Evidence-based Practice Program

Evidence-based Practice Award

The first Evidence-based Practice Award was presented in 2008. This award was developed to recognize a nurse or nursing team that completes a project for the implementation of evidence-based practice in administration, education or clinical practice within the last year.  The 2011 recipients of the award are Cori Gibson, MSN, RN, CNL; Cheryl Kornburger, BSN, RN; and Sandra Sadowski, RN.  The title of their project was Promoting a safe Transition from Hospital to Home Using the "Teach-Back Process.

Their project examine the effect of an educaitonal intervention for nurses on the "teach-back" process. The "teach-back" process is a simple way for nurses to educate patients and their caregivers as well as verify understanding; correct inaccurate information; and reinforce new home care skills.  The project  was a descriptive pre/post test design that consisted of anonymous pre and post surveys and a 20 minute staff in-service.  The in-service utilized posters, videos, and role-playing of the "teach-back" process.

The surveys were compared and three main themes were identified: knowing, doing, and valuing. The first theme revealed an increased knowledge of health literacy and the "teach-back" process. The next theme identified a positive change in nurse behavior, culture, and practice. While the last theme, confirmed in written responses by nurses, acknowledged the value of using the "teach-back" process especially with regard to correcting medication errors.  This educational intervention improved nurses' use and understanding of the "teach-back" process while also empowering them to verify understanding, correct inaccurate information, and reinforce medication teaching and new home care skills with patients and families.

The fellows have presented their work at several conferences including the 7th Biennial Joanna Briggs International Colloquium, Pediatric Nursing Conference, SPN 21st Convention, 4th Annual Interdisciplinary Pediatric Behavioral Health Research Conference, 4th Biennial Wisconsin Health Literacy Summit, and the 13th Annual Building Bridges to Research Based Practice.