Of 15 factors and covariates that could influence completion of an AD, only receiving information about ADs, having positive attitudes toward ADs, and health literacy significantly affected the likelihood of participants completing ADs. More study is needed on this model and how nurses can assist patients with end-of-life decisions.

Ensuring use of best practices is crucially important in today's health care system. Nurses can identify research results that offer promising new treatment options for their patients and should have a plan for implementing research findings. The perioperative education coordinator at one facility identified the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis as a significant problem. She conducted a literature review, created an education program for nurses, and implemented an evidence-based practice change. This article describes the steps in this process. Now, patients at the facility consistently are assessed for deep vein thrombosis and receive appropriate preventive treatment.

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EVIDENCE-BASED NURSING PRACTICEincorporates the best research available with clinical expertise. It can be difficult, however, for nurses to integrate use of evidence into their everyday work. THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES an example of using research findings to implement best nursing practice for patients at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Remaining current on methods to prevent and treat VTE is essential for nurses throughout the hospital but is especially important in the perioperative environment. NURSES CAN USE THIS EXAMPLE as a basisfor establishing evidence-based practice in other patient care situations. AORN J 86 (October 2007) 590-602. © AORN, Inc, 2007. ABSTRACT 3.0 © AORN, Inc, 2007indicates that continuing education contact hours are available for this activity. Earn the contact hours by reading this article and taking the examination on pages 603-604 and then completing the answer sheet and learner evaluation on pages 605-606.You also may access this article online at http://www.aornjournal.org.