Staff perceptions of innovative practice change in cardiac care: A case study

Health care is a dynamic environment where change is constant; however, nurses continue to struggle with innovative or evidence-based practice change. This is a critical case study of nursing staff perceptions of evidence-based innovative practice change for acute myocardial infarction patients. This study analyzes and evaluates staff perceptions of change and applies adult learning and change theories. Adult learning theory suggests empowerment, autonomy, collaboration, and transformative learning are the most effective methods for changing adult knowledge, beliefs, values, and behaviors. Selecting the most appropriate change model which incorporates collaboration, empowerment, and participation may be the most effective way to promote adoption. Conclusions: Nurses place a high value on quality of patient care, which directly influences potential adopters in fully adopting an innovation. Staff nurses' perceptions of an innovative practice change may improve with an effective two way communication system, increased perception of nursing participation, and empowering nurses to make decisions regarding innovative practice change and communicating nursing involvement from initial problem identification to evaluation. Early barrier identification and reduction is also necessary in a successful evidence-based practice change.