Translation of Evidence and Application

Post an explanation of the challenges and barriers to translating and applying evidence for
practice change in your target health care organization. Briefly explain your issue(s) of
concern and describe specific approaches for addressing these challenges. Explain how you
view your role as a DNP in creating a health care culture that promotes translation of
evidence for quality improvement and explain why. Then, recommend actions and
activities you could model and lead, including the EBP QI project, to advocate for quality
improvement and social change in nursing.
In most instances, the problem does not lie with collecting evidence required to
implement a practice change but overcoming individual and organizational barriers that often
impede the translation, extrapolation, and application of the collected evidence (White, Dudley-
Brown, & Tehaar, 2019). From a personal standpoint, I think the significant individual
challenges that might impede the implementation of the practice changes meant to alleviate
medication errors stem from staff resistance to change and a potential lack of adequate technical
skills and knowledge, especially as it relates to using information systems like CPOE
(computerized provider order entry) and EHRs (electronic health records). The first issue can be
addressed by identifying and educating potential non-compliant staffers about the benefits of the
practice changes. At the same time, the second challenge can be countered by familiarizing
members with the new technologies and process changes (Dang & Dearholt, 2018).
From the organization’s standpoint, potential implementation barriers might stem from a
lack of support, funds, and companywide structures (such as technologies) to roll out the process
change. This can be resolved by sourcing funds from external financiers and encouraging
shareholders to espouse the proposed solutions. Individuals leading the process change must

WEEK 11 DISCUSSION 3
brief shareholders and management using short presentations about the potential benefits of the
proposed changes and the consequences of neglecting them, both from a financial and human
resource angle.
Finally, as a DNP-prepared nurse, I view my role in creating a healthcare culture that
supports the translation of evidence for quality improvement as integral to the safety of patients
and the success of the organization in general. My opinion about my role is supported and
informed by competency III of the AACN’s “Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced
Nursing Practice,” which highlights the role of DNP nurses in ensuring accountability of patient
safety and quality care by creating unique interventions to complex issues in a clinical setting
using evidence from empirical research (Springer Publishing Company, n.d.). To reduce
medication errors, some of the actions and activities that I could potentially model and lead
include formulation of standard guidelines and procedures, education of staff members,
implementation of quality assurance prescribing protocols and interventions, and deployment of
flexible work schedules.

WEEK 11 DISCUSSION 4

References

Dang, D., & Dearholt, S. (2018). Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice: Model and
guidelines. Sigma Theta Tau International.
Springer Publishing Company. (n.d.). The Essentials of the DNP program.
http://www.dnpnursingsolutions.com/dnp-nursing-program-overview/dnp-program-
essentials/#element3
White, K. M., Dudley-Brown, S., & Tehaar, M. F. (2019). Translation of evidence into nursing
and healthcare. Springer Publishing Company, LLC.