Nurses' Perceptions of the Relevance of Their Role and Responsibilities for Adopting Evidence-Based Feedback Into Practice: An Implementation Study

Aims

To evaluate the implementation process of a novel program focused on improving interactive (dialogic) feedback between clinicians and students during placement.

Design

Quantitative cross-sectional hybrid type 3 effectiveness–implementation study driven by a federated model of social learning theory and implementation theory.

Methods

From June to November 2018, feedback approaches supported by socio-constructive learning theory and Normalisation Process Theory were enacted in four clinical units of a healthcare facility in southeast Queensland, Australia. The study involved 16 clinical instructors/supervisors, 94 bedside nurses, and 85 final-year nursing students. Engagement was evaluated using the Normalisation Measure Development survey. Situated learning encounters were constructed based on the needs of each group.

Results

Survey results of the four Normalisation Process Theory constructs identified variable adoption by participant groups. Engagement in situated learning encounters that facilitate dialogic feedback was greatest in clinical instructors/supervisors, followed by students. Bedside registered nurses, while indicating they understood purposeful feedback behaviours, did not demonstrate them in practice.

Conclusion

The extent to which each group practiced dialogic feedback depended on their perceptions of their influence, whether they saw it as part of their role, and the effort and time required, regardless of the activity's importance, role statements, and codes of conduct.

Implications for the Profession

Understanding the norms that shape communication, engagement, and nurses' role priorities is crucial for guiding practice and ongoing engagement with feedback.

Impact

The research provides valuable insights for leaders aiming to enhance the integration of evidence into practice. It guides leaders to understand that participants prioritise the reach, relevance, and resources of evidence over formal role descriptions, responsibilities, policies, and codes of conduct. This research encourages leaders to scrutinise existing beliefs, norms, and routines when implementing evidence-based practices.

Reporting Method

Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI) reporting guidelines were used.

No Patient or Public Contribution

None.