1. Identify a process in which nurses use research findings to assure best practices in patient care.
2. Discuss how the implementation of a change in practice is related to an organization’s balanced scorecard.

Purpose:

A commitment to nursing excellence propelled an evidence-based practice (EBP) team to explore and subsequently integrate Kangaroo Care (KC) as a practice standard.  The purpose of this project is to depict a collaborative effort among staff nurses and clinical leaders to use research findings to assure best practices in patient care. The use of evidence influences patient care, nursing practice, and organizational systems.

How the session will provide relevant and current knowledge:
Poster attendees will learn how a selected EBP model was implemented.

This project advances nurses’ knowledge regarding the use of an evidence-based practice model to change practice and incorporate the option of Kangaroo Care for the healthy newborn-mother dyad. The determination of outcomes based on the organization’s balanced scorecard is highlighted as vital to the success and sustainment of the practice change. NDNQI Nursing Indicators come to life when nurses measure their own satisfaction during clinical practice improvements.

Summary of presentation:

 The current practice of newborn thermoregulation via overhead warmers prolonged separation of mother-baby and limited RN efficiency. Diagnosis, outcome identification, and planning occurred with EBP team formation. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care (Titler, et al) was selected. The abundant SSC research of thirty years was assembled and reviewed, and the team determined that research findings supported a change in practice. Strategies for overcoming barriers and managing resources, and a time-line will be described.

Outcomes of the project were developed by combining the Iowa Model of EBP with the organization’s balanced scorecard quadrants for Quality of Care, Customer Service, Quality of Worklife, and Finance.  Success was measured by ensuring newborn physiologic balance and safety during KC, improving patient satisfaction, and improving nurses’ quality of work life with a minimal effect on the budget. Strategies were developed to assure an innovative cost-effective program for 300 care providers and 7,000 child birthing families per year.  Nurse sensitive indicators of RN satisfaction and Patient satisfaction were measured.  Implementation of KC using EBP fostered RN autonomy, decision-making, professional development, and RN-to-RN interactions.

Implications for practice: 

Nurses can become inspired to create a practice change through the implementation of the EPB process.  The EBP-KC project is an exemplar for other EBP initiatives. The combination of a proven EBP model implemented in the language of the organization’s balanced scorecard is key to successful practice change. Nurse sensitive indicators can become an active part of nurses’ practice. This innovative approach of pairing a clinical issue with a scientific process can create enthusiasm for continuing the journey for excellence and highest quality in nursing. The patient care provider/organization and the nursing profession benefit when science is brought to the bedside.