[A multifaceted implementation strategy to enhance the uptake of evidence-based nursing recommendations in Spain: implementation project protocol].

Abstract

Objective: It is necessary to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based practice in clinical practice to improve patients' health results. Sumamos Excelencia^® is an implementation project led by nurses that aims to improve the evidence-based practice uptake. Building on the first edition, we have improved the project design and proposed new intervention topics. The objective is to evaluate the effects of the implementation of evidence-based recommendations through a multifaceted implementation strategy.

Methods: This study is an implementation research with a quasi-experimental, multicentre, before-and-after design and audits for data collection at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. It will be developed in hospital units, primary care centres, and nursing homes. Units choose to implement recommendations of one of these topics: assessment and management of pain, conservative management of urinary incontinence, prevention of childhood obesity, or breastfeeding promotion. All units will implement recommendations about hand hygiene. Audits will assess changes in process and patient outcomes, barriers and strategies, and evidence-based practice competencies through specific questionnaires and clinical records data. Analysis will be descriptive and inferential.

Conclusions: Sumamos Excelencia^® will aim to improve the use of evidence-based practice in the Spanish National Health System and to advance implementation science. This study will also provide important insight into the barriers that nurses face to implementing evidence-based practice in clinical practice and the strategies that they can use to overcome them. This generated knowledge can be used in other evidence-based practice implementation projects in a similar context to enhance adherence to evidence-based recommendations.