A Test of the ARCC© Model Improves Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare Culture, and Patient Outcomes.

Background: Although several models of evidence-based practice (EBP) exist, there is a paucity of studies that have been conducted to evaluate their implementation in healthcare settings.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Advancing Research and Clinical practice through close Collaboration (ARCC) Model on organizational culture, clinicians' EBP beliefs and EBP implementation, and patient outcomes at one healthcare system in the western United States.

Design: A pre-test, post-test longitudinal pre-experimental study was conducted with follow-up immediately following full implementation of the ARCC Model.

Correlates among cognitive beliefs, EBP implementation, organizational culture, cohesion and job satisfaction in evidence-based practice mentors from a community hospital system.

Evidence from research and outcomes management projects strongly supports the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) in improving quality of health care and patient outcomes as well as reducing hospital costs. In addition, published anecdotal reports have indicated that clinicians who use an evidence-based approach to care and practice in cultures that support EBP feel more empowered and satisfied in their roles. However, research is lacking that has specifically examined the relationships among beliefs about and implementation of EBP by hospital staff, organizational culture for EBP, group cohesion and job satisfaction.