Nursing Implementation Science: How Evidence‐Based Nursing Requires Evidence‐Based Implementation

Purpose: Evidence is not always used in practice, and many examples of problematic implementation of research into practice exist. The aim of this paper is to provide an introduction and overview of current developments in implementation science and to apply these to nursing. Methods: We discuss a framework for implementation, describe common implementation determinants, and provide a rationale for choosing implementation strategies using the available evidence from nursing research and general health services research. Findings: Common determinants for implementation relate to knowledge, cognitions, attitudes, routines, social influence, organization, and resources. Determinants are often specific for innovation, context, and target groups. Strategies focused on individual professionals and voluntary approaches currently dominate implementation research. Strategies such as reminders, decision support, use of information and communication technology (ICT), rewards, and combined strategies are often effective in encouraging implementation of evidence and innovations. Linking determinants to theory‐based strategies, however, can facilitate op