Nursing Practice
The field of public health nursing must establish itself on a foundation of evidence. Guidelines for public health practice are one means of accomplishing this objective. Guidelines for public health nurses (PHNs) on positive parenting and family violence prevention were created as part of the Minnesota Practice Enhancement Project (MPEP) using evidence-based methods. This study aimed to assess the dissemination and implementation of the MPEP guidelines through a survey of PHNs and telephone interviews with public health nursing directors. Most respondents agreed that the rules were substantial but listed many challenges to implementing them. Time constraints, the confusing organization of the guidelines, and competing agendas at their respective agencies all proved formidable obstacles. Nevertheless, the results matched those predicted by Rogers's Diffusion of Innovations hypothesis, which explains why certain people are more likely to accept new ideas and practices than others. Administrative support and framework to improve PHNs' intentional use of practice guidelines, a streamlined guideline format and mentorship in guideline use are all recommended for effective distribution.