Evidence-based policy in the new organizational paradigm part 1.

Wright State University, Dayton, OHThe Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPAC;Public Law. No. 111-148) addresses the need for the use ofscientific evidence within health care initiatives. Integrationof evidence can be complex and involve multiple systemsfor successful application of evidence-based decisionmaking. As pediatric health care professionals begin tounderstand how the PPAC will impact the care we provideto our patients and families, it is essential that nurses areaware of the issues and possible implications to clinicalpractice. In this initial article, definitions and relationshipsbetween evidence-based practice (EBP), public policy, andthe new organizational paradigm will be explored. Inaddition, issues and barriers relevant and critical to evidenceuse within health care organizations are addressed. In asubsequent article, strategies for facilitating changes inorganizational and individual nurse behaviors toward acontext of EBP will be discussed.