How Healthcare Organizations Can Prepare for EBP Implementations

Evidence-Based Practice Readiness

How do the mission and values of a healthcare organization support organizational readiness for the implementation of evidence-based practice?

Regardless of their specific mission and values, healthcare organizations of all sizes and types have a mandate to use evidence-based practice (EBP) which directly translates into a corresponding need for readiness for its implementation. In this regard, Yoo et al. (2019) emphasize that, “As EBP rapidly replaces the traditional paradigm of authority in healthcare decision-making, health professionals have an obligation to access knowledge, apply it in practice, and lead others to use it appropriately” (p. 1). Notwithstanding this common requirement, though, the mission and values of some healthcare organizations place a high priority on their readiness for the implementation of EBP (Yoo et al., 2019). For instance, the based on their respective mission and values, the Institute of Medicine advocates EBP competency as one of its five core competencies of healthcare professionals and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing likewise includes EBP as one of its nine essential elements of professional nursing practice (Yoo et al., 2019).

What is the role of the organizational culture in implementing evidence-based practice?

Organizational culture is a powerful, top-down force that can help prepare healthcare organizations for the implementation of EBP. The extent to which healthcare organizations top leadership teams embraces and supports these implementations will likely be the extent to which they will achieve optimal clinical outcomes (Cleary-Holdforth et al., 2021).

How it can hinder or facilitate the implementation of evidence-based practice?

Complacency and the fear of change on the part of top management that seeps into the organizational culture can derail even the best-intentioned and managed implementations of EBP. Conversely, sustained top-down support for EBP implementations will help ensure their success (Melnyk et al., 2021).

How does an organization’s staff demonstrate readiness for evidence-based practice implementation?

Healthcare practitioners and support staff should be able to demonstrate their understanding of EBP and how it is different from traditional practice. In addition, all staff can demonstrate readiness to implement approved EBP solutions by completing training for any new tools or resources that are needed (Cleary-Holdforth et al., 2021).

References

Cleary-Holdforth, J., O’Mathúna, D., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2021). Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs, Implementation, and Organizational Culture and Readiness for EBP Among Nurses, Midwives, Educators, and Students in the Republic of Ireland. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 18(6), 379–388.