Development, implementation and evaluation of an evidence-based practice model in a new hospital in Chile

Assessing evidence-based practice competencies of undergraduate nursing students using a developed multi-criteria decision-analysis model

AIM

The developed multi-criteria decision analysis model was used to identify the inter-influence relationships and key factors affecting the EBP competencies of UNSs, to assess the EBP competencies of UNSs and based on these results, to formulate an improvement strategy to enhance the EBP competencies of UNSs.

BACKGROUND

EBP is considered a core competency in international nursing practice. However, few studies have developed EBP evaluation models and applied them to assessing and improving the EBP competencies of UNSs.

DESIGN

This is a quantitative study with multi-criteria decision-analysis model.

METHODS

Firstly, the questionnaire was designed based on the characteristics of the DEMATEL and VIKOR-AS methods, which was completed by 17 nursing experts from a case hospital in Zhejiang Province, China. Subsequently, the DEMATEL method was used to analyze the inter-influence relationships among various criteria to determine their respective weights. Finally, the VIKOR method is utilized to integrate multiple criteria and their relative weights to assign comprehensive scores to each UNSs.

RESULTS

The use of the DEMATEL method reveals that "Knowledge (C1)", "Mastering the basic scientific research methods during the study of the undergraduate courses (C11)", "Being able to consult clinical experts appropriately when encountering problems in clinical practice (C23)" and "Understanding the importance of reading journals related to the nursing profession regularly (C34)" were critical influencing factors. "Skill (C2)," "Being able to explain the essential roles of the best research evidence in determining clinical practice (C15)," "Being able to apply the collected research evidence to the individual case in nursing care (C25)" and "Paying attention to using the evidence-based nursing practice concept to determine the best clinical practice (C35)" were the most influential factors. According to the VIKOR method, the performance of the UNSs in the case hospitals in terms of EBP competencies from highest to lowest was Student C, Student B and Student A. However, all of these students suffered from deficiencies at the knowledge level.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of the DEMATEL and VIKOR methods provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to the assessment of EBP competencies of UNSs. The lack of EBP competencies of UNSs in case hospitals is mainly reflected in knowledge level. To improve UNSs' EBP competencies, medical schools and hospital educators should propose short- and long-term strategies to improve knowledge.

Role of Magnet®-recognized hospital nurse managers in implementing evidence-based practice: A mixed-method study

BACKGROUND

Healthcare systems recognize evidence-based practice (EBP) as the prestigious standard for providing safe and high-quality patient care, nursing excellence, and Magnet Recognition. Despite the well-documented benefits, implementation of EBP is inconsistent and remains elusive in the US and throughout the world and many patients still fail to receive evidence-based care. The literature revealed a huge gap between nursing science and practice but provided evidence that nurse managers (NMs) had a pivotal leadership role in implementing EBP.

AIM

To gain a deeper understanding of Magnet-recognized hospital nurse managers' (MRHNMs) leadership roles, the influencing factors, and their experience in implementing EBP to enhance EBP initiatives and sustain Magnet recognition.

METHOD

This mixed-method study guided by Goodall's (Australasian Psychiatry, 2016. 24, 231) theory of expert leadership used a sequential explanatory method with a quantitative-driven design based on a national correlational survey augmented by a qualitative descriptive component using semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

The findings of the study demonstrated that MRHNMs had a 54.6% effective leadership role in implementing EBP and produced numerous themes indicating that MRHNMs did implement EBP with struggle. MRHNMs in this study viewed EBP as a healthcare priority and leadership of NMs is necessary to promote EBP. However, lack of knowledge, difficulties with the EBP process, time constraints, and staffing issues negatively impacted EBP. Postgraduate degree, formal EBP education, critical care units as workplace, collaboration with doctorally prepared nurses, and Magnet culture enhanced EBP among MRHNMs.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

EBP is essential for Magnet recognition and is a hallmark of nursing excellence, however, is a complex and challenging process. The leadership of NMs is necessary to shape evidence-based care, and NMs require EBP preparation during leadership training, necessary resources, and time to complete the EBP process. EBP cannot become a reality without leaders being engaged, supportive, and persistent.