Clinical Nurses' Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practice - Contemporary Nurse: Healthcare Across the Lifespan

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Clinical Nurses' Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practice: Constructing a framework to evaluate a multifaceted intervention for implementing EBP

Bernice Mott
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Joanne Nolan
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Nadia Zarb
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Vanessa Arnison
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Roxan Chan
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Tracey Codner
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Therese Casey
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Bronwyn Jenkins
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Georgiana Ulrych
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Christine Blackburn
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Linda Glanfield
Blacktown Mt Druitt Health Service, Sydney NSW

Elizabeth J Halcomb
Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing, University of Western Sydney, Sydney NSW

Patricia M Davidson
Professor of Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University of Technology, Sydney Campus, NSW

Abstract

Background: Critical reflection upon nursing practice is pivotal in achieving optimal patient outcomes. Implicit in this statement is knowledge about and an understanding of the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP).

Aim: This study sought to evaluate baseline knowledge in order to assess and inform a multifaceted intervention to promote EBP in a multi-site facility in Western Sydney, Australia.

Method: On two consecutive days in February 2003, a convenience sample of 229 nurses were surveyed using a five-item, investigator developed, written survey tool. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Although the majority of respondents (n=143: 62%) stated that they were aware of EBP, a considerable number (n=86: 38%) stated they had not previously heard of the term. Of concern, 43% (n=99) of respondents were unable to identify a source of information and resources about EBP.

Conclusions: The results of this observational, descriptive survey underscore the importance of ongoing strategic interventions to improve knowledge, access and implementation of EBP amongst clinical nurses. This study also provides baseline data upon which to evaluate local interventions to promote knowledge of EBP amongst clinicians.