Academic-Practice Partnerships: A Win-Win

Abstract

Partnerships between academia and practice can lead to improved patient care and health system innovations. Nurse educators in both academia and practice are positioned to facilitate opportunities for students and practicing nurses to be involved in evidence-based practice (EBP) care initiatives involving academic-health care partners in clinical and/or community-based systems. Best practices in collaborative partnerships have demonstrated the significance of their far-reaching impact on patients, students, direct care nurses, and health systems. Translation of EBP knowledge to practice transforms patient outcomes and empowers nurses to address the complexity of health care systems. This article describes the process and outcomes of an academic-practice partnership facilitated by nurse educators in both academic and practice settings. The impact of the adoption of EBP projects on clinical practice, students, and practicing nurses is described. National and international implications for academic- practice partnerships are discussed. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(6):282-288.].