Challenging Barriers: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) Clinical Practice Guidelines and Organizational Change

Abstract

Introduction: over the past four decades, hospitals have faced transformations in funding and management to address growing healthcare demands. The implementation of evidence-based practices, such as the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) clinical guidelines and the Best Practice Spotlight Organisations (BPSO®) programme, is crucial to improve the quality of care. The collaboration between the RNAO and the Ministry of Health (MINSAL) in Chile highlights the importance of innovation and excellence in healthcare. Aim: describe the relevance of RNAO guidelines, barriers to their implementation and the role of nursing through a narrative review of the literature. Development: implementation of BPSO® has demonstrated substantial improvements, including significant increases in patient risk identification and management. However, implementation of the RNAO Good Practice Guidelines (GBP) faces challenges, such as political, organisational and professional barriers. Implementation science is crucial to address these by designing strategies that drive evidence-based quality of care. Conclusion: in summary, the implementation of evidence-based practices, such as the RNAO GBP, represents an organisational change supported by programmes such as BPSO® that have improved care. It is essential to identify barriers, especially in nursing, in order to overcome obstacles and ensure the active participation of professionals in the continuous improvement of the quality of health care. © 2024; Los autores.