Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe cultural characteristics, values, and beliefs that influence sustainability of an evidence-based practice (EBP) intervention in the acute care clinical setting.
BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to identify best practices to sustain EBP to gain efficiencies in nursing care delivery and improve patient outcomes.
METHODS: A focused ethnographic qualitative study was conducted in a community hospital with nurses that used Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).
RESULTS: Customizing the intervention to the unit culture evolved and was crucial for sustainability. Overlap in responsibilities, time, clinician confidence, and impact to workflow were noted as negative influences. The intervention was primarily viewed as a task to be checked off a list instead of a tool that informs the patient's plan of care.
CONCLUSIONS: Assessing clinician experiences, beliefs, and values of an EBP should be incorporated into a strategic sustainability plan. Clinician understanding of how an EBP can advance the patient plan of care could promote ownership of professional practice and sustainment.