The Impact of the Evidence‐Based Practice Mentor on Nurses: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Background

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an approach that integrates the best evidence from research. It combines four concepts: patient preferences and values, clinical expertise, available resources, and the best evidence. Models exist and allow for its implementation, and the mentor appears as a facilitator.

Objectives

To explore the mentor's role and its impact on nursing staff.

Methods

Inclusion criteria included sources that report clinical setting, EBP context, nurse, mentor, and related terms. We searched for published and unpublished studies and reports without any language and date limit. The search was conducted on January 25, 2024. Databases searched included MEDLINE, CINAHL, COCHRANE Library, Embase, Emcare, Google Scholar, Web of science, JBI EBP Database, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. The search strategy identified a total of 3195 studies and reports. The relevant data were extracted by two reviewers as recommended by the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis.

Results

Seventy studies and reports were included in this scoping review. The mentors are mostly advanced practice nurses (APNs) who have completed EBP training. Mentorship programs aim to instill a spirit of inquiry and improve EBP skills of future mentors. As interprofessionality appears as a facilitator, a lack of time and resources is the main barrier. Mentors help teams improve their research skills in different ways to develop a research culture in a sustainable way and significantly improve beliefs and implementation.

Linking Evidence to Action

This study demonstrated the interest of the mentor l working in interprofessionality while establishing a close link between the clinical environment and the university to combine the skills and resources of the two fields. The implementation of a mentoring program appears to be a necessity to train nurses in EBP daily. An investment in mentoring makes it possible to improve the quality of care, but also the quality of the work environment. APNs and managers must take on this leadership role to drive this culture of research and practice improvement. Managers must free up time for mentors in order to be able to support and carry out EBP projects. As mentors, they are expected to communicate about ongoing research projects, whether through conferences, congresses, informal, or formal meetings.