Abstract: Objective: To improve the relevant procedures through the application of best evidence for prevention of exposed keratitis in patients with severe neurological diseases and to evaluate the effects of evidence application. Methods: The best evidence that prevented exposed keratitis in patients from severe neurological diseases application strategy was developed and implemented through baseline review and evaluation of clinical scenarios and barriers of evidence application, and various variables of patients, and knowledge, trust and practue level of medical staff before and after the evidence application. Results: After two rounds review, the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical staff on evidence-based prevention of exposed keratitis in patients with severe neurological disease was significantly improved (all P<0.05). The compliance of using 7 pieces of evidence was improved (all P<0.05). The incidence of exposed keratitis in patients with severe neurological disease was decreased (P=0.002). Conclusion: The best evidence for the prevention of exposed keratitis in patients with severe nerve disease can be applied to clinical practice. The evidence application can standardize the evidence-based nursing behavior of medical professionals, improve their compliance with evidence and the level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, and reduce the incidence of exposed keratitis in patients with severe nerve disease.

Key words: neurosurgery department; ICU; exposure keratitis; nursing; evidence-based practice