A Five-Step Evidence-Based Practice Primer for Perioperative RNs

Perioperative nurses work in one of the most complex healthcare settings and must adapt to rapid advances in technology, treatments, and scientific discoveries to maintain clinical competence and provide care that reflects current evidence. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a standard of professional nursing performance and an expectation of professional nursing practice. Because EBP is foundational to health care quality and safety, perioperative nurses must understand the concepts of EBP and have the capacity to apply evidence to their clinical practice. However, some perioperative nurses struggle with EBP concepts and find it difficult to access, appraise, and apply evidence. In this article, we describe the five-step EBP process and provide valuable insights into EBP for perioperative RNs.