Evidence-based practice and clinical work assessment.

Abstract

Despite the growing emphasis for evidence-based practice, there are barriers to adopting this paradigm. These include (1) the lack of consistent method to measure clinical work, (2) task orientation in current measurement methods, and (3) a lack of awareness among staff nurses about evidence-based practice. In addition, clinical unit cultures are perceived as barriers and often described as cultures of "habit and opinion." Three conceptual models are discussed as a method to assist clinicians in conducting an evidenced-based clinical work assessment to advance evidence-based practice.