Reynolds Publishes Article in Journal of Neuroscience Nursing

Staci Reynolds publishes article entitled "Implementation of a Stroke Competency Program to Improve Nurses' Knowledge of and Adherence to Stroke Guidelines" in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing. Co-authors included experts from Indiana University and University of Cincinnati.

Abstract: Nurses play an integral part in providing evidence-based care to patients with stroke, yet some patients receive unnecessary or even harmful care. The literature supports the use of multifaceted strategies to promote implementation of evidence-based practice; however, there is a gap in knowing which combinations of strategies are most successful. The purpose of this study was to determine if a tailored, multifaceted Stroke Competency Program would improve nurses’ knowledge of and adherence to evidence-based practices in the care of patients with stroke. This program bundled implementation strategies of local opinion leaders, printed educational materials, and educational outreach. Although the Stroke Competency Program improved nursing knowledge of and adherence to stroke guidelines, future research should seek to extend these findings to identify which bundle of strategies are most effective for implementing evidence into nursing practice using psychometrically sound outcome measures.