DEPARTMENTS

BOOK REVIEW

Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and Guidelines

by Robin P. Newhouse, RN, PhD, CAN, CNOR; Sandra L. Dearholt, RN, MS; Stephanie S. Poe, RN, MScN; Linda C. Pugh, PhD, RNC, FAAN and Kathleen M. White, RN, PhD, CNAA, BC

Reviewed by John S. Murray

“Evidence-based practice is important to the safety of our patients, the development of our profession, and the education of our students.” So write Martha Hill, RN, PhD, FAAN, dean of The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, and Karen Haller, RN, PhD, FAAN, vice president for nursing and patient care services at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in the foreword to this book. 

Increasingly, delivery of high quality, safe and cost-effective health care is dependent on the strength of available scientific evidence. Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and Guidelines is a wonderful, collaborative effort between current and former nurses of The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and Hospital. This book demonstrates not only the importance of evidence-based practice, but also makes clear that, with the availability of requisite resources and organizational infrastructure, it is attainable.

The book is divided into six main sections. The first provides an overview, introducing the definition of evidence-based practice (EBP), its history, nursing’s role in EBP, as well as exemplars of translating research into practice. The second section pays considerable attention to The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based practice model and process overview. Engaging, practical and straightforward, it provides insight into how nurses with varying levels of academic preparation can successfully utilize the EBP process with appropriate guidance.

Section three, the largest segment, focuses in-depth on the EBP process, from identifying clinical practice questions and discovering evidence to evaluating the scientific evidence—both research and non-research—for transferability to clinical practice. Considerable attention has been paid to the overall format and structure of the book but this section is especially helpful. Not only does it provide step-by-step systematic guidance on the EBP process, but to illustrate the concepts that are discussed, includes myriad examples. This approach engages the reader through all steps of the process.

In section four, the authors describe the critical elements needed to ensure a supportive environment for EBP. Examples of mission statements utilized at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, excerpts from nursing position descriptions, communication plans and strategies for developing and mentoring staff are effectively used to enhance points made in the text.

Finally, in sections five and six, the authors provide several examples of EBP projects at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, such as nursing strategies to decrease patient physical and verbal violence, and appendices that include several of the tools discussed throughout the book. The authors also provide information on locating the most current tools being utilized at Johns Hopkins. Many of the chapters in the aforementioned sections also include a summary and/or recommendations for nurse leaders that are invaluable.

For health care professionals and researchers who yearn to learn more about evidence-based practice and improve their ability to use EBP, this book provides an abundance of valuable information. It is a powerful teaching tool that can be used to help health care professionals and organizations move toward effective application of evidence-based practice. RNL

Colonel John S. Murray, RN, PhD, CPNP, CS, FAAN, is director of education, training and research for the Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical Command, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. He is also a past consultant to the Surgeon General for Research (2004-07), past member of the National Institute of Nursing Research National Advisory Council for Nursing Research (2005-08) and current research consultant to the International Council of Nurses.

For more information about Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and Guidelines, click here.