News Release

Interventional methods may increase the use of evidence-based practice

to improve patient outcomes by 28%

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Results of a recent study have shown multiple barriers to evidence-based practice, a method of patient care that can improve outcomes by 28%, previous data supports. A key barrier is lack of nurses' knowledge of and belief in EBP suggesting that introducing interventions in health care settings can positively influence use of EBP. Additionally, having an EBP mentor was shown as a potential factor to increase the use of EBP. This demonstrates the importance for healthcare systems to create mentoring positions in their organizations.

In this study, published in a recent issue of Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 160 nurses attending a professional workshop were surveyed to assess their level of knowledge of and use of EBP in their day-to-day practice. Overall, the study shows that although nurses believe EBP would result in better patient care and outcomes, their knowledge about EBP was low. This finding supports the need for intensive continuing educational skills workshops to increase nurses' knowledge of EBP.

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This study is published in Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article please contact medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.

About the Author
Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk is Associate Dean for Research and Professor, Director of the Center for Research & Evidence-Based Practice and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) & Dual PNP/Psychiatry Mental Health NP Programs, University of Rochester School of Nursing and School of Medicine & Dentistry. She is also co-editor of Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing published from The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. The author can be reached for questions and interviews at 585-275-8903/7376 or Bernadette_Melnyk@urmc.rochester.edu.

About Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing
This new journal from The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is quickly becoming known as a key resource for health care professionals around the world. The journal uniquely bridges knowledge and application taking a global approach in its presentation of research, policy and practice, education and management.

About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher. The company remains independent with over 900 staff members in offices in the US, UK, Australia, China, Denmark, Germany, and Japan. Blackwell publishes over 700 journals in partnership with more than 550 academic and professional societies.


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