Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing: A Guide to Successful Implementation
Suzanne C. Beyea and Mary Jo Slattery. HCPro, Inc., Marblehead, MA. 2006 (Rev. September 2007). 124 pages, Paper bound. $49. ISBN: 978-1-57839-722-8
* Reviewed by:
Heather D. Goodall, MSN, RNC-NIC, IBCLC
Clinical Development Educator,
Memorial Health System,
Colorado Springs, Colorado
(e-mail: [email protected])
Helpful strategies for staff nurses, educators, managers, directors, and executives to use in building evidence-based practice into their culture are outlined in this book. The concept of evidence-based practice is defined along with delineation among nurse research, quality improvement, and research utilization to give the reader a better understanding of these terms. This book starts with explaining how evidence-based practice can make a difference and then moves toward more complex ideas including getting a research-based council started and what organizational support needs to be in place. The eight chapters build upon each other to give the reader a strategy for "starting from scratch."
Both primary authors have extensive experience as researchers, supporting research-based endeavors as consultants for others and as facilitators of research conduction at their place of employment. They have also been instrumental in educating others about a variety of research-related topics.
This book is helpful in introducing the reader to what is needed to start the implementation of evidence-based practice in an institution. The benefits of evidence-based practice in healthcare institutions are highlighted and emphasized numerous times to encourage the reader to start or be a part of the process. Suggestions for additional assistance found on the Internet and other resources are prevalent throughout each chapter. Frameworks and models are also introduced, with examples of each and how to use them. Evidence-based practice samples are included to help the reader identify ideas that can be transferred to a specific practice area. There is an entire chapter dedicated to the Magnet Recognition Program, which is important, but this content could be included with one of the other chapters. Emphasis on a different aspect of evidence-based practice implementation could be in place of that chapter.
I enjoyed this brief overview of evidence-based practice and implementation guidance. This book is very informative and is easily read. I would encourage professional development educators to read this book to help build their knowledge base about evidence-based practice and how to implement it in their work environment. This book is a resource that can be used in many different situations and by many different levels of staff.
Disclaimer: The author has disclosed that she has no significant relationships with, or financial interest in, any commercial companies pertaining to this review.
Nursing Research Program Builder: Strategies to Translate Findings Into Practice
Marquetta Flaugher. HCPro: Danvers, MA. 2008. 120 pages, Paperback. US $79. ISBN: 978-1-60146-170-4
* Reviewed by:
Kellee Vess MSN, RN, CCRN
Clinical Nurse Educator,
Parkwest Medical Center,
Knoxville, Tennessee
Marquetta Flaugher has developed an introductory book that will guide nurses through the multiple components of nursing research. The author states that conducting research empowers nurses to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice at multiple levels. The purpose of this book is to provide a practical guide for the implementation of research; the author asserts that an advanced degree is not necessary to participate in the research process.
This book flows smoothly; each chapter builds on the previous one. An instructional format guides the reader through selecting a research topic to communicating findings. Arising problems during each phase are addressed with practical solutions. For example, ethical issues are a concern when conducting research. Explaining the importance of informed consent and maintaining integrity are the practical solutions. At the end of each chapter, open-ended questions stimulate thought. Practice questions allow for reflection and application of knowledge. For example, in Chapter 5, the reader is asked to review a peer-reviewed article to isolate potential concerns in data collection. After isolating problems, the reader can then describe what improvements are needed.
The book succinctly describes confusing terms, for example, internal validity and z score, by using easily understandable definitions. Noteworthy chapters include "Why Nursing Research Is Important," "Energizing and Motivating Nurses," "Literature Review," and "Institutional Review Boards." Templates of an informed consent, cover letter, and institutional review board are also available on the included CD-ROM. Finally, separating key points draws the reader's attention to important concepts.
One of the major limitations of this book is the price. At the cost of $79.00, it should have more detail on educational strategies for staff development. The CD-ROM was a nice addition to the text, but it contains basic word documents that could easily be obtained from the author's Web site.
Another limitation is that this book cannot be generalized across the discipline. More appropriate populations to target are nursing students, nurses who are new to nursing research, or staff development nurses needing a resource for new team members. Finally, for educational purposes, this text should be used only as a supplemental resource. To truly understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors of research, a more detailed text would be needed.
My recommendation for this book is for students and staff nurses to introduce the processes and values of nursing research. Besides certain limitations, this book had many positive attributes, with readability being the strongest. Moreover, I see the value of this book as a gateway to advanced research. I commend the author for supporting the growth of nursing research and effectively explaining the impact of research on patient outcomes.
Disclaimer: The author has disclosed that she has no significant relationships with, or financial interest in, any commercial companies pertaining to this review.