Congress Abstracts 2006

82

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE: A MODEL FOR ONCOLOGY NURSING. Geri Wood, PhD, RN, FAAN, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and UTHSC School of Nursing, Houston, TX; JoAnn Mick, MSN, MBA, CNAA, BC, RN, and Beverly Nelson, MS, RN, CNAA, BC, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Terry Throckmorton, PhD, RN, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and UTHSC School of Nursing, Houston, TX; Sharon McLane, MBA, RN, Robert Massey, MSN, RN, and Karen Stepan, BS, RN, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Anecita Fadol, MSN, RN, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and UTHSC School of Nursing, Houston, TX.

The domain of nursing research has grown in depth and breath producing a body of usable scientific knowledge for practice. Paralleling the growth of research has been the movement toward evidence based practice. Our institution implemented a practice model that incorporates evidence-based practice. This model challenges nurses to improve care in a dynamic, value-driven, results oriented environment, thus building practice on science.

The objective of developing an Evidence-Based Practice Model (EBPM) was to develop the nursing role institution-wide for improvement in patient care and evidenced-based outcomes. The model has multiple components focused on all levels of practice from clinical nurse to the advance practice nurse.

The EBPM has several components. The Evidence-Based Resource Unit Nurse (EB-RUN) component is a program designed to provide nurses on every unit (in-patient/outpatient) with the tools to take a leadership role in all aspects of evidence-based practice. Each EB-RUN has an advanced practice nurse Mentor who provides ongoing guidance and support. Prior to program participation each EB-RUN and Mentor participate in a two-day class that provides the underpinnings of the research process and evidence-based practice principles. Individual self-evaluations and unit assessment are completed by the EB-RUNS which serve as the basis for individual and unit goals. Mentors and EB-RUNS are provided support from doctoral prepared nurse researchers, research medical library staff and services, medical graphic and scientific publication resources, and interdisciplinary team support to assist with evidence based practice projects. Other model components include a website for communication and development of evidence tables. There is also an institution wide program "What is your evidence?" which provides targeted information on evidence-based interventions for nurses. Brown-bag lunch sessions provide opportunities for on-going education. Self-study modules are provided for independent development of database search skills and research methodology.

Qualitative and quantitative program evaluation includes: course evaluation, mentor feedback, projects initiated and completed, presentation and publication of projects. The goal is to support and develop nursing sensitive outcomes for an oncology cancer center.

Implications for oncology nursing practice are the development of a consensus of opinion on the best practices and it places the nurse in a collegial role with other nurses and health care professionals.