Gulzar Malik1, Lisa McKenna2, Virginia Plummer3. 1. a School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences , Monash University , 35 Rainforest Walk, Wellington Road, Clayton , VIC 3800 , Australia. 2. b School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences , Monash University , 10 Chancellors Walk, Wellington Road, Clayton , VIC 3800 , Australia. 3. c School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences , Monash University and Peninsula Health , Building E, McMahons Road, , PO Box 527, Frankston 3199 , Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is a major initiative within health care settings to ensure clinical and policy decisions incorporate best available evidence. AIMS: This paper reports findings from a descriptive study exploring nurse educators', clinical coaches' and nurse specialists' perceptions of factors associated with using EBP. METHODS: Data was collected from a senior group of nurses working in a tertiary health care network in Victoria, Australia by employing a questionnaire that was distributed to a total of 435 people, of whom 135 responded. DATA ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics for each questionnaire item were determined using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17). Thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative part of the questionnaire. Results Findings revealed that organisational support, sufficient resources, and access to continuing education were perceived as factors promoting acceptance of EBP. Barriers to such acceptance in health care settings were identified as lack of knowledge and skills, poor time allowance, limited support, and insufficient resources. CONCLUSION: The reported findings create evidence-based information for organisational strategic planning. Organisations need to develop educational programs to promote EBP and employ strategies to overcome barriers to implementation.
BACKGROUND: Implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is a major initiative within health care settings to ensure clinical and policy decisions incorporate best available evidence. AIMS: This paper reports findings from a descriptive study exploring nurse educators', clinical coaches' and nurse specialists' perceptions of factors associated with using EBP. METHODS: Data was collected from a senior group of nurses working in a tertiary health care network in Victoria, Australia by employing a questionnaire that was distributed to a total of 435 people, of whom 135 responded. DATA ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics for each questionnaire item were determined using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17). Thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative part of the questionnaire. Results Findings revealed that organisational support, sufficient resources, and access to continuing education were perceived as factors promoting acceptance of EBP. Barriers to such acceptance in health care settings were identified as lack of knowledge and skills, poor time allowance, limited support, and insufficient resources. CONCLUSION: The reported findings create evidence-based information for organisational strategic planning. Organisations need to develop educational programs to promote EBP and employ strategies to overcome barriers to implementation.