Quality Improvement Needs Assessment for Evidence-Based Practice Readiness in Primary Care
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Date
2014-12
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project is to conduct a needs assessment survey of nurse practitioners’ (NPs) perceptions of readiness for evidence-based practice implementation in a primary care setting in the Midwest. The Advancing Research and Clinical Practice Through Close Collaboration Model was the framework used to prepare for system-wide implementation of EBP. The project design includes a descriptive survey that was administered through Check Box. A convenience sample of all eight NPs employed in the primary care organization was recruited via work email addresses. NPs were asked to complete three surveys: (1) the Organizational Culture & Readiness for System-Wide Integration of Evidence-Based Practice Survey, (2) the EBP Beliefs Scale, and, (3) the EBP Implementation Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings include (1) scores for EBP Beliefs were high, (2) a stronger foundation for EBP could be integrated into the organizational culture (3) administration and staff may not fully understand the EBP process (4) different definitions of EBP may exist amongst NPs, and (5) point of care staff could be empowered to generate decisions. Practice change recommendations include (1) establishing an organizational cultural of EBP, (2) developing an organizational commitment to provide resources and leadership necessary to transform the culture to one that appreciates the value of and demonstrates EBP daily, and (3) development and use of EBP mentors to facilitate the implementation of EBP. In conclusion, smaller organizations with fewer resources can creatively identify ways to implement and sustain EBP. Graduate level NPs within small organizations can be utilized as EBP champions and mentors. Smaller organizations can make a difference in EBP sustainability by creating visions and missions that incorporate EBP. Transformational leadership is required for an EBP organization to realize the benefits of improved patient outcomes, high quality healthcare, lower costs, increased healthcare provider satisfaction and staff cohesion, and decreased intent to leave and turnover.
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Keywords
evidence-based practice readiness, primary care, nurse practitioner, organizational culture, evidence-based practice