114 4.4 Key Points

Key Takeaways

• Evidence-based practice includes use of current & best evidence, clinical expertise, effective & safe evidence-based interventions or programs & Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)
• NPs play an important role in implementing evidence into LTC practice and can reduce the knowledge–practice gap
• NPs impact LTC practice including provision of quality resident-centred care in the LTC setting, improving access to care, optimizing health system resources & supports and reducing ED visits & hospital admissions
• Quality improvement (QI) is a systematic, iterative approach involving analyzing performance & efforts to improve performance
• Key elements of QI involve team engagement, data collection & analysis while identifying areas for improvement
• The PEPPA framework was reviewed and its use to increase understanding of the APN role & optimal use of APN expertise
• Evaluation and performance measurement of NP practice are important processes to evaluate the NP role, impact on care and support future role enhancement and funding