Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been identified as a national priority for creating a quality health care system (IOM, 2001) and a core competency required for all health care professionals in the 21st century (IOM, 2003; NACNEP, 2008). In an effort to accelerate research translation, Massachusetts General Hospital applied to the Division of Nursing, Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services and received funding under D11HP14632 for the project, Retooling for Evidence-Based Practice (2009-2012). The work of the grant during the three-year funded period is to spread a common language for evidence-based practice through the adoption of the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice for Quality Outcomes.

In addition to providing widespread education and support for evidence-based projects, we have developed over 50 evidence-based practice mentors who are leading projects and serving as resources on collaborative governance committees. Embedding the experts into decision-making entities ensures that all decisions are based upon the best evidence--broadly defined as research evidence, nursing theory and knowledge--that leads to high quality outcomes--safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable.