Study on improving the quality of care through routine, successful implementation of evidence-based practice at the bedside

Nurses are increasingly recognized as pivotal to the quality of patient care and to the implementation of interdisciplinary-based quality initiatives. Nurse participation in these practices not only improves care but engages nurses and leads to an improved work environment. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an approach used by nurses and other clinicians for clinical decision making in which the best evidence available is used to consistently provide high-quality patient care. A major barrier to implementation of EBP and other innovations lies in a health care institution's organizational culture. The purpose of this project is to study the role and evolution of organizational culture in the routine or ongoing translation of evidence into nursing practice. The study will inform the Foundation's program strategies through the identification of key organizational culture components which are necessary for sustainable, successful strategic change. The study examines team work, leadership at all levels, and organizational culture that support learning throughout the care process and other elements of culture that are needed to strategically transform organizations to adopt EBP and other innovations that improve the work environment. The deliverables for this study include two comparative case studies, a journal manuscript, and a presentation outline for a nurse executive audience.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $61,375.00

Awarded on: 11/1/2005

Time frame: 11/1/2005 - 11/30/2007

Grant Number: 53955