Evidence-based practice (EBP) has emerged as a major policy theme in health care and in particular nursing. Evidence-based practice is a synthesis of evidence drawn from research, multiple forms of clinical expertise, expert consensus, and patient preference to guide clinical practice and decision-making. UC Davis Medical Center nurses, working in multidisciplinary teams under the mentorship of CNR staff, identify the best evidence and take into consideration the context in which the evidence is to be implemented. A strategy is developed to implement the desired changes in practice and a comprehensive education plan is created for the targeted areas. An important part of evidence-based practice is to feed evaluative data back into the cycle of change.

A needs assessment of the nursing staff was conducted by the CNR staff in 2002 on perceived barriers to research utilization. UC Davis Medical Center nurses felt time and knowledge were the most significant barriers. Since then paid class time has been provided through Patient Care Services to allow nurses to work on EBP committees. B. Rickabaugh attended an intensive three-day workshop at the University of Iowa on the promotion of EBP in September 2003 (M. Tilter's EBP model). The course prepared the attendees to initiate an EBP program at their respective institutions. The educational needs have been addressed and maintained through formal education and mentoring.

To-date three EBP nurse driven teams are operating: Critical Care, Acute Care and Pediatrics. Each team is currently working on important clinical issues. Many staff nurses have presented their work at international and national conferences.

Coordinator: Barbara Rickabaugh, R.N., M.S.N.

Acute Care Committee Chair, James Denman
james.denman@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

Pediatrics Committee Chair, Margie Crandall, R.N., Ph.D.
margie.crandall@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu  

Intensive Care Committee Chair, Jim Hill
james.hill@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu