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.

SETTING AND SAMPLE: The study was conducted at a 341-bed acute care hospital in the western region of the United States. The sample consisted of 58 interprofessional healthcare professionals.

METHODS: The ARCC Model was implemented in a sequential format over 12 months with the key strategy of preparing a critical mass of EBP mentors for the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals' EBP beliefs, EBP implementation, and organizational culture were measured with valid and reliable instruments. Patient outcomes were collected in aggregate from the hospital's medical records.

RESULTS: Findings indicated significant increases in clinicians' EBP beliefs and EBP implementation along with positive movement toward an organizational EBP culture. Study findings also indicated substantial improvements in several patient outcomes.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Implementation of the ARCC Model in healthcare systems can enhance clinicians' beliefs and implementation of evidence-based care, improve patient outcomes, and move organizational culture toward EBP.