Evidence-based practice and perioperative nursing.

The implementation of evidence-based practice in perioperative nursing holds promise of improving quality of care and client outcomes. Several factors within health care have precipitated an emphasis on evidence-based practice. The use of research results in clinical decisions is recommended as the basis of nursing practice of the future. To assist with development of evidence-based practice in nursing, basic steps of the process are presented. In addition, strategies for locating existing evidence-based practice guidelines and resources are described. Perioperative nurse researchers and practice leaders should move this issue into a top priority for the specialty.