Doody's Review Service

Reviewer:	Tiffany Rose Kong, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, CNL, NPD-BC (Rush University Medical Center)

Description
This book offers a step-by-step guide to implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) in healthcare settings. It starts with clinical inquiry, progressing to evaluating current research, and then applying that research in practice to improve patient outcomes. The previous edition was published in 2021.

Purpose
The book's purpose is to promote improved interventions, patient care, and patient outcomes through the implementation of evidence-based practice projects. To support healthcare professionals, the book presents the content as an organized guide. These objectives are worthy as evidence-based practice is the foundation to improving the safety and quality of health care. It meets its goals by providing an easy-to-navigate framework that leads readers through each part of the process, making it an essential resource.

Audience
The book is written for nurses and other healthcare professionals seeking to make an impact on the patient populations they serve through evidence-based practice. The content is designed to be relevant across all specialty areas as evidence-based practice applies to any field involved in patient care from acute care to ambulatory settings. It meets the needs of its audience by presenting information in a clear, approachable manner that makes the EBP process inviting rather than overwhelming. The authors are credible authorities on the subject, each being experienced nurses with diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Their collective expertise has significantly advanced the field of evidence-based practice through the development of the widely adopted Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model, further establishing their authority and influence in healthcare improvement.

Features
Across its 13 chapters, the book thoroughly explores each phase of the evidence-based practice process, including developing the clinical question, evaluating the evidence, and applying the findings to clinical practice. Each chapter begins with its own objectives and key takeaways and always ends with a concise summary reinforcing understanding. This "chunk and check" approach helps readers retain the information in manageable sections. The book effectively balances text with tables, diagrams, and bullet points, keeping readers engaged. Intentional illustrations and callout boxes featuring practical examples further demonstrate the book's dedication to helping readers successfully integrate EBP into their daily practice and adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare. Additionally, there is a vast amount of references in each chapter as well as an index for quick reference and review. The best feature of the book is the Appendix section, which provides practical tools for every step of the EBP process that nurses and healthcare professionals can readily apply in clinical settings. Because EBP projects can often be daunting, these resources make the process approachable and well-organized. Since the book is so comprehensive, it leaves few, if any, shortcomings. However, because it focuses primarily on the Johns Hopkins EBP Model, it does not address other approaches or models of evidence-based practice.

Assessment
This book serves as an invaluable resource to its intended audience. The updated edition is justified as it introduces a fresh perspective on developing PICO questions and offers innovative approaches to evaluating and applying evidence. These revisions are particularly relevant in the current healthcare landscape where patients present with increasingly complex co-morbidities and the workforce faces ongoing challenges. The book clearly keeps the needs of bedside nurses in mind, especially those who may not have advanced research training, by remaining approachable and practical for all levels of clinicians. Compared to other evidence-based practice books such as *Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice*, 5th Edition, Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (Wolters Kluwer, 2023), this book stands out for its clarity and focus on the process and less on the teaching of EBP. While many comparable titles are written primarily for masters-prepared or doctoral-prepared practitioners and can be dense, this book empowers bedside nurses by presenting EBP in a more inclusive and easy-to-follow manner. Given its revisions, comprehensive tools, and reader-friendly approach, I highly recommend this book to any nurses or healthcare professionals interested in improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice. It is essential for those seeking to make meaningful changes within their own units or organizations, proving that impactful quality improvement begins with a question and can lead to lasting, system-wide improvements in patient care.