Relationship between evidence-based practice knowledge, skills, and implementation in subgroups of hospital nurses

While nurses' evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge and skills are critical for its implementation, various factors may act as effect modifiers, potentially influencing the strength of the relationship between EBP knowledge, skills, and implementation. To quantitatively evaluate whether various professional and work environment factors modify the strength of the association between EBP knowledge, skills, and implementation.

An Osaka Metropolitan University research team conducted a cross-sectional study between June and September 2022 among 2672 nurses in Japan. EBP knowledge, skills, and implementation were measured using the Japanese version of the EBP Questionnaire. Professional factors, such as years of experience and position, and work environment factors such as organizational attitude toward EBP were measured. Multiple regression analyses evaluated whether the association between EBP knowledge, skills, and implementation varied across subgroups.

717 nurses were included in the final analysis. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, EBP knowledge and skills were positively associated with the EBP implementation. Among the seven factors tested, a statistically significant interaction effect on the relationship between EBP knowledge, skills, and implementation was observed only for organizational attitude toward EBP.

The findings suggest that the association between EBP knowledge, skills, and implementation may vary depending on the level of organizational support. It may be beneficial for nurse managers and educators to consider integrating EBP into education frameworks to enhance access to EBP learning opportunities. Promoting a workplace culture that prioritizes EBP may also help strengthen its implementation in clinical settings. 

###

About OMU 

Established in Osaka as one of the largest public universities in Japan, Osaka Metropolitan University is committed to shaping the future of society through “Convergence of Knowledge” and the promotion of world-class research. For more research news, visit https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/ and follow us on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.