Aim: the purpose of this review is to identify and appraise the available literature on Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) implementation.
Methodological culture to introduce evidence into clinical practice is not standard. Dissemination of CPGs and passive training are the most used yet insufficient strategies.
CPGs implementation is a holistic process requiring accurate planning, enthusiasm and an implementation plan that facilitates local adaptation and evaluation. Nursing managers should participate in organizing implementation. Most barriers and facilitators are related to health professionals and to the social and organizational context.
Methods: a systematic search of online search engines MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CUIDEN and CPGs development and clearinghouses was conducted.
Results: of the 284 records identified by the search engines, only 20 were relevant. Additionally, 9 registers on implementation were retrieved from development and clearinghouses. A dynamic and particular implementation plan, organizational involvement, a multidisciplinary implementing team and local adaptation are crucial elements for successful implementation.
Conclusions: the quality and number of studies found in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were similar. The information from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), the Guidelines International Network (GIN) and GuíaSalud stands out for its quality. The relationship between evidence, context and facilitation should be strengthened. There are no unique formulas to develop an implementation process.