Developing an Evidence-Based Nursing Culture in Nursing Homes: An Action Research Study

Marleen H. Lovink, Frank Verbeek, Anke Persoon, Getty Huisman- de Waal, Marleen Smits, Miranda G. H. Laurant and Anneke J. van Vught
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Marleen H. Lovink: School of Health Studies, HAN University of Applied Sciences, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Frank Verbeek: School of Health Studies, HAN University of Applied Sciences, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Anke Persoon: Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Getty Huisman- de Waal: Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Marleen Smits: School of Health Studies, HAN University of Applied Sciences, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Miranda G. H. Laurant: School of Health Studies, HAN University of Applied Sciences, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Anneke J. van Vught: School of Health Studies, HAN University of Applied Sciences, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: Background: Nursing homes face challenges caused by increasing numbers of older adults with multimorbidity and the demand for quality of care. Developing an evidence-based nursing (EBN) culture is a promising strategy to face these challenges. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an EBN culture in nursing homes and gain insight into the influencing factors. Methods: An action research study was conducted with 12 nursing teams in 4 Dutch nursing homes, using the Practice Development approach to develop an EBN culture. The teams (mostly certified nurse assistants) were coached by internal facilitators (bachelor’s or master’s degree nurses) and external facilitators (nursing teachers). Data were gathered at baseline and after 15 months using questionnaires and individual and focus group interviews. Results: With varying degrees, most nursing teams implemented elements (related to values, attitudes, and behaviors) of an EBN culture with appropriate leadership, advocacy, and training. The team members became open to new insights and asked critical questions. During the project, participants learned how EBN could be incorporated into daily practice, for example, by keeping it small, discussing information from professional journals, and using creative methods such as quizzes. Influencing factors of an EBN culture were: (a) support of managers, (b) inspiring facilitators close to the team, and (c) stable teams with driving forces and student nurses. Conclusions: Integrating EBN into daily practice in creative and motivating ways contributes to the development of an EBN culture in nursing homes. To facilitate this, managers should support teams in the process and content of EBN, and internal facilitators should collaborate with driving forces on the teams.

Keywords: action research; evidence-based nursing; nursing home; nursing team; organizational change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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