Abstract
AIM: To evaluate healthcare professionals' perspectives on factors that lead to success in the implementation of strategies to strengthen evidence-based surgical nursing care. DESIGN: A qualitative study design with focus group interviews, according to Krueger and Casey in a surgical department at a university hospital in Sweden. METHODS: Four focus groups were conducted with 18 participants, including specialist nurses in surgical care, registered nurses and assistant nurses. Data were collected in February-March 2024. A semi-structured interview guide was used, and data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Three themes with seven subthemes were developed to capture the evaluation of health care professionals' perspectives of the implementation strategies to strengthen evidence-based surgical nursing care. The themes were (1) Roles and leadership, (2) Engagement in the implementation, and (3) Facilitators and barriers to implementation. The implementation has meant the transition from theory to practice and integrating new routines into the surgical department. It was a learning process where the health care professionals needed to familiarise themselves with new concepts and working methods. The positive outcome of the project and support from the nursing leadership were important facilitators in the implementation process. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of new ways of working was a complex process with both resistance and learning, but it ultimately led to positive changes in the surgical care environment. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND IMPACT: The project has entailed that specialist nurses in surgical care have increased nursing power in the department and extended responsibilities. Support from the head of the department and the management team has been crucial to being able to carry out the project, and the implementation of activities in small steps has been successful. REPORTING METHOD: Adhered to the SRQR guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.