Recommended Citation
Pufundt J. An evidence-based practice nurse mentor program to develop competence. Evidence-Based Practice poster presented at Nursing Passion: Re-Igniting the Art & Science, Advocate Aurora Health Nursing & Research Conference 2022; November 9, 2022; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Evidence-Based Practice poster presented at Nursing Passion: Re-Igniting the Art & Science, Advocate Aurora Health Nursing & Research Conference 2022; November 9, 2022; virtual.
Abstract
Background and/or Rationale: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach to guide healthcare clinicians and organizations toward optimizing care and improving patient outcomes. Evidence suggests EBP mentors improve implementation and sustainment within an organization and multifaceted education strategies to improve competency is critical to their development. Nurses in this role must be competent in the EBP process.
Aim or Purpose of Initiative: To implement an EBP mentor education program for unit based Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and educator nurse leaders to improve their EBP competency in supporting direct care nurse led projects.
Implementation plan: The Advancing Research and Clinical Practice for Close Collaboration model was the initiative framework. A two-phased evidence-based, multifaceted education program including skill building for each EBP process step was developed and implemented over 15 weeks. A survey, including four valid and reliable instruments to evaluate EBP competency, beliefs, implementation, and organizational culture and readiness was sent to participants at three intervals.
Outcomes: The sum of EBP competency mean scores improved upon completing the phase-two intervention. Scores improved for 12 of the 13 (92%) RN competencies and 9 of the 11 (82%) APN competencies upon completion of the phase-two intervention. Four RN competencies were self-reported as being competent yet none of the APN competencies were self-reported as being competent. The magnitude of effect was small to large. The sum of mean scores for organizational culture and readiness and beliefs about EBP increased and the sum of mean scores for EBP implementation decreased, yet scores increased for two EBP steps for which skill building activities occurred.
Implications for Practice: Developing EBP mentors’ competence is a necessary step toward implementing and sustaining EBP within an organization. A two-phased, evidence-based education program provides EBP mentors a foundation to build knowledge and skills. Subsequent education and skill building opportunities, formal and informal, are necessary to further develop EBP mentor competence.
Document Type
Poster
Affiliations
Advocate Children’s Hospital