Evidence-Based Practice: The Scholarship Behind the Practice

Chapter 12 in DNP Education, Practice, and Policy, 2nd Edition Mastering the DNP Essentials for Advanced Nursing Practice, edited by Stephanie W. Ahmed, Linda C. Andrist, Sheila M. Davis, and Valerie J. Fuller. Chapter description: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the cornerstone of the doctor of nursing practice’s (DNP’s) role. It represents the practitioners’ commitment to use all means possible to locate the best (most effective) evidence for any given problem and at all points of planning and contact with clients. There are currently over 303 DNP programs nationwide with another 124 programs in the planning stages. With this meteoric rise in programs, it is essential that educational curriculums support DNP students to become EBP leaders and provide the knowledge and skill set needed to translate evidence into practice. EBP is a process that enables clinicians to seek out best practices and determine if and how these practices can be incorporated into patient care. The DNP-prepared nurse is uniquely prepared to synthesize clinical expertise with EBP to improve patient outcomes, provide clinical leadership, and transform healthcare. Book description: This book serves as a guide for students as well as Doctors of nursing practice (DNP) engaged in advance practice in the following specialty areas: leadership, policy, and information technology. The book is organized into five sections comprising 18 chapters. The first section retraces the rich history of advanced nursing practice. It further addresses the evolution of the DNP in the context of contemporary healthcare challenges and culminates in a discussion of how the DNP can influence the essential changes identified in The Future of Nursing reports. Section II takes the reader through the process of clinical scholarship, beginning with the definition of clinical scholarship and the evolution of students into scholars. Section III explores the application of the DNP essential, the role and continual evolution of the nursing profession. It gives concrete guidance on how to gain valuable leadership experience in the clinical setting and discusses the unique skill set needed for the advanced practice registered nurse and executive nurse leader. Section IV highlights three important essentials of the DNP curriculum: evidence-based practice, health information technology, and outcomes measurement. The final section addresses policy, politics, and the DNP. With the advent of the degree, national organizations and nursing leaders were engaged in discussion and the objectives for the practice doctorate defined. The book discusses the importance of developing a community for DNPs as a place to connect within the discipline. Healthcare economics and health reform unquestioningly represent both obstacles and opportunities for nurses engaged in advanced practice. Finally, the book culminates in a discussion around the need for global nursing leadership and the DNP.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/facbooks/1544/thumbnail.jp