Evidence-based practices in Finland based on nurse professionals' descriptions

Aim: Evidence-based practices (EBPs) seek to promote the implementation of interventions that are effective, appropriate, feasible and meaningful for patients. The current demand for updated EBPs in Finland is shaped by national legislation. This study's aim was to describe nurses', nurse directors' and clinical nurse specialists' (CNSs') perceptions of how well EBPs are being implemented in nursing in Finland. Methods: In this quantitative descriptive study, the data were collected with an e-questionnaire distributed in Finland in 2017 and analysed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: A total of 1063 nurses and 340 nurse directors and CNSs participated. The majority of nurses (64%, n = 669) reported that evidence is not clearly used to develop clinical practices. Most nurses (67%, n = 702) and over half of nurse directors and CNSs (57%, n = 184) also observed that knowledge of evidence-based protocols is not widespread within their organizations. However, 39% of nurses (n = 407) and 53% of nurse directors and CNSs (n = 171) stated that they are developing EBPs. Conclusion: The results indicate that nurses need more support to implement EBPs.