The Importance Of Knowledge Assessment

based on evidence. Competence provides the underpinning to offer educational programs and conduct subsequent knowledge assessment related to utilization of an EBP framework (Porter-O’Grady, 2008).

Table (3-1): Accountability Elements

* Autonomy—The right to decide/act

* Authority—The power to decide/act

* Competence—The knowledge to decide/act

Tim Porter-O’Grady Associates, Inc. (2009).

We state that clinicians are responsible for decisions associated with six practice domains and that these decisions are to be based upon the most recent evidence (see Table 3-2). Responses can reveal staff’s perceptions of their involvement at both organizational and department levels; the latter offers feedback to the respective nurse manager about strategies

Quality indicators at the macro level often look at an overall rate or incidence, while the micro or unit level reflect the processes associated with the overall indicator. A macro level quality indicator in both inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings is falls. Preventing falls is complex and multi-faceted, with evidence for fall prevention

becoming plentiful and overwhelming. Yet, organizations have been challenged to eliminate this costly event. Monitoring of this complex quality indicator is best accomplished through a process of establishing a guideline for your defined healthcare setting that has an evidence base to which the staff will be held accountable. Break the guideline into its constituent elements of assessment and interventions and begin working on the most challenging element. Empower staff to provide input and engage them in measurement. At the unit level, a visual monitoring board can be used to post metrics, keeping the staff focused on the outcome, and adherence to the fall prevention guidelines. Peer support, empowerment, and process accountability equate to success with clinical quality (Williams,

Is the organizational communication style oral or written? Do employees receive information via word of mouth or through formal methods such as staff meetings, newsletters, or email? An understanding of how clinicians communicate with other clinicians and receive information is a crucial first step in the assessment of EBP opportunities within the organization. Incorporating EBP into existing communication channels is vital to the success of EBP implementation. The multichannel, multidirectional communication as key to the integration of EBP within an organization. Leaders should take advantage of every opportunity to discuss EBP through written and verbal communication wherever clinicians are gathered (Crow, 2006).

A suggestion box in the clinical departments provides the basis for the newsletter. Timely inclusion of the ideas in the suggestion box is essential to engage clinicians in the process. Organizations with access to the Internet, an intranet, or email can utilize these communication methods for EBP. Internal resources can be developed (Granger, 2008).

Linkages with other organizational departments and