Rachel Dicker

Despite the vast amount of information available to improve healthcare delivery, the majority of care that is delivered is not always developed through evidence-based practice or research methods. Challenges with evidence-based practice (EBP), research, and quality improvement (QI) include lack of experience by investigators, time pressures, insufficient resources, availability of mentors, and organizational support.

Lya M. Cartwright-Stroupe, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, is Director of Nursing Practice and Education at the West Virginia University Health System-WVU Medicine. As part of her work, she has led organizational initiatives that include a clinical program for professional excellence for direct care nurses, implementation of care plans, patient education, and a patient pain scale. She also serves on faculty in the West Virginia University Schools of Nursing and Medicine.

Jane Barnsteiner, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Editor of Research and QI for the American Journal of Nursing, and Professor Emerita, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing. Formerly, she was the Director of Nursing for Translational Research at the University of Pennsylvania Health System and served as Director of Nursing Practice and Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.