Documenting an EBP project: guidelines for what to include and why.

Abstract

In increasing numbers, nurses as members of intradisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams are implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) changes. These variations result in demonstrated improvement in outcomes for the patient and family, staff, organization, and community. Many of these EBP activities remain an untapped resource; however, they have potential for improving practice beyond a single facility or local area. Descriptions of EBP projects that dofind their way into the literature have yet to include detail on all of the steps of the EBP process from problem identification through critical appraisal and synthesis of relevant literature to development, implementation, and evaluation of the practice change. In this article, the authors aim to provide guidance to clinicians on how to document an EBP project. Guidelines addressed in the article are also included as criteria for the Evidence-Based Practice Award, as established by the Foundation of New York State Nurses Center for Nursing Research Planning Committee.