An Evidence‐Based Practice Program of Nurses’ Scientific Research Ability: An Implementation Pilot Study

Purpose A repeated‐measures study was conducted in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at a university‐affiliated hospital in Fujian, China, to evaluate the effects of a clinical nursing research ability‐building program on nurses’ innovation behavior, innovative self‐efficacy, and research ability. Methods After providing informed consent, 34 participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing nurses’ innovation behavior, innovative self‐efficacy, and research ability to collect baseline data (T0). They then participated in a 3‐month clinical nursing research program, including 2 months of theoretical instruction followed by 1 month of practical training, supplemented with monthly journal clubs, face‐to‐face seminars, and research clinics. Data were collected again post‐intervention (T1) and at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups (T2, T3). Results Scientific research ability, innovative self‐efficacy, and innovation behavior increased significantly from T0 to T1 and continued to improve at T2 and T3 (all p < 0.001). Both the quantity and time of literature reading increased immediately post‐intervention and remained higher than baseline at follow‐ups. During 12 months, two specialist nurses were added, four papers were published, and three research projects were undertaken newly. Conclusions The training was successful in enhancing nurses’ innovation behavior, innovative self‐efficacy, and research ability. To encourage the strengthening of the nursing discipline, the program ought to be incorporated into nursing education.