A situational analysis: the potential to produce evidence-based nursing practice guidelines within a regional neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Aims This paper describes a study which was undertaken to determine the factors which may influence the production of nursing practice guideline (NPG) documents. The aim was to examine the factors which impact on the ability to successfully produce evidence based nursing practice guidelines within a regional neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), in order to develop strategies to assist in the success of such a project. Background Recent government recommendations have highlighted the increasing importance of quality in practice. Supporting infrastructures may not be in place within Trusts and specialist areas to allow for nurses in clinical practice to produce evidence-based guideline documents, in response to these recommendations. Method A situational analysis was utilized, via the application of documentary evidence and semi-structured interviews, to support and give meaning to the construction of a clearer understanding of the project, with the primary focus being from the perspective of the nurses completing the documents. Findings Provision of appropriate resources in terms of time, staffing levels and facilities impact heavily on the ability of nurses to produce evidence-based guidelines documents and their motivations towards doing so. The emphasis given to academic, rather than practice-based, continuing education programmes may not always be relevant when considering ongoing development of quality of care. Conclusion Lack of appropriate resource allocation has meant that a gap exists between the ideals set out by the recent introduction of NHS quality initiatives and the reality facing nursing staff attempting to put those strategies into practice.