It's time for healthcare organizations to recognize and harness the library's potential as a catalyst for evidence-based practice, innovation, and excellence in patient care.
The phrase "evidence-based practice" (EBP) has become a hallmark of excellence in healthcare. Yet, for many organizations, turning EBP from theory into actionable practice remains a challenge. Bridging this gap often requires more than just knowledge — it demands the right processes, tools, and leadership support. Enter Ovid® Synthesis, a web-based workflow solution that is revolutionizing how health systems undertake EBP, quality improvement (QI), and research initiatives.
This article, originally published in the Journal for Nurses in Professional Development (JNPD), dives deep into how Ovid Synthesis addresses the core barriers limiting the adoption and efficacy of EBP and quantifies its impact based on insights from 18 health system leaders. We explore actionable strategies for healthcare professionals, nurses, and clinical administrators to close the theory-to-practice gap and achieve measurable improvements in patient outcomes, team collaboration, and operational efficiency.
Understanding the challenges of EBP implementation
EBP, QI, and research are critical methodologies for advancing patient care. They underpin key healthcare designations, like Magnet® Recognition status, and provide a foundation for ensuring the latest evidence improves patient outcomes. However, many organizations struggle to implement these methodologies effectively.
Common barriers include:
- Lack of collaboration: Teams often work in silos, missing opportunities for interdisciplinary communication.
- Leadership gaps: Insufficient guidance from nursing leaders leads to inconsistencies in project workflows.
- Disjointed processes: Without standardized EBP models, efforts can feel fragmented and inefficient.
Research has shown that even with robust educational initiatives, many clinicians fail to sustain effective EBP practices without hands-on support, shared infrastructure, and culturally embedded processes.
The game-changer: Ovid Synthesis
Ovid Synthesis was purpose-built to address these challenges. Its intuitive, web-based interface helps health systems overcome bottlenecks by streamlining processes, fostering collaboration, and reducing administrative burdens. It offers standardized workflows, seamless integration across teams, and tools to measure impact, including ROI.
Here's what sets Ovid Synthesis apart:
- Standardized EBP workflows: Pre-designed templates ensure teams follow best practices, enhancing consistency and reducing variability.
- Collaboration tools: Real-time collaboration promotes teamwork across departments and disciplines.
- Dissemination support: Export-friendly reports and posters make it easy to share project results across the organization.
- Focus on ROI: Built-in tools help organizations quantify their investment in EBP, justifying the allocation of resources.
