Implementation of a Two-Part Unit-Based Multiple Intervention: Moving Evidence-Based Practice into Action

Abstract

This study examined the impact of a 2-part unit-based multiple intervention on the use by pediatric critical care nurses of best practice guidelines for pressure-ulcer prevention. A total of 23 nurses participated in a repeated-measures design pre- and post-intervention to address 2 questions: Is there a difference in nurses' evidence-based practices following implementation of an educational intervention only versus implementation of both an educational and an innovative intervention? Are the changes sustained 6 months after completion of the intervention? A significant change occurred in the implementation of 2 of 11 recommended practices following both interventions: assessment of risk of pressure ulcers using an age-appropriate tool (p ≤ 0.001), and the documentation of same (p ≤ 0.001). These changes may have been sustained. The findings bring to light the real challenges encountered when attempting to implement and evaluate multiple knowledge translation strategies associated with complex best practice guidelines in clinical practice.