Evidence-Based Psychiatric Nursing Practice: Rhetoric or Reality

Abstract

The most desirable basis to substantiate clinical practice is the evidence of well-established research findings. Developing evidence-based care involves defining the clinical question, finding the evidence, analyzing the evidence, using the evidence, and evaluating the outcome. Practice guidelines and clinical algorithms are useful tools for applying research findings in a practical way. Other mental health professionals are actively incorporating an evidence-based approach into their practice, training, and research activities. This article raises questions about whether psychiatric nursing has evidence-based models of care, is contributing to advancing knowledge related to the nature, process, and outcomes of psychiatric care, and is incorporating evidence-based psychiatric nursing care in its educational programs.