Evaluating factors associated with implementing evidence-based practice in nursing

Rationale, aims and objectives Evidence-based practice (EBP) has emerged as an innovation for quality improvement in health care. Nurses have important role in implementing EBP but they face many challenges in this context. Evaluation of factors influencing implementation of EBP seems necessary. The aims of this study were to examine nurses' attitude towards EBP, their self-efficacy and training needs, as well as supporting factors and barriers for implementing EBP. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 182 nurses from four teaching hospitals in Kerman, Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of two main sections; a section to collect socio-demographic information of participants and a section collecting information on five topics (staff's attitude, self-efficacy skills of EBP, supporting factors, barriers and training needs for implementing EBP). Results The majority (87.4%) of the nurses had not attended any formal training on EBP and 60% of them were not familiar with the concept of EBP. Nurses' attitude towards EBP was unfavourable (2.57 +/- 0.99) and their self-efficacy skills of EBP were poor (2.93 +/- 1.06). The most important supporting factor was mentoring by nurses who have adequate EBP experience (3.65 +/- 1.17) and the biggest barrier was difficulty judging the quality of research papers and reports (2.46 +/- 0.95). There was a moderate demand for training in all areas of EBP (3.62 +/- 1.12). Conclusions Nursing care needs to move towards quality improvement using EBP. It is necessary to equip nurses with knowledge and skills required for EBP. Managers should design an appropriate strategic plan by considering supporting factors and barriers for integrating EBP into clinical setting.