policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the successful implementation of a year-long EBP initiative by a shared governance council at an academic medical center.
• The initiative focused on fall prevention and resulted in significant practice and policy changes.

Main Methods:

• The Advancing Research and Clinical Practice through Close Collaboration (ARCC) model and the Seven Steps of EBP were utilized.
• Council members received expert mentorship and education, collaborating in groups to formulate PICO(T) questions, conduct literature reviews, appraise evidence, and disseminate findings.

Main Results:

• High nurse engagement and increased EBP knowledge and confidence were observed.
• A formal change to the hospital's nursing fall prevention policy was achieved.
• Council members enhanced skills in critical appraisal and scholarly dissemination, presenting work internally and externally.

Conclusions:

• Shared governance councils are effective platforms for driving practice changes and improving patient outcomes through EBP.
• Supporting shared governance councils with protected time, mentorship, and strategic integration is crucial for fostering EBP capacity and practice transformation.
• This replicable model underscores the role of structural support in empowering nurses to promote and sustain EBP at the bedside and beyond.