Disseminating Evidence-Based Practice Projects: Poster Design and Evaluation

Abstract

The international emphasis on evidence-based practice (EBP) as a basis for quality care has elevated the importance of EBP dissemination. The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree has created opportunities for nurses to implement EBP projects in collaboration with academic and clinical teams. Findings from such innovative efforts ought to be widely distributed, yet such projects have unique dissemination needs that are not readily met by traditional research-based presentation venues. Current literature focuses on presentation approaches for research-based poster content and evaluation rather than EBP posters. To facilitate timely and quality dissemination of EBP projects, there is a need for clear criteria identifying the essential information to be shared, how to share it effectively, and how to evaluate the end product. Thus far, the challenge to better accommodate EBP poster presentations has been unmet. The purposes of this article are to provide suggestions for EBP poster creation and to describe the process of developing a Poster Evaluation Rubric for Evidence-Based Practice (PER-EBP). The PER-EBP tool, developed by the authors, provides a guide for EBP poster creation and criteria for EBP poster evaluation by self and others. Examples of an EBP literature review and a DNP student poster are provided.