Section Three: Methods

1. Recommendations for implementation of practice change

Use the synthesis tables of evidence to develop the practice change plan.  In narrative form, state the practice change plan developed from the evidence- based recommendations.

2. Plan for implementation of the EBP practice change

This is where you will lay out – in detail – your implementation strategy. What do you propose as effective strategies to promote behavior change and implementation of evidence? How will it be carried out in the allotted time? What is the role of your clinical agency?

  1. Identify specific evidence-based practice model for implementation/dissemination of the project (e.g., Iowa, Rogers, Johns Hopkins, ACE Star) with supporting statements related to selection of particular model
  2. Sample/Practice Setting/Clinical Context Description/Patient Preferences/Values
    1. Identify and describe the sample and Approximately what size is the patient population you will be using? (Type of facility, number of beds, setting where the project will be implemented, type of patients seen in this setting, rational for selecting this setting).
    2. How does this patient population and unit/department/setting compare with those described in the literature?
    3. Describe the process in the selection of a particular unit/department/setting (as needed). Include a copy of your educational/information process or procedure and/or materials e. flyers, educational materials, new EBP protocols in the appendix (also needed for IRB approval, if applicable).
    4. Identify the patient population including preferences and overall values.
  3. Identify the organization’s readiness for change.
    1. Include a summary of the organization’s readiness for change and for EBP.
  4. Construct a summary of the plan for implementation of the EBP practice change according to the guidelines established by DiCenso, Guyatt, & Ciliska, 2005 and Melnyk & Fineout- Overholt, 2011 including:
    1. Potential barriers.
      1. Plan/strategy to address.
    2. Potential facilitators.
      1. Plan/strategy to engage
  5. Measurement methods/tools
    1. Outcome measurement: What indicators will you use to measure the success of implementing the innovation/change? Consider outcome measures such as “patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, provider satisfaction, access to care, resource allocation, and organization performance indicators” (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011, 226 – 237). Goode (2000) includes other outcomes: “…benchmarking data; cost effective analysis; quality improvement and risk data; international, national, and local standards; infection control data” (p. 223).
    2. Describe the instrument/measurements to be used to measure your variables/outcome measures (directly or as a proxy measure; how scored; limitations) and describe why this instrument/measure is appropriate.
    3. If using an established tool, identify the reliability and validity Describe what populations this tool has been used in and how that is different/similar to the population you plan to use it on. Provide an electronic copy of the instrument and permission for use (if not public domain) in your appendix.
  6. Data collection process and logistics
    1. Identify who will collect data and how they will be If more than one person is collecting data, discuss how you will determine inter-rater reliability.
    2. Describe the process of data collection (e.g. access to data, privacy provision, administration of the tool, any anticipated barriers to data collection).
    3. Identify the time frame for data collection (e.g., before you implement the change, how long you will wait before you re-measure.
  7. Plan for data analysis
    1. If using quantitative data, describe how statistical procedures or other procedures will be utilized and why they are appropriate (what level of data will the tool yield)?
    2. If using qualitative approach, describe the qualitative process that will be used to analyze the data.
    3. Describe the how you will prepare the data for analysis (i.e., who will enter data? Into what computer? Will there be double entry of data to insure no mistakes?, who will transcribe narrative?, How have these individuals been trained?, who is the statistical consultant for the project if needed?).
  8. Practice model use analysis
    1. Describe how you followed the steps/model for using an evidence based practice model for implementation/dissemination of the project (e.g., Iowa, Rogers, Johns Hopkins, ACE Star)
  9. Proposed budget, time, and resources plan
    1. Provide a budget This will help you think through the resources needed. If you plan on applying for a grant. Think about who will finance each aspect of the project. If you are the only financial support, you will have to manage the project accordingly.  If you plan on a grant application, include details.
    2. Provide a timeline for implementation of the plan (2-semester grid). This might change as you progress with the Usually every step takes longer than you anticipate. Be prepared to alter your plans if needed.
    3. Identify resources available and/or needed (e.g., information technology, data bases, personnel, statistician, settings).
    4. Identify deficiencies and how to alleviate those to achieve this plan (what you do not have and how you might get it; skills you may need to develop; consultants you may need to secure).