Mary Jane Linton1, Marilyn A Prasun. 1. School of Nursing, Millikin University, 1184 W. Main, Decatur, IL 62522, USA. mlinton@millikin.edu
Abstract
AIM: To examine practicing nurses' attitudes and knowledge of evidence-based practice. BACKGROUND: Health care providers acknowledge that health care decisions should be grounded in current evidence. Limited evidence documents practicing nurses' attitudes and knowledge regarding evidence-based practice. METHODS: A descriptive survey was administered to 286 practicing nurses. Demographics of educational preparation, area of practice, years in practice, age and gender were collected. RESULTS: The largest number of respondents held an associate degree (30.6%) or baccalaureate degree (29.5%). Thirty-seven per cent reported over 15 years experience in nursing. Forty-three percent reported 61-100% of their practice was evidence based. Fifty percent reported an ability to determine the validity of evidence, and 58% rated an ability to apply findings to individual cases positively. Administrative support of evidence-based practice was reported by only 5.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses voiced agreement that their practice was evidence-based; however, they reported only an average ability to retrieve or critically analyse evidence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The findings support the need for an educational intervention for practicing nurses regarding evidence-based practice. Role modelling and collaboration of nurse managers and educators will promote transition of evidence into clinical practice.
AIM: To examine practicing nurses' attitudes and knowledge of evidence-based practice. BACKGROUND: Health care providers acknowledge that health care decisions should be grounded in current evidence. Limited evidence documents practicing nurses' attitudes and knowledge regarding evidence-based practice. METHODS: A descriptive survey was administered to 286 practicing nurses. Demographics of educational preparation, area of practice, years in practice, age and gender were collected. RESULTS: The largest number of respondents held an associate degree (30.6%) or baccalaureate degree (29.5%). Thirty-seven per cent reported over 15 years experience in nursing. Forty-three percent reported 61-100% of their practice was evidence based. Fifty percent reported an ability to determine the validity of evidence, and 58% rated an ability to apply findings to individual cases positively. Administrative support of evidence-based practice was reported by only 5.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses voiced agreement that their practice was evidence-based; however, they reported only an average ability to retrieve or critically analyse evidence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The findings support the need for an educational intervention for practicing nurses regarding evidence-based practice. Role modelling and collaboration of nurse managers and educators will promote transition of evidence into clinical practice.