Translational Science: The Final Step for Implementing Evidence-Based Practice.

Abstract

Healthcare organizations and especially nursing have been obsessedwith evidence-based practice (EBP) projects, yet too often these projects end prematurely, and any ability to create a sustainable change is lost. Perhaps it is because the final steps to the successful implementation of a practice change based on evidence are the steps omitted. Translation requires much more than an attempt at implementation; translation requires research, and perhaps this step is omitted out of fear of research itself. Because the clinical nurse specialist is uniquely qualified to lead EBP projects, it is important that they are also versed in how to use translational sciencemethods to evaluate the implementation process and ensure it is effective, feasible, and sustainable. The purpose of this article is to describe the steps involved in moving evidence into nursing practice.