Establishing an Empirically Based Psychiatric Nursing Practice in a Rapidly Changing Health Care Environment

Psychiatric services have shifted dramatically in the past decade, largely in response to economic sur vival. Services once delivered solely on an inpatient basis are now delivered through partial hospital ization and day treatment programs, intensive outpatient programs, and community-based centers. Few of these program changes, however, are developed on the basis of research or outcomes data, despite the embraced expectation for such data. This article argues the critical need for evidence-based prac tice and outlines steps for establishing a successful program of study. The authors share their experi ences and lessons learned in initiating a psychiatric outcomes program. Collaboration and use of advanced practice nurses are highlighted. (J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc [2000]. 6, 112-118.)