An important aspect of evidence-based practice is how it is spread or disseminated throughout an organization

An important aspect of evidence-based practice is how it is spread or disseminated throughout an organization.  According to Melynk, et al. (2018), changes to clinical practice are difficult.  The process of choosing how to spread new information throughout a health organization will determine how successful a new program or practice change will be.   Many methods have proven to be successful in disseminating and implementing change.  These methods include online (health stream) training, workshops, web-based resources, super users, etc. (Newhouse, et al., 2007).  Some of these strategies are more effective than others though. 

            The two most effective strategies in sharing new evidence-based clinical practice changes is through hands-on training and unit-based superusers or champions.  Both of these methods give end-users such as nurses the opportunity to be actively involved with learning, ask questions, and provide live feedback.  Also, the unit-based superusers/champions can provide continued education on the new initiative, answer developing questions, and help staff to overcome challenges.  When selecting superusers or champions, it is important to select those that are invested in the EBP culture or the organization will be faced with many barriers including an unwillingness to learn (Melynk, at al., 2011).  Other barriers that an organization might face include overall costs of implementation, ensuring staff attend any required education related to the practice change, and electing enough super-users to accommodate all staff. 

            The two must ineffective strategies in sharing new evidence-based clinical practice changes is through online learning (health stream) and email or flyer.  Neither of these methods are engaging to staff.  Although there is a higher probability that they will complete the required learning within a timely manner, they likely will not retain the information or understand the importance of the practice change.  Another downfall of these methods is that it does not provide end-users with adequate opportunities to ask questions or provide feedback. 

            In conclusion, an important aspect of implementing evidence-based clinical practice changes within a health organization is selecting the most effective way to share the information.  Many techniques are effective, but the most reliable methods are through workshops and the use of super-users.  Both methods give end-users the chances to ask questions, get hands-on experience, and to provide feedback.  The least effective strategies are through online training modules and emails or flyers as they are not engaging to staff.