Implementing evidence‐based practice: effectiveness of a structured multifaceted mentorship programme

Abstract

wallen g.r., mitchell s.a., melnyk b., fineout‐overholt e., miller‐davis c., yates j. & hastings c. (2010) Implementing evidence‐based practice: effectiveness of a structured multifaceted mentorship programme.Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(12), 2761–2771. Aim. This paper is a report of the effectiveness of a structured multifaceted mentorship programme designed to implement evidence‐based practice in a clinical research intensive environment. Background. Barriers to implementing evidence‐based practice are well‐documented in the literature. Evidence‐based practice is associated with higher quality care and better patient outcomes than care that is steeped in tradition. However, the integration of evidence‐based practice implementation into daily clinical practice remains inconsistent, and the chasm between research and bedside practice remains substantial. Methods. This quasi‐experimental mixed methods study included three focused discussions with nursing leadership and shared governance staff as well as pre‐ (N = 159) and post‐intervention (N = 99) questionnaires administered between June 2006 and February 2007. Online questionnaires included measures of organizational readiness, evidence‐based practice beliefs, evidence‐based practice implementation, job satisfaction, group cohesion and intent to leave nursing and the current job. Results. Participants in the evidence‐based practice mentorship programme had a larger increase in perceived organizational culture and readiness for evidence‐based practice and in evidence‐based practice belief scores than those who did not participate. Qualitative findings suggested that leadership support of a culture for evidence‐based practice and the dedication of resources for sustainability of the initiative needed to be a priority for engaging staff at all levels. Conclusion. These findings corroborate other studies showing that nurses’ beliefs about evidence‐based practice are significantly correlated with evidence‐based practice implementation and that having a mentor leads to stronger beliefs and greater implementation by nurses as well as greater group cohesion, which is a potent predictor of nursing turnover rates.