In this digital age, information and news can be communicated throughout
the world in a matter of minutes (sometimes even in seconds!). For the U.S.
general public, the Internet has become the main source of information
about science and technology (National Science Board, 2012). Americans
rely equally on television and Internet for the answers. Thus, it raises the
question, Why does it take so long to disseminate research findings into
practice given the multitude of technologies available for use? Reliance on
traditional methods, such as presentations, posters, and papers, by healthcare
providers could be one barrier to dissemination. To address this barrier, the
use of more sophisticated communication technologies to reach a larger
audience is needed. For example, the Internet enables nurses to extend the
focus of EBP to include public policy and public health, and it provides
greater exploration, understanding, and management of EBP initiatives
(Paxton, 2013). Although using technology for dissemination sounds
easy, it requires much more than simply placing a resource on an Internet
site. Successful dissemination requires special skills researchers and clini-
cians typically do not possess. Therefore, collaborating with professionals
who have a strong understanding of advertising and the use of media and
websites is essential.
Nurses must capitalize on current and emerging technologies and their uses.
Whereas websites have become commonplace, many forms of media can be
used to engage individuals. Participatory media involving blogs, wikis, video
blogs, social networking sites, microblogging sites, podcasts, and mashups offer
various ways to engage others (Haigh & Costa, 2012). For example, Craig and
Wong (2013) found that students, using wiki technology for an assignment,
reported that the global nature of this technology enhanced their ability to
collaborate internationally. Another example is the use of online videos. One
well-known collection of videos is posted on the TED (Technology, Entertain-
ment, Design) website (Sugimoto & Thelwall, 2013). Social media networks,
such as Facebook and Twitter, provide the potential to facilitate dissemination
of evidence. For example, Harris (2013) found that social media networks
promoted effective dissemination of effective public health practice among
state health departments nationwide.
Electronic journals, as communication channels, are developing as new in-
formation platforms; however, promotional activities are essential to effective
use (Vasishta, 2013). Although library websites are the best way to promote
electronic journals, Vasishta found that most library websites fall short of
providing an effective platform for electronic journals. Because clinicians find
it difficult to access these resources, communication of new ideas is limited.
Until the visibility of electronic journals is increased, they will fail to reach
their potential audiences.506 CHAPTER 19 Sharing the Insights with Others