Describe one internal and one external method for the dissemination of your EBP project results. For example, an internal method may be the hospital board, and an external method may be a professional nursing organization. Discuss why it is important to report your results to both of these groups. How will your communication strategies change for each group?
Introduction
Dissemination of evidence-based practice (EBP) project results plays a crucial role in translating research findings into clinical practice. It facilitates the sharing of knowledge and promotes evidence-based decision-making among healthcare providers. When disseminating EBP project results, it is important to target both internal and external stakeholders to maximize the impact of the findings. This paper will discuss one internal method (hospital board) and one external method (professional nursing organization) for disseminating EBP project results and explain the reasons for reporting to both groups. Additionally, it will explore how communication strategies may differ for each group.
Internal Dissemination Method: Hospital Board
The hospital board serves as an appropriate internal audience for disseminating EBP project results. The board is generally comprised of top-level executives, administrators, and key decision-makers within the healthcare facility. Reporting the EBP project results to the hospital board is important for several reasons.
Firstly, the hospital board has significant influence and authority over resource-allocation decisions. By presenting the EBP project results to the board, healthcare providers can facilitate the integration of evidence-based practice into the organizational policies and procedures. The board can allocate funds, staff, and other resources to support the implementation of EBP initiatives based on the project outcomes. Therefore, it is critical to effectively communicate the value and impact of the EBP project results to the hospital board to gain their support and encourage organizational change.
Secondly, reporting to the hospital board aligns with the concept of shared governance, where decision-making is distributed among various stakeholders. By involving the hospital board in the dissemination process, healthcare providers can foster collaboration and engagement between clinicians and administrators. This promotes a culture of transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility for implementing evidence-based practices. By reporting the EBP project results to the hospital board, clinicians can ensure that their voices are heard, and their perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.
External Dissemination Method: Professional Nursing Organization
Engaging with professional nursing organizations represents an important external method for disseminating EBP project results. These organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or specialty-specific organizations like the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), have a broad reach and influence on nursing practice at a national or specialty level. Reporting the EBP project results to professional nursing organizations is crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, professional nursing organizations serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and continuous learning. By sharing EBP project results with these organizations, healthcare providers contribute to the body of evidence and promote evidence-based nursing practice across the profession. Nursing organizations often have designated publications, conferences, and education programs for disseminating research findings. Therefore, presenting the EBP project results to professional nursing organizations enhances the visibility and accessibility of the research, allowing other clinicians to learn from the experiences and results.
Secondly, professional nursing organizations play a key role in advocating for evidence-based nursing practice and influencing policy at a national or specialty level. These organizations have strong networks and relationships with governmental bodies, regulatory agencies, and healthcare policymakers. By reporting the EBP project results to professional nursing organizations, healthcare providers can contribute to evidence-based practice guidelines, policy recommendations, and quality improvement initiatives. This can ultimately lead to improvements in healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and the advancement of the nursing profession as a whole.
Change in Communication Strategies for Each Group
The communication strategies for reporting EBP project results to the hospital board and professional nursing organizations may differ based on the characteristics and interests of each group.
When disseminating to the hospital board, the focus should be on presenting the results in a concise and easily understandable manner. The communication should highlight the relevance of the EBP project to the organization’s goals and objectives. It is important to emphasize the potential impact of the project outcomes on patient care, quality improvement, and cost-effectiveness. Visual aids, such as graphs or tables, can be used to illustrate the findings and facilitate comprehension. The communication should also address any potential barriers or challenges to implementing the project recommendations and how they can be overcome. Engaging in discussions with the board members and responding to their questions or concerns is important to ensure their support and buy-in.
In contrast, when disseminating to professional nursing organizations, the focus should be on providing detailed and comprehensive information about the EBP project. The communication should include the research methodology, data collection and analysis procedures, results, and implications for nursing practice. It is crucial to highlight the novelty or significance of the project findings and how they contribute to advancing nursing knowledge or addressing current gaps in practice. The communication could involve submitting a manuscript to a relevant nursing journal, presenting at conferences or workshops, or engaging in online forums and discussions. The communication strategy should aim to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among nursing professionals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dissemination of EBP project results to both internal and external stakeholders is essential in promoting evidence-based decision-making and enhancing patient outcomes. Reporting to the hospital board ensures support for organizational change and aligns with the principles of shared governance. Engaging with professional nursing organizations facilitates the sharing of knowledge, promotes evidence-based practice nationwide or at a specialty level, and influences policy and practice. Adapting communication strategies to the characteristics and interests of each group maximizes the impact and reach of the EBP project results, contributing to improved healthcare delivery and the advancement of the nursing profession.