Attitudes Towards and Perceptions Regarding the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice Among Omani Nurses

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the attitudes of Omani nurses towards evidence-based practice (EBP) and their perceptions of the barriers to and facilitators of EBP implementation in Oman. In addition, the attitudes and perceptions of nurse leaders and staff nurses were compared. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between August and October 2016 in three suburban governmental hospitals in Northern Oman. A demographic questionnaire and two EBP instruments were used to collect data from 282 registered Omani nurses, including the Evidence-Based Nursing Attitude Questionnaire and the Developing Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire. Results: A total of 260 Omani nurses took part in the study (response rate: 92.2%). On the whole, the nurses had positive attitudes towards EBP, with no significant difference in mean attitude scores per item between staff nurses and nurse leaders (3.98 ± 0.46 versus 4.03 ± 0.50; P = 0.431). However, in comparison to staff nurses, nurse leaders had higher scores per item for the barriers to changing practice and finding and reviewing evidence subsections, with lower scores for the facilitators to changing practice section. Conclusion: In accordance with the international literature, Omani nurses had positive attitudes towards EBP as well as similar perceptions of barriers and facilitators to EBP implementation. These findings may help to inform recommendations for the integration of EBP in educational programmes and clinical settings in Oman, as well as to facilitate necessary changes in nursing practice.