Nurses' perceptions about Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is widely recognized as a key component in improving healthcare quality and patient outcomes. However, despite its benefits, EBP is often underutilized in clinical settings. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, frequency of implementation, and perceived barriers to EBP among nurses in a healthcare institution.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among a sample of nursing staff, including Staff Nurses, Charge Nurses, and Unit Managers. Participants completed a structured questionnaire comprising demographic items, Likert-scale questions assessing self-rated EBP knowledge, perceived importance, confidence in application, frequency of use, and a list of potential barriers. The survey also included an open-ended question to gather qualitative data on perceived benefits of EBP. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and response data. A chi-square test was performed to determine any statistical association between reported barriers and frequency of EBP implementation.
Results: The majority of respondents were Staff Nurses with a BScN degree and more than 10 years of clinical experience. Most participants rated their EBP knowledge as “Good” or “Fair” and viewed EBP as “Very Important” in clinical practice. Confidence in applying EBP was generally high, with most respondents reporting they felt “Somewhat Confident” or “Very Confident.” However, EBP was implemented only “Sometimes” or “Often,” and few nurses reported using it consistently (“Always”).
Key barriers to EBP implementation included “Lack of Time,” “Insufficient Resources,” and “Lack of Training.” A chi-square analysis revealed no statistically significant association between the type of barrier reported and the frequency of EBP implementation (χ² = 11.33, p = 0.79), indicating that barriers were pervasive across all implementation levels.
Qualitative responses emphasized improved “Patient Outcomes” as the most common benefit of EBP, followed by themes such as “Quality of Care,” “Updated Practice,” and “Professional Growth.”
Conclusion: While nurses in this study demonstrated positive attitudes and moderate confidence toward EBP, consistent implementation remains limited due to systemic barriers. Addressing these challenges through institutional support, enhanced training opportunities, and resource provision is essential to close the gap between knowledge and practice. The findings underscore the importance of developing targeted strategies that facilitate the integration of EBP into routine nursing care.

Evidence-Based Practice, Nursing, Barriers, Implementation, Knowledge, Attitudes, Patient Outcomes, Professional Development

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