An Evidence-Based Practice Mentoring Program: Outcomes and Cost.

Abstract

Background: The Evidence-Based Practice Mentoring Program (EBPMP) is a 12-month initiative offered at a large acute care facility in Hawai'i. The EBPMP provided two layers of mentoring, with experienced evidence-based practice (EBP) faculty supporting EBP mentors who, in turn, guide mentees or novice EBP team members.

Aim: The primary aim of this pilot initiative was to promote the Value, Implementation, and Knowledge of EBP.

Methods: A literature search, appraisal, and synthesis were conducted, and the results informed the development of the EBPMP. The pilot was initiated from July 2022 to June 2023 and consisted of a nurse-led interdisciplinary team. Outcome measurements involved the Quick-EBP-VIK survey, a faculty-developed Self-Confidence in EBP Mentoring Skills Inventory, feasibility measures, and the program cost.

Results: Pre- and post-EBPMP outcome measures demonstrated that the mentors' and mentees' scores increased in the domains of EBP Value (11.14%), Implementation (80.87%), and Knowledge (99.46%). Mentors' self-confidence increased over time (Baseline: 0.06, 6-months: 2.33, 12-months: 3.03). Feasibility measures showed that the majority (80%) of the mentees were able to complete > 75% of assigned modules by the due date, most (80%) spent 1-2 h to complete the didactic modules, and the monthly mentee meeting attendance rate was 88.1%. The program cost was 1.2 FTE per month.

Linking evidence to action: EBP mentoring was an effective strategy for supporting staff's EBP development. Continued leadership support is crucial to the EBPMP's success and sustainability. The EBPMP may be an effective strategy to contribute to the development of an organization's culture of EBP.