Evidence-Based Practice Database

Abstract

Well-developed studies in nursing and related clinical fields have grown in depth and breadth over the past several decades, providing an ever-growing body of research that is potentially usable to guide practice. The evidence from these studies has spurred a movement in the public policy and professional sectors that supports and increasingly expects the use of evidence to improve practice and guide healthcare decisions. Evidence-based practice (EBP) has evolved in response to these expectations and guides judicious decisions about when and how to apply research. The foundation of the EBP process is a problem-solving approach to understanding and implementing clinical practice. The steps of the EBP process include use of the best available evidence, coupled with the practitioners’ clinical knowledge and consideration of patient values. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is a values-driven, results-oriented comprehensive cancer center with an environment that supports building practice based on science rather than tradition. The development of an EBP program was further supported by a nursing culture that continually challenges nurses to improve care. The objective of developing an EBP program was to develop, encourage, and mentor more than 2500 nurses across the institution to improve patient care based on evidence. The program has multiple components that focus on each level of practice, from staff nurse to advance practice nurse. The main component of our program, developed in 2006, is the Evidence-Based Resource Unit Nurse (EBRUN) program. Nurses on each unit (inpatient and outpatient) receive the necessary education and support to take a leadership role in all aspects of EBP. Each EBRUN team has a mentor, an advanced practice nurse from within the institution, who provides ongoing guidance and support throughout the process of identifying and conducting EBP projects. Prior to program participation, each EB-RUN and mentor complete a 2-day class that provides the underpinnings of the research process and EBP principles. Mentors and EB-RUNs are also supported by doctoral-prepared nurse researchers, library support services, writing support, and interdisciplinary team support. Upon completion of the educational component of the program, the EB-RUN teams are asked to develop a project for their unit or in combination with other units. These EB-RUN teams have developed a diverse array of EBP projects that have served to change practice, improve quality, and create or update practice guidelines. Project outcomes have been presented internally and nationally. Key Points: •Track EBP projects •Database design for EBP •Benefits of a database for EBP projects cin20031.qxd 4/22/09 8:09 PM Page 131