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Endorsement and Validation of the Essential Evidence‐Based Practice Competencies for Practicing Nurses in Finland: An Argument Delphi Study
Author(s) -
Saunders Hannele,
GallagherFord Lynn,
VehviläinenJulkunen Katri
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
worldviews on evidence‐based nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.052
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1741-6787
pISSN - 1545-102X
DOI - 10.1111/wvn.12377
Subject(s) - delphi method , delphi , evidence based practice , medical education , psychology , descriptive statistics , health care , best practice , nursing , medicine , computer science , political science , alternative medicine , statistics , mathematics , pathology , artificial intelligence , law , operating system
Objectives To explore nurses’ views and establish consensus on the key content of the essential evidence‐based practice ( EBP ) competencies developed by Melnyk et al. (2014, Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing , 11 , 5) for practicing registered nurses ( RN s) and advanced practice nurses ( APN s) among Finnish nurse panelists. Background Broad‐based integration of best evidence into daily practice is central to effectively improving care quality and patient outcomes. EBP competencies allow healthcare professionals and organizations to clarify performance expectations regarding EBP and succinctly outline the expected competencies for successful application of best evidence to daily care. Design A modified Policy Delphi study design. Methods The Delphi panel was conducted in late 2017 among 14 Finnish nurse clinicians, educators, and leaders with a special interest in EBP . The data were collected using an eD elphi Internet application and the Argument Delphi method, highlighting the panelists’ different perspectives. Standardized guidelines and descriptive statistics were used to translate the essential EBP competencies into Finnish and analyze the data. Results The Finnish Delphi panel endorsed and validated the essential EBP competencies for practicing RN s and APN s with a few minor modifications. Of the 13 essential EBP competencies for practicing RN s, consensus was established among the Delphi panelists over two rounds on all but one of the EBP competencies. Of the 11 additional essential EBP competencies for practicing APN s, consensus was established over two Delphi rounds on all the EBP competencies for APN s. Linking Evidence to Action As EBP is a shared competency and the key principles and steps of EBP implementation are universal, the international endorsement and validation of national consensus‐based, clinical practice‐oriented EBP competency sets establish an international quality standard for nurses to aspire to and attain on EBP and provide guidance for nurses in integrating best evidence into their daily practice, facilitating broad‐based, consistent implementation of EBP worldwide.