Discussion: Developing a Culture of Evidence-Based Practice
As your EBP skills grow, you may be called upon to share your expertise with others. While EBP practice is often conducted with unique outcomes in mind, EBP practitioners who share their results can both add to the general body of knowledge and serve as an advocate for the application of EBP.
In this Discussion, you will explore strategies for disseminating EBP within your organization, community, or industry.
To Prepare:
Review the Resources and reflect on the various strategies presented throughout the course that may be helpful in disseminating effective and widely cited EBP.
This may include: unit-level or organizational-level presentations, poster presentations, and podium presentations at organizational, local, regional, state, and national levels, as well as publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Reflect on which type of dissemination strategy you might use to communicate EBP.
Post at least two dissemination strategies you would be most inclined to use and explain why. Explain which dissemination strategies you would be least inclined to use and explain why. Identify at least two barriers you might encounter when using the dissemination strategies you are most inclined to use. Be specific and provide examples. Explain how you might overcome the barriers you identified.
Expert answer
Developing a Culture of Evidence-Based Practice
Disseminating Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) findings is a vital component of advancing healthcare knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Two dissemination strategies I would be most inclined to use are poster presentations at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Poster presentations are particularly appealing because they offer a visually engaging and concise format to showcase findings. They provide an opportunity for one-on-one interaction, enabling direct engagement with an audience of peers who share similar professional interests.
Developing a Culture of Evidence-Based Practice
Disseminating Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) findings is a vital component of advancing healthcare knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Two dissemination strategies I would be most inclined to use are poster presentations at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Poster presentations are particularly appealing because they offer a visually engaging and concise format to showcase findings. They provide an opportunity for one-on-one interaction, enabling direct engagement with an audience of peers who share similar professional interests. For example, presenting at a national nursing conference allows practitioners to discuss specific EBP interventions, receive immediate feedback, and establish professional connections. Similarly, publishing in peer-reviewed journals is a powerful way to disseminate research widely while ensuring the work undergoes rigorous review. This strategy can significantly influence practice beyond one’s immediate organization. For instance, submitting a manuscript to a reputable journal like the Journal of Nursing Administration could help hospital leaders across the country adopt effective leadership strategies for implementing new technologies.
On the other hand, podium presentations are less appealing due to their formal structure and limited opportunities for audience interaction. While presenting at a conference or workshop in this manner can be impactful, the preparation required for a polished delivery may not align with my preference for interactive dialogue. Additionally, performance anxiety can make this method less desirable for some practitioners. The time commitment involved in preparing and rehearsing a formal presentation may also detract from time that could be devoted to patient care or other responsibilities. For example, preparing for a state-level podium presentation might involve rehearsals, slide deck creation, and travel, which can be challenging to balance with clinical obligations.
Despite the advantages of poster presentations and journal publications, there are barriers to implementing these strategies effectively. One significant barrier is time constraints, as developing a high-quality poster or manuscript requires substantial effort, from data analysis to crafting a clear and compelling narrative. For instance, balancing clinical responsibilities with the demands of writing and revising a manuscript can be daunting. Another barrier is financial costs, such as conference registration fees, travel expenses, or journal submission fees, which may limit access to dissemination opportunities. Attending a national conference, for example, could cost several hundred dollars, which may not always be feasible without organizational support.
To overcome these barriers, effective time management and resource allocation are essential. Establishing a structured plan with clear deadlines for each step of the dissemination process can make it more manageable. Collaborating with colleagues can also help distribute the workload and enhance the quality of the presentation or manuscript. To address financial barriers, seeking funding opportunities through grants or organizational support can provide the necessary resources. Many professional organizations offer scholarships or grants for conference participation or publication costs, which can alleviate financial burdens. By addressing these challenges, practitioners can effectively share EBP findings and contribute to the broader healthcare community.